Inalienable Rights My Eye
When people wish to assert that a certain position is so basic that it can’t be denied, they classify the principle as an “inalienable right.” Courtesy of Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, it is something that is “incapable of being alienated, surrendered or transferred.” Man, of course, is capable of alienating, surrendering or transferring anything. Therefore, inalienable rights must be bequeathed by a power greater than man. The problem comes when my inalienable rights conflict with your inalienable rights. That means that we must each have a separate source of bequeathing.
Needless to say, there is currently a high level of concern among some nations over Iran’s insistence on developing a nuclear capability. That concern is well founded considering that Iran’s ruling theocracy is a mortal enemy to anyone non-Muslim. Nevertheless, a certain number of non-aligned nations support Iran, and they have invoked their “inalienable rights” to nuclear development.
The problem with this statement is the plain fact that nuclear development for “peaceful purposes” can be converted to nuclear weapon development. Hence as a practical matter, these 16 countries are stating that they have the right to develop nuclear weapons.
Whether or not “inalienable rights” are the wishes of a deity is immaterial. The truth of the matter is that “inalienable rights” are enforced at the end of a gun barrel, just like everything else. Those with the power make the rules. And, if you have the power and don’t use it, you have no one to blame but yourself when some upstart country rubs their “inalienable rights” in your face. In short, I don’t give a hoot about your “inalienable rights,” unless they are in agreement with mine. Lock and load!
Needless to say, there is currently a high level of concern among some nations over Iran’s insistence on developing a nuclear capability. That concern is well founded considering that Iran’s ruling theocracy is a mortal enemy to anyone non-Muslim. Nevertheless, a certain number of non-aligned nations support Iran, and they have invoked their “inalienable rights” to nuclear development.
A statement drawn up by the 16-country nonaligned bloc at the board meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency "reaffirmed the basic and inalienable right" of all countries to develop, produce and use atomic energy "for peaceful purposes, without any discrimination and in conformity with their respective legal bligations."
The problem with this statement is the plain fact that nuclear development for “peaceful purposes” can be converted to nuclear weapon development. Hence as a practical matter, these 16 countries are stating that they have the right to develop nuclear weapons.
Whether or not “inalienable rights” are the wishes of a deity is immaterial. The truth of the matter is that “inalienable rights” are enforced at the end of a gun barrel, just like everything else. Those with the power make the rules. And, if you have the power and don’t use it, you have no one to blame but yourself when some upstart country rubs their “inalienable rights” in your face. In short, I don’t give a hoot about your “inalienable rights,” unless they are in agreement with mine. Lock and load!
posted by Paul Coambs | 5:45 AM
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