Democracy isn't a one day holiday from dictatorship every two years. Democracy is a permanent and ongoing condition.

We elect representatives, not dictators. Between elections they're still obligated to follow our will, not their whims.

Which means that each one of us, indvidually and severally, is responsible for the actions of our government. The highest moral imperative is based on that direct relationship: We have to get our own house in order before we can credibly go around wagging our fingers at anybody else.

To do otherwise is to be hypocrites.

The governments of other countries do not answer to us. We can influence their actions through diplomacy and coercion if we find them offensive enough, but civilized people adhere to a weak form of the Prime Directive--live and let live unless otherwise threatened.

To do otherwise is to become tyrants.