Some readers have written me expressing bewilderment at our government’s stance toward Honduras right now. (One of them is Honduran.) And I was reminded of something I wrote about in Impromptus very recently. Down at the meeting of the Organization of American States, Secretary Clinton was asked about Cuba’s political prisoners — what that meant for possible Cuban admission back into the OAS. In her answer, Clinton did not talk about prisoners. Instead, she said,

“The United States, under the Obama administration, is committed to reengaging in Latin America, to working with all countries, and we have begun doing that. We believe that lifting people out of poverty in our hemisphere, narrowing the intolerable income gap that exists between the rich and the poor in our hemisphere, working for greater social inclusion, improved education and health care — these are our goals.”

Yeah, but what about the political prisoners? What about those who are in dungeons, often tortured, because they wish for a democratic way of life? Health care and “social inclusion” are fine. But what about simple freedom?

Then Mrs. Clinton made a most remarkable statement. She said, “Some might say President Obama is left-of-center. And of course, that means that we are going to work well with countries that share our commitment to improving and enhancing the human potential.”

So, under conservative presidents, America is not committed to improving and enhancing the human potential? What a statement! Our government is indeed bewildering right now. If I can wax just slightly demagogic (but only slightly): Are we intent on being approved by Chávez, Ortega, and the Castros? Or are we standing up for U.S. interests, principles, and values? Come on!