"Stub Hill" by Dr. Pangloss
Basic human rights should apply to all human beings
John Henley
Issue date: 3/5/04 Section: Lifestyles
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I realize that many Americans do not believe homosexuality is right, but these people also must understand that others do not necessarily approve of what they do. Separation of church and state is a beautiful thing, even if it isn't in the Constitution and is only hinted at in the First Amendment. For those who think religion has a place in government and should directly influence the laws under which we live, I suggest they move to a country that lives under theocratic rule - Iran, for instance.
Now, all that being said, let's consider again why people in America like people of different races, ethnicities and religions. To embrace diversity is to embrace all that is different, even homosexuals.
But that is not our government's agenda. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush was able to unleash his xenophobic policies without fear of reprisals from the American populace.
Foreigners are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the United States without being subjected to extenuating violations of basic human rights at our borders. In fact, Brazil recently began doing similar things to Americans traveling in their country.
Of course, the U.S. State Department was less than thrilled by this. But the "double standard" is the primary tenet of American foreign and domestic policy, and it will continue to be as long as we allow it to be.
The next time you think about imposing your beliefs on someone else's rights, imagine how you would feel if someone took away one of your most treasured rights. Better yet, do one of those self-examination things. Imagine that you live in a world where you're completely free to feel any way you want about anyone.
That is, you can love and hate whomever you choose with no repercussions. Now, do you really like black people, Muslims, Chinese people and anyone else that might be different than you? Be honest. Remember, you aren't obligated to like anyone. Shame on you!
John Henley is a staff writer whose column appears on Fridays.
Now, all that being said, let's consider again why people in America like people of different races, ethnicities and religions. To embrace diversity is to embrace all that is different, even homosexuals.
But that is not our government's agenda. After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush was able to unleash his xenophobic policies without fear of reprisals from the American populace.
Foreigners are finding it increasingly difficult to enter the United States without being subjected to extenuating violations of basic human rights at our borders. In fact, Brazil recently began doing similar things to Americans traveling in their country.
Of course, the U.S. State Department was less than thrilled by this. But the "double standard" is the primary tenet of American foreign and domestic policy, and it will continue to be as long as we allow it to be.
The next time you think about imposing your beliefs on someone else's rights, imagine how you would feel if someone took away one of your most treasured rights. Better yet, do one of those self-examination things. Imagine that you live in a world where you're completely free to feel any way you want about anyone.
That is, you can love and hate whomever you choose with no repercussions. Now, do you really like black people, Muslims, Chinese people and anyone else that might be different than you? Be honest. Remember, you aren't obligated to like anyone. Shame on you!
John Henley is a staff writer whose column appears on Fridays.
