1:55
Interview Transcript
Arlen Specter: I would say that the values that we articulate of freedom, opportunity, equality, justice, that there is a gap between what we say and even how we regard our actions in the United States with so many problems. Certainly there is an enormous gap with the way other nations view the United States as to what we stand for. I come down to the structure of our government, separation of powers and checks and balances. We eventually get it right because Americans are decent people, and we really do prize the concept of liberty, and equality, and opportunity, and justice. When the country was founded we had slavery. We certainly didn’t include or comprehend Thomas Jefferson’s statement in the Declaration of Independence of liberty. It took us more than a century to have votes for the women. So we didn’t have really an extensive democracy. We have problems today at Guantanamo. The constitutional right of habeas corpus. We have problems with immigration, but we are working with them. And ultimately I think we will get it right. And our structure of government with separation of powers and checks and balances is really, in a large sense, the greater symbol of what America stands for.
Recorded on: 7/4/07
Arlen Specter on the Meaning of America
Senator (R-Pennsylvania)
Does this man sound like a liberal?
November 7, 2007 | In Politics & Policy
Discuss
Jeffrey Clapp on November 14, 2007, 5:57 PM
“American” should apply to all of North America. Why do just people from the United States get to call themselves American?
Arin Boettcher on January 16, 2008, 5:16 PM
Not a thing, imho.
I think as a species, we need to get over nationalism, and the reactionary types who try to breed this kind of sentiment, Senator Specter being a fine example of this.
Chris Anderson on January 16, 2008, 7:32 PM
I Think The term “american” that you are referring to, the meaning of it was meant to talk about the people who left their old lands to find a new, better and prosperous life in the United States.(not taking the real reason they left their native lands,not knowing many were actually kicked out) but has taken a different meaning once many generations have populated the land with no want to help anyone but themselves and live their life, has turned to a negative to everyone around the rest of the world. Sad But True .. until the REAL people Of USA who want to change this world for the better are heard it will stay like that (i’ve talked to many around the world and this is what i get out of it)
Derek Pritchard on January 16, 2008, 7:38 PM
For one to ask what does it mean to be american. I’d personally think back to the day America was united and brought together. Formed by diversity, equality and freedom and all that freedom generalizes. That.. is what I think to be an american would be.
Patience Give it to me on January 16, 2008, 9:26 PM
I love my country, I just wish the goverment would not make it so hard for us to love our country. I don’t think the rest of the world will ever understand the frustration the common American has for our official leaders ::cough::commanderincheif::cough::. I guess thats why it seems most of the world has a natural distaste for Americans, because of our sad excuse for leaders. For the most part we are all good people though, we just need to take our country back and bring our constitution back. Things such as the Patriot Act are just the beginning. Is this the road we really want to take people?
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