"Amin hid nothing. Everybody knew everything. Yet the American Senate only introduced a resolution breaking off trade with Amin three months before his overthrow"

This quote by Ryszard Kapuscinski highlights the absence of action taken by the American Senate in response to the atrocities committed by Ugandan dictator Idi Amin. In spite of the reality that everybody understood the human rights abuses and other atrocities dedicated by Amin, the American Senate just took action to break off trade with him three months prior to his overthrow. This quote acts as a tip of the power of inactiveness and how it can be simply as damaging as action. It also works as a reminder of the value of holding those in power liable for their actions and of doing something about it when required. The quote likewise functions as a suggestion of the value of defending human rights and of taking action to protect those who are susceptible.