The issue is very simple. If we want to ‘play ball’ with the Saudis, we have to play by their rules. Playing by the law of Saudi Arabia requires abandoning American ethics and principles. We really shouldn’t want to do this for a number of good reasons. I am reminded of a wonderful quote:
“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” – President Thomas Jefferson
It is clear when we discuss Saudi Arabia, we are looking at significant differences in our world view. More importantly, we are looking at different underlying ‘principles.’ We are not talking about style, but of substance. We cannot accept the principles of the Saudis without walking away from bedrock American values, regardless of how much money is involved.
The most disingenuous aspect of Cal Poly’s entire parallelization, is their belief that somehow any culture exposed to the American way of doing things will naturally embrace our democratic and egalitarian principles. However, recent ‘academic’ studies have found no correlation. Folks accustomed to totalitarianism like it just fine.
So as Thomas Jefferson might have said: if fashion dictates we wear a veil then bend if you wish, but in matters of civil and human rights… stand like a rock.
Roger Freberg
