“America now stands as the world's foremost power. We should be proud: Not since the age of the Romans have one people achieved such preeminence. But we are not Romans; we do not seek an empire. We are Americans, trustees of a vision and a heritage that commit us to the values of democracy and the universal cause of human rights.”
Senator John Kerry
“America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense, it is the other way around. Human rights invented America.”
Jimmy Carter
“The negative side of democracy is that the position of ideological minorities is not in power. However, the ideological minorities are often smarter than the herd.”
Ilkin Santak
“[But the United States of America invaded Iraq and removed Saddam Hussein to] bring democracy and freedom and human rights to the Iraqi people. ... When you are the good guys, you've got to act like the good guys.”
Saddam Hussein
“encouraged and pleased to see that the countries of Latin America stood up for human rights and democracy in their own region, especially with regard to Cuba.”
Richard Boucher
“Those religions that are oppressive to women are also against democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.”
Taslima Nasrin
“The struggle for democracy and human rights in Burma is a struggle for life and dignity. It is a struggle that encompasses our political, social and economic aspirations.”
Aung San Suu Kyi
