I don't think nations can stand aside for ethnic cleansing and genocide.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the moral obligation of nations to intervene against atrocities like ethnic cleansing and genocide.
John Major's quote reflects a strong stance against the passive complicity of nations during instances of ethnic cleansing and genocide. It asserts that the international community has a responsibility to take action rather than remain indifferent in the face of such grave human rights violations, expressing a belief in global moral responsibility and ethical intervention.
In practice
In a speech addressing human rights violations, one could use this quote to highlight the need for active involvement.
The sight of allegedly sophisticated politicians parroting complete tripe trivialises and demeans government and it has to be stopped. It's played a significant part in public disillusionment with politics and has led to the absurd situation where more people vote for 'Strictly Come Dancing' than voted in the general election.
The argument that someone is a bad man is an inadequate argument for war and certainly an inadequate and unacceptable argument for regime change.
Whether you agree with me or disagree with me; like me or loathe me, don't bind my hands when I am negotiating on behalf of the British nation.
For years now I have heard the word "wait." It rings in the ear of every Negro with a piercing familiarity. This "wait" has almost always meant "never."
It is not in our hands to prevent the murder of workers… and families… but it is in our hands to fix a high price for our blood, so high that the Arab community and the Arab military forces will not be willing to pay it.
God, if ever I have come close to wanting to commit suicide, it is now, with the groggy sleepless blood dragging through my veins, and the air thick and gray with rain ... I fell into bed again this morning, begging for sleep, withdrawing into the dark, warm, fetid escape from action, from responsibility. No good.
Crooked Warden, I will fear no darkness for the night is yours," muttered Locke, pointing the first two fingers of his left hand into the darkness. The Dagger of the Thirteenth, a thief's gesture against evil. "Your night is my cloak, my shield, my escape from those who hunt to feed the noose. I will fear no evil, for you have made the night my friend." "Bless the Benefactor," said Jean, squeezing Locke's left forearm. "Peace and profit to his children.
You are so afraid of losing your moral sense that you are not willing to take it through anything more dangerous than a mud-puddle.
The prayers of cowards fortune spurns.
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