Freedom & America's Decline

A recent editorial in the Wall Street Journal voices the opinion that - notwithstanding the speech in Cairo where Obama pledged his commitment to governments that reflect the will of the people - the Obama administration had chosen to look the other way, and even APPEASE governments that have clamped down on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. Countries like Russia, Egypt, China, Venezuela, and many more.

The Journal editorial is critical of the administration because, quote, 'Mr. Obama has tipped the scales of US policy toward engagement with men who tighten control over their population while keeping the President waiting for the upside.' End quote. That may be true.

But there is another possible view. It may be that the administration has decided that the US has enough enemies already, without pushing more governments into that camp and isolating the US even further. It may be that the Obama administration thinks that years of war and financial crisis have weakened the resolve of the American people to police the world. Maybe they feel they have enough problems of their own right now, and they don’t need or want the additional burden of aiding… or assuming the burden of others.

That said, whether you agree with the Wall Street Journal, and believe that the administration is taking a weak-kneed approach to human rights and civil liberties around the world, or whether you contend that he is just being practical in his approach to international relationships, the end result is the same: America’s position as the world’s principal superpower has declined dramatically. And given the other powers out there, that ISN’T a good thing for America OR for the rest of the world.