Over the past weeks I, like millions of others around the world, have watched history unfold in the Middle East. Unarmed insurrections in Tunisia and Egypt are toppling decades old suppressive governments.
Yet, those responsible are not militant factions declaring themselves the savior of the people. They are citizens who represent a broad spectrum of the country's populace. They are young and old, men and women, Muslim and Christian, poor and middle class. They share a common hope and dream ... a free and democratic society.
It is as if dictators around the world have been put on notice and some are responding with positive changes and concessions in the hope such a fire will not spread to their countries.
As our world continues to shrink and the internet provides instant communication as never before in history, people around the globe can see for themselves how others live. Thanks in part to the social media like Facebook and Twitter these same people are communicating and bringing about change.
Perhaps, we here in the greatest experiment in democracy in the history of the world need to remind our own government that dual standards are not the example of freedom.
Many times I have written about learning from history. Remember the Philippines, Panama, Iran and the Shah? Just to name a few repressive governments where our nation supported and supplied security assistance. The need for massive nonviolent actions in the support of freedom and democracy to other nations of the world may be no greater than here.
Like a beacon from an airport our country shines in the darkness. But there are two types of beacons. A civilian airport's beacon is one solid beam of light while a military airport is distinguished by a beacon that is split into two beams of light. I am proud that the United States serves as a beacon for freedom to the world. But, we must shine as single beam of light not saying one thing and acting in another.
Let us as a nation truly support those who desire the freedoms we may have come to take for granted.
