Presented at the University of Delaware, September 19, 2001
Good afternoon. On this occasion, I would like to talk about the complex relationship of America and the global community.
Since the end of World War II, the United States has perceived itself as a benevolent world leader, upholding the values of freedom, democracy, and justice in this country, and promoting these values in the rest of the world.
If America is indeed benevolent, the question in the back of everyone’s mind in the wake of the events on September 11 is “ Why would any individual, group, or state harbor such hatred that they would launch such a vicious attack on American citizens without provocation?
There is no simple answer to the question and whatever reasons may be given; it does not justify the heinous attack on the United States.
It behooves us, however, to understand how other countries view the United States because the reality is that not everyone perceives our country the way we do.
One criticism of the United States is that we are prejudicial in choosing which friends to help. For example, we immediately came to the aid of Kuwait but did not readily help Kosovo.
We decry human rights abuses and repressive regimes in some countries but not in others, especially those nations that are friendly to us.
Our wealth, power and influence have made us arrogant in the eyes of the world because we seem not to listen to world opinion. For instance, the United States is perceived to have reneged on its commitment to reduce global warming. It has also opposed the ban on land mines.
We use up a disproportionate amount of the world's natural resources and give back little in return.
The list of criticisms can go on and on, but how does it explain the fact that many people from all over the world, even from countries that strongly oppose the United States, risk their lives to come to this country?
I think I can explain this duality that John Burns aptly described in the New York Times last Sunday.
He cites the paradox of people enduring long lines in U.S. embassies particularly in poor countries in order to get a visa to come to the United States; yet, these same people would demonstrate against U.S. foreign policy as it affects their country.
I am an embodiment of that duality. I was one of the millions of people who endured long lines to get a U.S. visa.
I was also one of the many who demonstrated against U.S. support of the Marcos dictatorship.
People from other countries see the United States as the defender of freedom, justice and democracy. However, in many instances, U.S. foreign policies support repressive governments that violate the very same values that this country upholds.
Some of the reasons why the United States would support a repressive government could be to stem the rise of communism, or to protect a valuable natural resource like oil, or to fight the drug war.
Last year, I visited Croatia and spent some time with Serb farmers near the Serbian border. A common sentiment expressed by them is that the problem is not with the American people but with the policies of the American government. They do not understand why we had to bomb their cities and then send economic aid after the conflict.
This is another example of that duality - why America can be liked and disliked at the same time. The issues behind this predicament are far more complex than I can explain this afternoon.
However, whatever flaws we have in our foreign policies, whatever disagreements we may have with other nations, and whatever shortcomings we have in the global community, these do not justify the attack on this nation on September 11.
Despite all the shortcomings of America, we are still the beacon of hope and freedom, inspiring many to risk their lives to come to our shores and others to risk their lives to promote democracy within their own countries.
We are a generous country, giving far more aid to other countries than most nations. We are a compassionate country, dispensing assistance the moment a disaster strikes friend and foe alike.
We are a forgiving country, helping our former enemies such as Germany, Japan, and now Russia and Vietnam, out of the ruins of war and political meltdown.
We open our doors to the world, recognizing that our success is rooted in our diversity. Because of this openness, we are vulnerable, willing to risk harm than risk freedom.
Indeed, these are very difficult times.
We are mourning the loss of life; we are concerned about the future of this country and the world.
The nation is crying out for justice. However, we must be sensitive to the predicament of immigrants and other foreigners who now find themselves the target of anger and frustration.
In reality, many of the victims of this horrendous tragedy were immigrants from as many as sixty-two countries. We must not generalize the crimes of the few to the rest who are innocent.
It is not one race or religion that we should condemn. Rather, it is the act of inhumanity that we should condemn and rally against.
Finally, the challenge for the United States of America as a leader in the global community is how to defend and uphold its values without violating them in the process.
God bless America. Thank you.