I don't have to watch Rush or get Newt's Tweets to know that's the meme launched by the wingnuts over Obama's speech in Egypt and his comment that after 9/11 America lost sight of its values.
Truth is, we did. George Bush & Company (and this includes Congress) put "safety" as the sole touchstone to justify their actions. And when your only value is "safety" and you give in to your fear you can justify any action, no matter how draconian. As I've written about before, I believe we must pursue life (i.e., "safety") and liberty, a Jeffersonian construct.
Obama's saying it didn't reveal a secret shame. The whole world has seen the Abu Grahib photos and Gitmo is no state secret.
And to those who say it's a weakness to admit we were wrong I ask, is that what you teach your children? To pretend you're right, refusing to admit error while everyone you know is aware of your mistake?
We know what that looks like. We just had eight years of it.
This is, indeed, change.
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