Speech #980107600

Such an assessment is very much needed at this time for I am very much concerned that our legitimate outrage at the murder of the 269 people aboard KAL flight 007 may blind us in our rage and set off an ideological jihad preventing us from pursuing the promotion and protection of human rights with the Soviet Union. The promotion and protection of human rights is in the national interest and is central to our national integrity. One of the most important human rights is the right to emigrate as embodied in article 13 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Our effectiveness as a nation in promoting and protecting such human rights will be enhanced by heeding Alexander Hamiltons words that our Nation. great as it is. has not attained "an exemption from the imperfections. weaknesses. and evils incident to society in every shape." Hamilton went on to recommend that we "adopt as a practical maxim for the direction of our political conduct that we as well as other inhabitants of the globe. are yet remote from the happy empire of perfect wisdom and perfect virtue." As we approach the Soviet Union. as we should continue to do. on their failure to implement the requirements of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. specifically. "that everyone has the right to leave any country. including his own." we should be somewhat chastened by our policy of interdiction of Haitian refugees on the high seas which is clearly in opposition to the spirit and intent of article 13 of that document. On September 12. 1983. I urge my colleagues in response to the tragedy of KAL 007 to remember our Judeo-