In our imperfect world today, America still represents the basic ideals of democracy, human equality, freedom of expression and economic opportunity. In fact, it was this basic sense of fairness, as displayed by the American people, and their concern for the underdog that attracted me to migrate to the United States more than 20 years ago.

When I read the words in the US Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” I was quite amazed that the concept of equality did not apply just to “all White men” or to “all Christian men” who had been created equal! All the more, because in 18th century America, (1776), slavery as an operating concept, was very much alive in some American States. But, overriding that, the Declaration laid the foundation of a just and equitable society in any age. To this day, it inspires people towards the ideals of true human equality, all over the world.

In the aftermath of September 11, however, I notice that America is becoming more like a Third World country! Listen to religious leaders or talk shows on radio, TV etc. and you’ll find that people are now being assessed, even judged, by their ethnic origin, by the color of their skin and even by their religion. Personal civil liberties are now gradually headed towards outright erosion. Such erosion is exactly what you find in Third World countries. In every Third World country the mass media, i.e. newspapers, magazines, radio -- even religious leaders and politicians -- preach hatred against other communities - all others that are not their own!

Indeed, when you compare a developed country with one from the ‘Third World’, three basic differences emerge. These are:

Basic Freedoms
Freedom to practice your own religion and
Rule of law

In Third World countries, Freedom of Expression is a very rare commodity indeed. Any one who dares to speak out with views that conflict with those of the authorities is routinely arrested! Opposing opinions are just not tolerated. Newspapers and other mass media are generally owned by the State itself. In developed countries, however, “Freedom of Expression” is enshrined in the constitution. This is what makes the big difference in local ambience. People who have lived in controlled societies can appreciate civil liberties. Basic freedom unleashes the creative energies in human beings. This is the main reason for major scientific inventions and discoveries taking place in Europe and North America.

Freedom to practice one’s own religion is rare, except in a developed and civilized country. People are still persecuted around the world -- based on their religious belief, caste or creed. Third World countries have a long way to go in this area. The United States of America is perhaps the one country in the world where all people are allowed to practice their own religion. Only here can Jews and Palestinians, Indians and Pakistanis, Arabs and Iranians live peacefully together in the same community, without religious strife. This tradition of religious tolerance can be attributed to the early immigrants here. Most of them had migrated from Europe precisely because they were persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Compared to many other countries today, the USA still maintains the Rule of Law. The examples of Presidents Nixon and Clinton clearly show how equal treatment under the law applies to everyone, regardless of status.

In 1997, Leona Helmsley, the real estate tycoon, was convicted for tax evasion in New York City, although she had millions of dollars and hired the best available attorneys to plead her case. Such a thing could never happen in a Third World country where laws are only meant for the poor, downtrodden people -- while the rich can easily ‘buy’ justice. Thus, in almost every such country thousands of innocent people continue to languish in jail without trial.

In my opinion, these are the primary reasons for lack of development in many countries today. No country can progress when the personal freedoms of fellow human beings are denied.

America is great because here people are allowed to think freely about the unthinkable -- such as going to the moon and traveling to other galaxies. It is only in the United States that Bill Gates and Stephen Jobs can create large successful companies, even though they started at ground level. Only in this country can people like Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton rise from modest beginnings to become Presidents of their country.

America is at the crossroads today. As the world’s sole super power, the USA has the enviable opportunity to choose a path that could change the course of history. It can either use force to dictate its will anywhere in the world or it can use the force of ideas to show the way towards peace and prosperity.

It has the chance to propagate the immortal ideas of democracy, free enterprise and human rights. This can be a lasting legacy that could effectively overcome any past unsavory activities that may have led to loss of human life and liberty.
This vision of peace and prosperity around the world can be the vision of America in the 21st century. This vision can bring hope to the world’s teeming masses -- showing them that their Tomorrow will be better than their Today. I hope America continues to follow the basic principles of liberty, human rights and democracy. This is a matter of active concern not only for Americans but also for the entire human race.