This article, which calls for a more practical US policy with respect to the Roma in Europe, is reproduced with the kind permission of American Futures, a policy review medium based in Washington. Consistency in upholding values and standards, in the fair treatment of people, be they American citizens or citizens of other countries, is a foundation for good national and foreign policy. Consistency helps gain recognition for the basic principles of a country. Where a country declares minimum standards for human rights for its own citizens, but remains selective as to where it highlights, in the public arena, the failings of other countries in satisfying such minimum conditions, then this is inconsistent.
Inconsistency erodes the foundation of good faith, substituting principles by cynicism.
One might question the right of the USA to question the behavior of other countries in the field of human rights. The USA, throughout its history has remained the consistent champion of the unfortunate, those fleeing persecution. The Statue of Liberty is seen by many as the beacon for those seeking a better life subject to less persecution. Although, in practice, a rough and ready process, the USA did indeed help millions of unfortunate people forge a new life, see new horizons and become Americans. The fact that the United States systematized this process openly questioned the conditions in other countries.