Philosophy Now Forum

John Bercow and Ethical Consistency
There is such a thing as ethical consistency [albeit most people are less than consistent].
If John Bercow can rebuke President Trump for his views on 'rights' as the leader of a country with some pretentions to democracy. He might also rebuke China and other countries for their outright abuse of rights. But then if all the sub-tyrannies in the world were criticized and their leaders refused entry to Britain the Queen would be relieved of much partying. We might better use diplomacy towards the one great power that can protect any kind of democracy let alone altruist democracy.

RWStanding wrote:John Bercow and Ethical Consistency
There is such a thing as ethical consistency [albeit most people are less than consistent].
If John Bercow can rebuke President Trump for his views on 'rights' as the leader of a country with some pretentions to democracy. He might also rebuke China and other countries for their outright abuse of rights. But then if all the sub-tyrannies in the world were criticized and their leaders refused entry to Britain the Queen would be relieved of much partying. We might better use diplomacy towards the one great power that can protect any kind of democracy let alone altruist democracy.

Not every leader who visits the UK gets to make an address of both Houses of Parliament in Westminster Hall, any more than any leader who visits the USA gets to address a joint session of Congress.

There was a fair amount of objection to the visit of Xi Jinping; that there is even more opposition to Trump is a sign of just how unpleasant an impression his election campaign and early acts as President have made.