Universality and Morality

Morality has become that which justifies immorality; "we are a moral nation, thus that which we do is moral." But who governs morality? Who defines it? And who's morality are we talking about anyways? Ideally in a democracy, the people are the governors of morality. How, though, can such governance be carried out hen the government, often in collusion with the media, provides false information, forgoes crucial details, or censors? All too often critical information is uncovered long after the fact, and is considered no longer worthy of the front page (though of course it is, as knowing the past fortifies against future mistakes, or so the hope is). 

No one wishes to believe themselves or their nation monstrous. Particularly when people feel powerless to make change (or even get the actual president elect into office) they are want to ignore reality, to look the other way and manage as best they can to live their own lives. Living a single life is hard enough, but doing that successfully and making world change is, granted, a tall order. It is not surprising that we wish to give ourselves allowances not given to others. If, just because you are you, you were given immunity from getting parking tickets or moving violations, I imagine that you wouldn't, out of a sense of morality, give them to yourself. That is our nation. Due to out preponderance we can, regardless of world outcries, avoid punitive action, as we have all to often done. 

With the growth and increased power of the neo-conservative Republican party what we are made to believe is patriotism is actually nationalism. And a nationalist does not question. He cannot ever think his nation to be in the wrong, let alone make any statements along those lines. His nation need not adhere to the rules by which other nations must. He is narrow-minded and dangerous. He is an isolationist. While this modality of thought is desired by a government hungry for power (as is the present) and simple for those unwilling to look beyond their front porch, it is one of the most volatile. The nationalist's lack of empathy breeds destruction. The world is no longer vast, convenient for isolationism. whether America, or more specifically her government (for I find many Americans not so narrow minded as the leaders) wishes is or not this is a globalized world.

In one respect, the neo-conservatives are correct - what the world needs more that anything is morality, just not their "morality". We need to embrace the concept of universality, whereby rules apply equally to all. What rules we wish to set is up to us. Will it be that massive bombings and ground assaults are justified as a result of terrorism. If so, the Nicaraguans would be justified in an assault, or assaults on America as pay back for years of American terrorism carried out in that country. Not a pleasant thought. What about all of the innocent Americans that would be killed? What about all of the innocent Afghanies? The fact that this, our nation, is built on beautiful doctrines does not make us sacrosanct. If we do not uphold our doctrines, even advance them, and look on all humanity as one, as in the same shrinking boat, then that boat will sink and us along with it. I love America to much to see that happen.