Ilana Mercer Quote

Distinguish we must between the right of the people the world over to be free and our obligation to free them. We have a solemn [negative] duty not to violate the rights of foreigners everywhere to life, liberty and property. But we have no duty to uphold their rights. Why? Because the ostensible upholding of the negative rights of the world's citizens involves compromising the negative liberties of Americans—our lives, our liberties and our livelihoods. A just government's duty is to its own citizens first.

"On Syria (And All Else), It's 'Us' Against 'Them'" Economic Policy Journal, September 7, 2013.