So fucking tired

[nancylebov]

NPR is interviewing an anti-torture guy from the ACLU, which is fine. Someone calls in to say that terrorists treat people really badly, so why should we do anything differently? The anti-torture guy says, "Because we're Americans."

I have this werid belief in universal values. I would like Americans to not torture because they have some respect for people and for truth and for the long run. I want Americans to behave decently because it's worth doing, not because it's a special American thing.

Comments

[redaxe.livejournal.com]

You're special because you were ahead of the field on granting rights two hundred odd years ago?

No, I phrased what I said poorly.

What I meant was, having established the granting of rights across classes, and carried it on in several correct (if too long delayed) steps later, we ought to continue to bear ourselves according to those principles, and to extend them.

I'd like to think I work towards that comportment on a personal level, and wish we could, as a nation, establish that among our fundamental values.

Hope this is clearer.