There were some nice words from President Obama today. Yet, his appointments and cabinet members do little to give me hope. I would jump on board the hope wagon if Obama did a few things which demonstrated the beginnings of a return to decency for the US. Without these bare minimum of basic human principles his words will remain empty.
1) Stop using the war on terror as a pretext to take away our citizens basic human rights. Return our rights to us quickly and earnestly.
2) Stop demonizing nations who have ideological differences from us.
3) Stop punishing innocent people for living in countries whose leaders we do not like.
4) Stop our military, government and police from using any form of torture.
5) Stop undermining international law and the UN.
6) Stop supporting nations which indulge in ethnic cleansing and mass murder.
7) Stop talking like our nation is morally and ethically superior to all other nations.
Live up to being a citizen of the land of freedom, and have the US stop leading the world in % of the populace imprisoned.
Millions have died and suffered due to our sanctions and embargoes against nations. Iraq and Cuba are just two examples of how we punish civilians for their leaders.
The same type of prejudice which the blacks have endured in this country has now spread to other groups such as the Muslims and Arabs.
Patriotism and its us and them values accomplishes unity in much the same manner as the KKK.
When it comes to how we view and treat much of our fellow men I am often embarrassed to be an American. I would love to be proud of our country and the role it could play in helping us create a global community where everyone’s basic needs are provided for. The only way to reduce war and terror is to improve the lot of people’s lives and to cultivate and share the bounty of the planet.
Yet, if these eight issues are not addressed at the beginning of Obama’s administration, then it will be conclusive evidence that true change is not Obama’s agenda.
When it comes to basic human kindness there should be no waiting time. Each moment we wait brings more unnecessary suffering and hatred.
Each day many people are being killed and starved, and a few simple changes of policy could put an end to much of this. We’ve had too many leaders in the last century who have talked of human compassion while tolerating and executing policies which are callous and inhumane.
Just remember Mr. President, the whole world is watching.
You might be able to get by with articulate good words and token actions of humanity. But I truly hope you and the rest of us are better than that.
Jim Guido