Whether it is the war on terror, the crisis in Burma or everything in between, it seems that Western civilization has lost its capacity to see things in terms of the “big picture.” What is the “big picture?” The exact same one it’s been since the dawn of civilization: good versus evil.

Unfortunately, recognizing the difference between good and evil has become Western culture’s greatest liability. Nowadays it has become necessary to bring the “reasoning” of moral relativity, multiculturalism, and non-judgmentalism to every equation. The result? Moral paralysis.

Virtually every American politician in both parties talked about the necessity of removing Saddam Hussein. George W. Bush did it–and has been vilified ever since. Why? Because he dared to defy the moral paralysis that deems talking about wrongness, as opposed to acting against it, is sufficient.

In Burma, we see an “outraged” world and an “indignant” United Nations highly critical of the military junta’s refusal to allow aid workers to reach the dead and dying. The cyclone hit on May 3rd. Fifteen crucial days later, everyone is still outraged and indignant–and nothing substantial is getting done.

Americans are of two minds regarding the confrontation of evil: some think the last remaining superpower should be the “world’s policeman.” Others believe whatever atrocities or calamities befall those beyond our borders should be left to someone else to alleviate, or that “throwing money at the problem” is a morally sufficient response.

The history of America is one of a nation which has vacillated between internationalism and isolationism, the desire to intervene versus the one which would allow evil to prosper everywhere but here. The bet here is that the more “flexible” our understanding of right and wrong becomes, the louder the voices urging us to let the rest of the world go to hell in a hand basket will bellow. Not just “America first,” but “America only.”

It has been said the “American empire” is in decline. Perhaps that’s true. Perhaps the Burmas, the Darfurs, and the Rwandas of the world on one hand, and the Iraqs and Afghanistans on the other are indeed too much trouble to bother with. Those who “care” about the former and “despise” the latter are apparently comfortable with their double-standard.

Are you?

atahlert@comcast.net

Have PoliticalMavens.com delivered to your inbox in a daily digest by clicking here