Obama discusses his views on the genocide in Darfur in this video, and after viewing it (and reading this article: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/264131_olympics24.html ) it makes me question a few things. I have read a lot about the debates over whether or not the U.S. should boycott the Olympics (or the opening ceremonies) as a protest against China's policies with Darfur (among other reasons). Yet, I find it incredibly ironic that the United States is attempting to criticize another country for buying oil from a region that is participating in genocide. As it is doing so, it ALSO is buying oil from America's long-time best friend, Saudi Arabia, despite the ongoing tragic human rights issues that we hear about there, many of which specifically hurt women.
I think I spy a hypocrite! I say its time for America’s time-out. Perhaps some collective reflection on our flaws as a nation? A little therapy session for self-analysis, instead of always pointing the finger in another direction? We must break this habit of looking outside ourselves to find fault when we have so much work to accomplish internally.
1 comment:
Katrina,
You make some very interesting points ... I think many nations look to what is politically expedient (the cause du jour) rather than taking that good hard look at ourselves ... Hopefully, we'll start to recognize our nation for what it is ... both positive and negative and stop wearing our rose colored glasses.
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