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Antony Blinken on Principles & Values
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American leadership and engagement matter
American leadership and engagement matter. Whether we like it or not, the world does not organize itself. When the U.S. pulls back, one of two things is likely to happen: either another country tries to take our place, but not in a way
that advances our interests and values; or, maybe just as bad, no one steps up, and then we get chaos and all the dangers it creates. Either way, that's not good for America.
Source: State Department speech: 2021 Biden Administration
, Mar 3, 2021
At our best US is a country with integrity and a heart
At our best, the United States is a country with integrity and a heart. That's what makes us proud to be Americans and why so many people around the world have given everything to become Americans. We will stand firm behind our commitments to
human rights, democracy, the rule of law. And we'll stand up against injustice toward women and girls, LGBTQI people, religious minorities, and people of all races and ethnicities. Because all human beings are equal in rights and dignity.
Source: State Department speech: 2021 Biden Administration
, Mar 3, 2021
Bring nonpartisanship back to our foreign policy
We will bring nonpartisanship back to our foreign policy. There was a time, as the saying goes, when politics stopped at the water's edge.
Secretaries of State didn't represent Democrats or Republicans. We represented all Americans. Some might think the idea is quaint now. Well, I don't. And the President doesn't either.
Source: State Department speech: 2021 Biden Administration
, Mar 3, 2021
Determined to keep politics out of the State Department
I am determined to put our career folks in positions of responsibility and leadership, and I am absolutely determined that politics are not going to come into this building. I've worked with the men and women of the Foreign Service for more than couple
of decades. I couldn't begin to tell you who's a Republican, who's a Democrat, who's an independent. They're here every single day working for the American people pursuant to the Constitution to advance our interests.
Source: MSNBC interview: Secretary of State (Biden Cabinet)
, Feb 1, 2021
A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy
I want to make it clear right from the start how important I see the work that each and every one of you does. You keep the American people and the world informed about what we do here. You hold us accountable, ask tough questions, and that really
does make us better. More broadly--and it is never more important to restate it--a free press is a cornerstone of our democracy. And this is a critical moment for protecting and defending democracy, including right here at home.
Source: Biden Administration Press Release from state.gov
, Jan 27, 2021
Stepfather survived Holocaust; rescued by Americans
Blinken told the story of how Pisar was the only one out of 900 children in his school in Poland to survive the Holocaust after four years in concentration camps. "At the end of the war, he made a break from a death march into the woods in Bavaria.
From his hiding place, he heard a deep rumbling sound. It was a tank," Blinken said of the American military tank."He ran to the tank. The hatch opened. An African-American GI looked down at him,"
Blinken continued. "He got down on his knees and said the only three words that he knew in English that his mother had taught him before the war. 'God bless America.'"
Blinken said this is an example of how important the United States is to the rest of the world and how maintaining alliances can be a force for good.
Source: Fox News on Biden Cabinet
, Jan 22, 2021
Talked about refugees to Grover on "Sesame Street"
@ABlinken on Twitter: This school year, some kids will have new classmates: refugees.
@Grover & I discuss how to make them feel welcome in their new communities.
Source: @ABlinken Twitter posting: Biden Cabinet
, Sep 21, 2016
Page last updated: Jan 02, 2022