(CCL sarae)
State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said last Thursday that the U.S. has “made inquiries” regarding what she called “concerning reports” about Chinese human rights activist Chen Guangcheng and his family:
We’ve expressed our concern should there be any sense of reprisal, et cetera, but we are awaiting further information.
(Photo credit: U.S. State Dept.)
“Give me a place to stand,” said Archimedes, “and with a lever I will move the world.”
Barack Obama has said some very fine-sounding things about human rights through the years. But when push has come to shove this past week, his Administration has not been able to find that all-important place to stand.
(Image: He Peirong)
On Human Rights Day, 2008, then President-elect Barack Obama penned these words:
When the United States stands up for human rights . . . we align ourselves with men and women around the world who struggle for the right to speak their minds, to choose their leaders, and to be treated with dignity and respect.
On Inauguration Day, 2009, he said:
To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.
Fine words, all of them.