My Friend Caz on Nelson Mandela’s Criticism of the U.S. (link is to Reuters story):
Former South African President Nelson Mandela criticized the United States
Tuesday for disregarding the international community as it prepares to wage war
against Iraq. He demanded respect for the authority of the U.N., urged the U.S.
to respect those democratic principles it holds dear in its domestic affairs,
stated that the long-term peace and security of our world depend upon scrupulous
adherence to the founding principles of the United Nations, and blah blah
friggin’ blah.
I’ll dignify Mr. Irrelevant’s banter with a response, although it’s against my
better judgement.
First of all, it is important that we Americans don’t lose sight of our purpose:
to ensure the security of OUR nation. While it is a noble goal to work towards
world peace, our nation’s safety must remain the paramount goal of our foreign
policy. When the Useless Nations’ policies are contrary to our national
security, we must disregard them.
Second, there has been nothing unilateral about the Iraq situation at all! We
have continued to work with the UN, and have allowed them another (yawn) chance
to show that they are more than a bunch of talking socialist heads. The weapons
inspectors in Iraq are UN inspectors, following UN resolutions. All we have
done so far is kick the UN in the ass to get to them to do SOMETHING. Besides,
we have plenty of international support for any action we may “unilaterally”
take in Iraq.
Finally, that the long-term peace and security of our world depends on deference
to UN principles scares the hell out of me. Instead of protecting civil rights
and ensuring world safety, the Useless Nations would rather pacify dictators
and mass murderers to avoid any unpleasant situations. I think Kofi Annan would
cry if Saddam scolded the UN for their worthless resolutions.
It’s easy to dole out socialism and anti-American sentiment from their NYC
highrise, choosing alliance with terrorists, ruthless dictators, and murderers
rather than the evil United States. Perhaps the UN will be the next terrorist
target, then they can pass another “tough” resolution and feel important. But I
doubt the terrorists would bite the hand that feeds them.
Well said, Caz.