Well said, Shadi. While I think it would be good for American leaders to avoid boasting about their belief in democracy (thus hopefully reducing the world's cynicism about American intentions), I would not want my country to give up on democracy promotion as a goal.
You make a very interesting argument for hypocrisy. I guess one would need some level of it in order to survive as a politician, especially for us normal human beings living today. I'm not sure if being too good inevitably leads to inflexibility and inaction. As a Muslim, I believe Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an exemplar of a completely ethical political leader. And while us non-Prophets can never attain that level of human excellence, Muslims are encouraged to learn from his example. I wonder how you might respond to that, as a Muslim yourself. But I know I'm being overly idealistic now. That's not the world we live in.
When it comes to foreign policy (I'm thinking specifically about Iraq, but it applies to Vietnam, Latin and South America, etc.), is it really hypocrisy or flat-out lying to the American people? I don't agree that "for a self-interested politician, the only citizens that matter are the ones in your own country." I would say that our historical record speaks to the contrary. Economic interests tend to be the primary concerns.
It’s scary to hear you say “ if Trump wins”
Well said, Shadi. While I think it would be good for American leaders to avoid boasting about their belief in democracy (thus hopefully reducing the world's cynicism about American intentions), I would not want my country to give up on democracy promotion as a goal.
You make a very interesting argument for hypocrisy. I guess one would need some level of it in order to survive as a politician, especially for us normal human beings living today. I'm not sure if being too good inevitably leads to inflexibility and inaction. As a Muslim, I believe Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is an exemplar of a completely ethical political leader. And while us non-Prophets can never attain that level of human excellence, Muslims are encouraged to learn from his example. I wonder how you might respond to that, as a Muslim yourself. But I know I'm being overly idealistic now. That's not the world we live in.
When it comes to foreign policy (I'm thinking specifically about Iraq, but it applies to Vietnam, Latin and South America, etc.), is it really hypocrisy or flat-out lying to the American people? I don't agree that "for a self-interested politician, the only citizens that matter are the ones in your own country." I would say that our historical record speaks to the contrary. Economic interests tend to be the primary concerns.