The Norwegian Humanist Association has taken the lead in protesting the rapid fall of the United States of America from a defender of Human liberties to one that is threatening them. The following powerful statement issued by the current and all the former Secretary Generals of the Norwegian Humanist Association has been printed in the Aftenposten in Norwegian.

Link: USA – A Civilisation in Decline | International Humanist and Ethical Union

The Norwegians refer to the Guantanamo base on Cuba, the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, and the Baghram-base in Afghanistan. Most right-thinking people would say that the American Government led by George W Bush has absolutely no moral authority. In the current Middle East crisis, the Americans could have used their considerable influence to persuade Israel that its military response to provocation by Hezbollah is disproportionate, and is having the greatest effect on Lebanese civilians. And what is George Bush’s opinion? Not realising his microphone was on, he was overheard telling Tony Blair (at the G8 summit), “What they need to do is get Syria to get Hezbollah to stop doing this s**t.”

Before anyone accuses me of being “anti-American”, would like to point out that many Americans are deeply critical of George Bush’s agenda, and the damage he is doing to the US’s international reputation.