I finally got around to reading Putin’s message to the American people published in the New York Times. He gave a history of the relations between the United States and Russia, and of the United Nations as well as his assessment of Syria and the Middle East situation. I was very impressed. I want to share his last paragraph here:
“My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust. I appreciate this. I carefully studied his address to the nation on Tuesday. And I would rather disagree with a case he made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is “what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.” It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal.”
Some may feel a loss, even fear, that America may be losing our exceptionialism and leadership in the world. As for me, the more equality between nations, the better. It is Quakerism trickling up into the highest level. I support Putin’s sentiments. To those who feel we as a nation always have to be right, always have the highest moral purpose, get humble.
Well said, Judy.