Hypocrisy

US foreign policy and hypocrisy seem to go hand in hand. The latest example deals with its <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050209/WORLD09-3/TPBusiness/International" target="_new">objection over members</a> of a UN rights panel <br />n<br />n<blockquote>The U.S. State Department denounced yesterday the selection of Cuba and Zimbabwe for a panel that will set the agenda for a meeting of the UN Human Rights Commission next month.<br />n<br />nBesides Cuba and Zimbabwe, the other members of the working group are Hungary, the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia.<br />n<br />nThe State Department offered no criticism of the selection of Saudi Arabia, an authoritarian monarchy. Officials note, however, that a reform movement is under way in the country, highlighted by a municipal election set for this week, although women cannot stand for office or vote.</blockquote><br />n<br />nNo criticism of Saudi Arabia, one of the most repressive regimes around. I know the reason there was no criticism though. You don't want to bite the hand that feeds you. It's still hypocrisy though and wrong. <br />n<br />n<b>Hypocrisy is the most difficult and nerve-racking vice that any man can pursue; it needs an unceasing vigilance and a rare detachment of spirit. It cannot, like adultery or gluttony, be practised at spare moments; it is a whole-time job. W. Somerset Maugham</b>