June 23, 2005

McCain to graduates: 'The world is your responsibility'

Senator urges grads to help promote human rights abroad

During Northwestern’s 147th Commencement ceremony, Sen. John McCain presented to each member of the Class of 2005 a challenge to use their own freedom to help ensure the liberty of those around the world who are denied it.

Speaking June 17 to graduates and their families, as well as members of the Northwestern community, McCain used the opportunity to share his perspective on American foreign policy.

He began by saying that concern for human rights must inform our relations with all countries, and he added, “…We fail ourselves as Americans if we do not consider how our actions — or our failure to act — impact those who are as yet unblessed with our freedoms.”

Quoting from the United Nations’ Universal Declaration on Human Rights and referencing the ideas of Greek philosophers and John Locke, McCain reflected on the universal liberties of freedom and equality for all mankind.

McCain continued by offering examples of the ways in which promoting human rights can serve America’s national interests, citing South Korea in the 1970s, the Philippines under Ferdinand Marcos and the Cold War.

He pointed to present times, calling this a “unique moment in world history” when the United States stands as the only superpower on the globe.

He followed that by saying the U.S. should use its power and influence not only for its own self-interest, but to promote its ideals.

“By doing so we help create a world of recognized norms and rules, and if we are successful, we will have established a set of expectations for domestic behavior that will endure long after the unipolar moment is passed.”

McCain concluded by asserting this is where “you” — the graduates assembled before him — “come in.”

“The world is about to become your responsibility. If the defense of basic human rights abroad is a concern of the American electorate, it will remain the concern of our elected officials. And if it is a concern of our government, the world will take notice.”