IMHO, democracy and the responsibilties that come with it, have to be from within the populace of a nation. It can not be imposed by outsiders.
A long while ago, I was taught in school that "for every right there is a corresponding duty/responsibilty". Such concepts can not be imposed, they have to be learnt, understood and accepted by the people of the land.
First, they are declared, then they are taught and understood.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
America is still trying to figure out what this sentence means.
When it comes to the constitution of Iraq, America needs to do what will work not just what they will get away with. Constitutions are about the future, any compromise based in the past will repeat that past. Constitutions require leadership and on some issues, America can provide that leadership. That does not mean being disrespectful, it means being radically respectful.
Now is not the time for America to hide it's light under a bushel. The principles of universal rights and liberty created by the founding fathers in the founding documents are the heart of America's greatness.
Paul |
