September 11 Digital Archive

tp41.xml

Title

tp41.xml

Source

born-digital

Media Type

story

Created by Author

yes

Described by Author

no

Date Entered

2003-02-24

TomPaine Story: Story

"Toward A More Perfect Union",


"In the wake of 9/11, many commentators spoke of a revival of patriotism. This certainly did happen, but patriotism is a dangerous virtue that must be constantly diagnosed for the rot of arrogant nationalism. To have substantial ethical value, patriotism should be a desire to create something in a polity that is fine and exportable, rather than simply a blind allegiance to a flag and to narrow self-interest. Since 9/11, those who have directed the development of American foreign policy have patriotically exported violence, simplistic rhetoric, and hypocritical support for principles and regimes that are decidedly un-American. The United States has become an eagle of talons without the eagles vaunted sight. We lash out at supposed enemies without looking at consequences; we use our strength not to elevate, but to tear apart. Any dissenters who question this policy are labeled cowards or traitors.

While the current American administrations scorn for peace and democratic ideals is not surprising, it is interesting how little neo-conservative hawks understand enlightened self-interest. Even Machiavelli knew that for the powerful to thrive, they must take care not to be hated by the weak. We have a foreign policy whose morality is so bound up with the punishment of perceived evil that it ignores the fragile centers of nobility and courage in the world. Arab democracy advocates, Latin Americans who believe in justice for the poor, and even Americans who try to force the United States to hold to its ideals have few friends in American public life. When our rhetoric of freedom collides with our cynical policies, friends and enemies alike take note. Wise pragmatists should fear the hatred such hypocrisy engenders. On the other hand, American idealists should regret that the United States is withering as a symbol of hope, justice, and democracy.

Citation

“tp41.xml,” September 11 Digital Archive, accessed November 4, 2024, https://911digitalarchive.org/items/show/741.