Spreading Freedom

The central theme of President Bush's Inaugural Address was that we should spread freedom around the world to as many countries who want it. Why? Largely because our liberty is jeopardized by international tyrannies:

We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.

America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave. Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time.

So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.

This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own. America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way.

The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause.

Makes perfect sense to me. It may not be attainable in this present world, but that doesn't mean it's not a worthy goal.

One would think that this would be the aspiration of the UN, but I'm guessing they will be silent on this message at best and critical at worst. How can anyone be critical of "liberty for all"? But many will be. Many will say this is more American Imperialism, but who are we trying to overtake and dominate? In all of the liberating wars we have been involved in overseas, as Colin Powell told the UN, all we've ever asked for is enough land to bury our dead.

It will be interesting to see the reactions to the President's address.

Here's BBC's take on the inauguration.