[Winona Online Democracy]
Hello, after reading the story on rural soldiers vs suburban/city soldiers in
the WDN yesterday( that's some editorial board they have there) and the getting
the article on "200 Years of Liberal Achievements last week" ( or however it
read) forwarded to me last week I felt compelled to add a missive to the Winona
stew from someone who shares my views on spreading freedom.
V. Gallo
February 19, 2007
BY RICHARD S. WILLIAMSON
Democracy is a cathedral in which freedom, opportunity and hope flourish. But
by many measures democracy is in retreat around the world.
The last dictator in Europe, Alexander Lukashenko, has held onto power in
Belarus. Vladimir Putin continues Russia's authoritarian drift. Iranians
elected Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who denies Israelis' right to exist and pursues a
nuclear program. Hamas prevailed in Palestinian elections. Lebanon's fragile
democratic government is threatened by Hezbollah. And the difficulties in
Iraq have created deep divisions in America and doubts about a "freedom
agenda." Why has this happened and what does it mean for America going
forward? In part the current doubts about freedom's march are the result of
unrealistic expectations fed by the quick collapse of the Taliban and Saddam
Hussein and the exhilaration from the Rose, Orange, Velvet and Cedar
revolutions. For a moment, freedom seemed easy and inevitable. But it is not.
Democracy is hard and its progress uneven. The transition from tyranny to
liberty is treacherous. Traumas linger and often turmoil reigns. There is
fragile
confidence that reciprocity, respect and restraint will emerge. The means of
compromise, conciliation and cooperation are unfamiliar. Establishing the rule
of law, protection of minority rights, and the habits of harmony are difficult.
And there are no final victories. Democracy is a process, not an end point.
It is a process to empower people, protect an open society and provide peaceful
mechanisms to deal with divisions. Events remind us that even while holding
deep beliefs about the universal right to freedom and convictions about the
virtues of democracy, it is best to project our freedom agenda with humility.
Sustainable democracies do not emerge inevitably from the cauldron of conflict.
History, heritage and habits matter. It is important to be mindful that
spreading and strengthening democracy is a long-term mission, not a quick fix.
Preferred candidates will not always win. But inevitably democracies empower
people and protect freedom. The burdens of
dictatorship and the benefits of democracy are profound, as Mark Palmer,
former U.S. ambassador to Hungary and co-founder of the National Endowment for
Democracy, chronicles in his book, Breaking the Real Axis of Evil. Almost all
refugees come from undemocratic countries. There is a link between reduced
economic freedom and increased corruption. Democratically free states produce
more than two-thirds of global economic output. Dictators deny human rights.
Dictatorships lead to increased warfare. And almost all state sponsors of
terror are undemocratic countries. Promoting democracy is in our interest. A
freer, more democratic world is a safer, more secure world. Furthermore,
spreading freedom is America's opportunity and responsibility. Blessed with
freedom, Americans ought to give voice to the voiceless, stand in solidarity
with freedom fighters everywhere, and help provide the tools for others to
build open societies with accountable governments. As Ronald Reagan
said, "Freedom is not just for the lucky few, but the right of all mankind."
We are defined by our values. And our own fidelity to those values and our
willingness to let those values animate our foreign policy not only exhibit our
better selves, but provides hope for those denied freedom in the world. The
march of freedom has suffered setbacks. Doubts have emerged. Especially at this
time of deep divisions, Americans must remain united in faith in our values and
confidence in our future. As former Secretary of State George Shultz has said,
"Cathedrals are not built by cynics." Richard S. Williamson, a Chicago
lawyer, is a former U.S. ambassador at the United Nations.
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