Freedom is a Right
"Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have." President Ronald Reagan said that two decades ago about the power of those who are free.
In the last month, we have seen that the power of those who yearn to be free can be just as powerful. Change is not something that happens often or easily in many parts of the Middle East. However, two regimes have now been toppled by popular uprisings of people who want more freedom.
In both Egypt and Tunisia, long-time rulers were disposed of by peaceful protests. Within the next year, there will be free elections to determine new governments. We do not know what either government will look like. But we do know that they will represent the will of the people.
I believe that freedom is the right of every man and woman. Across the Middle East, people are looking at their neighbors and wondering why they can't vote for their own leaders. Freedom is infectious. This is not the end of the transformation to freedom in the world, but rather the beginning.
I believe that the United States should stand with those who stand up for freedom. The world will be a better and safer place when every government recognizes the unalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Sincerely,
