Political Quotes

“we are witnessing a historic realignment between nations and peoples. Old empires are withering away, and new centers of prosperity are emerging. These extraordinary changes will not, however, result in a future of increased freedom for everyone. Burma is one of the places left behind as the world moves toward new potential for freedom and democracy. While prosperous cities like Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Taipei, and so many others in Asia distinguish themselves as thriving market and cultural centers, Rangoon lingers in stagnation and oppression. Burma is a police state, a place where everyone's life is controlled by a heavy-handed clique of military officers and unelected officials. The gap, between Burma and its ASEAN neighbors is being widened by rapid advances in technology and the emergence of a global market. Each year free societies take steps toward solving problems like pollution, disease, and hunger, while unfree societies like Burma slide backwards. We can see this same gap in Vietnam, Cuba, North Korea, and other corrupt dictatorships. While it is not incumbent on us to spill American blood or expend our resources to combat every tyrant, for there will always be another tyrant, it is incumbent on us to support those who are fighting for democracy, human rights, rule of law, and, in short, the values and ideas at the heart of the American experience.”