Democracy requires an informed citizenry able to question its government.
Richard N. HaassRead
What countries must do to join the World Trade Organization is precisely what they must do to become productive and democratic: accept the rule of law, reduce corruption, and become open, accountable, and transparent.
Interpretation
To be productive and democratic, countries must embrace principles such as the rule of law and transparency.
Richard N. Haass emphasizes that the requirements for joining the World Trade Organization are intrinsically linked to the foundational elements of a successful society, such as the enforcement of laws, the reduction of corruption, and a commitment to transparency. This quote highlights the importance of governance and ethical practices as prerequisites for economic and democratic advancement.
In practice
During a speech on governance, this quote could underscore the necessity of legal frameworks.
Democracy requires an informed citizenry able to question its government.
American influence in the world depends on the ability to act with real capacity and set an example that others will want to follow. This all takes resources.
There is no getting around the reality that the second Iraq war was a war of choice; had it been carried out differently, it still would have been an expensive choice and almost certainly a bad one.
Nationalism is a tool increasingly used by leaders to bolster their authority, especially amid difficult economic and political conditions.
Terrorism needs to be de-legitimized in the way that slavery has been. Doing so will make governments and individuals think twice before becoming a party to terrorism; it should also make it less difficult to garner support for international action against those who nevertheless carry it out.
The political world is defined by relationships rather than transactions, and by numerous actors at home and abroad with independent power. Navigating such a world is difficult and precarious.
Christianity is not about the divine becoming human so much as it is about the human becoming divine. That is a paradigm shift of the first order.
Sometimes one feels that it would be merciful to tear down these houses, for they must often dream.
Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.
Also, when you escape a Communist regime, you treasure liberty and you understand that as government and state expand, liberty must contract.
The soul yearns to fly home on the wings of love to the world of ideas. It longs to be freed from the chains of the body.
For too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life.” Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into his life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless or static. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.