Engagement vs. Indignation

"Let me also say this: The promotion of human rights cannot be about exhortation alone. At times, it must be coupled with painstaking diplomacy. I know that engagement with repressive regimes lacks the satisfying purity of indignation. But I also know that sanctions without outreach — and condemnation without discussion — can carry forward a crippling status quo. No repressive regime can move down a new path unless it has the choice of an open door." Barack Obama, President, in his Nobel award speech of 12/10/09. Read full text here.

This is the moderate path between idealism and pragmatism. Yes, it is right to stand firmly against the violation of human rights, dignity, and hope. But we must always give the violators the choice of a better way. As our president notes, indignation is deeply satisfying, but it does not extend grace to our friends nor to our enemies. It does not change behavior. It does not change the world. Let us always seek to be world changers.