Both Chris in Paris and I wrote recent posts celebrating this year's Bastille Day. Recall that Bastille Day commemorates the fall of the Bastille, pre-revolutionary France's most notorious prison, on July 14, 1789.
Despite its excesses, the French Revolution almost single-handedly created the concept of "les Droits de l'Homme" — the Rights of Man, or "human rights" as we now know them. The Declaration of the Rights of Man of 1789 is a stunning document, a huge advance in the war against man as predator of man.
Sadly, France has America's problem — very high, publicly declared ideals, and a history of failing to meet them. For us, Vietnam; for France, Algeria. For us, the Philippines; for France, Haiti. And in our corporate dealings, we have both corrupted Africa for our benefits.
We all fail; it's how we meet our failure that measures us. From the BBC (my emphasis):
France has staged its annual Bastille Day parade, amid criticism at the presence of some African leaders.Said the French Defence Minister in response:
Armies from former colonies celebrating 50 years of independence were invited to join the military parade.
A human rights group has said that some of the troops and leaders should instead be facing trial for war crimes.
Critics also said the move gave the false impression that France granted them independence, when many fought against French rule. . . .
The letter added: "It would be no small paradox that during a celebration of the values of the Republic, these values should be flouted by the presence of torturers, dictators and other predators of human rights, and that instead of pursuing them, France honours them."
I don't see the sense in putting ourselves on trial over these questions.Sound familiar? Africa haunts us all, doesn't it.
Gaius
