--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When foreigners struggle for their…" description: "\"When foreigners struggle for their freedoms, they've long expected the U.S. government to be the first to stand with them.\" — Richard Grenell" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg" --- # When foreigners struggle for their freedoms, they've long… ![“When foreigners struggle for their freedoms, they've long expected the U.S. government to be the first to stand with them.” quote by Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg) > “When foreigners struggle for their freedoms, they've long expected the U.S. government to be the first to stand with them.” [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People expect the U.S. to champion global freedom, but actions often fall short. **In simple terms:** U.S. promises freedom abroad but sometimes fails. Key Takeaway Align rhetoric with consistent foreign policy. Themes foreign policy expectations freedom leadership hypocrisy Mood skeptical reflective Type political observational When to use this quote - diplomacy - humanitarian aid - public statements - international alliances Key Concepts soft power interventionism human rights Questions to Reflect On - What drives the gap between promise and practice? - How can the U.S. improve credibility? A Different Perspective U.S. actions may be constrained by domestic politics. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Be the first](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/be-the-first/) [Expected Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/expected-government-4580518/) [Foreigners](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foreigners/) [Foreigners Struggle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/foreigners-struggle-4580516/) [Freedom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/freedom/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Government Stand](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government-stand-1229883/) [Long](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long/) [Struggle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/struggle/) [Struggle Freedoms](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/struggle-freedoms-4580517/) ## Related quotes > [I believe it is in the national interest that government stand side-by-side with people of faith who work to change lives for the better.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/i-believe-it-is-in-the-national-interest-that-government-stand-side/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [No free government can stand without virtue in the people, and a lofty spirit of partiotism.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrew-jackson/no-free-government-can-stand-without-virtue-in-the-people-and-a-lofty/) [Andrew Jackson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrew-jackson/) > [The fundamental question facing Iraq government is whether or not we will stand with reformers across the region. It's really the task. And we're…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/the-fundamental-question-facing-iraq-government-is-whether-or-not-we/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [The U.S. government must stand on the side of human rights, the rule of law, and democratic progress, not impede or otherwise stunt such…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kerry-kennedy/the-u-s-government-must-stand-on-the-side-of-human-rights-the-rule-of/) [Kerry Kennedy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kerry-kennedy/) > [I believe the role of government is to stand side by side with our citizens to help them realize their dreams, not tell citizens…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-w-bush/i-believe-the-role-of-government-is-to-stand-side-by-side-with-our/) [George W. Bush](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-w-bush/) > [A Lewis-led government will always stand up for Canadian farmers and our agriculture sector.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/leslyn-lewis/a-lewis-led-government-will-always-stand-up-for-canadian-farmers-and/) [Leslyn Lewis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/leslyn-lewis/) > [Let's not allow the voice of the people to be overwhelmed by the siren song of those who opposed regulation, who demanded that government…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-blunkett/let-s-not-allow-the-voice-of-the-people-to-be-overwhelmed-by-the/) [David Blunkett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-blunkett/) > [If two people of the same sex fall in love and want to marry, why would our government stand in their way?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-casey-jr/if-two-people-of-the-same-sex-fall-in-love-and-want-to-marry-why/) [Bob Casey, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-casey-jr/) > [Hublot has always been happy to be different, unique and they want to be the first to do things - and they certainly have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-clarke/hublot-has-always-been-happy-to-be-different-unique-and-they-want-to/) [Michael Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-clarke/) > [My mother had a saying: 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you're not the last.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamala-harris/my-mother-had-a-saying-kamala-you-may-be-the-first-to-do-many-things/) [Kamala Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamala-harris/) > [Of course, I want to be the first pick. That's every kids' dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-burrow/of-course-i-want-to-be-the-first-pick-that-s-every-kids-dream/) [Joe Burrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-burrow/) > [I'll be the first to say our military should always be fully funded.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-boebert/i-ll-be-the-first-to-say-our-military-should-always-be-fully-funded/) [Lauren Boebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-boebert/) > [As a big, you don't want to be the first one to shoot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevon-looney/as-a-big-you-don-t-want-to-be-the-first-one-to-shoot/) [Kevon Looney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevon-looney/) > [I wanna be myself and be the first Jason Jordan. I don't wanna be the second Kurt Angle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-jordan/i-wanna-be-myself-and-be-the-first-jason-jordan-i-don-t-wanna-be-the/) [Jason Jordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-jordan/) > [I thought I'd be the first to introduce herbal tea to Patna. White tea, ginger tea, rooibos, camomile. No one touched it. On subsequent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amitava-kumar/i-thought-i-d-be-the-first-to-introduce-herbal-tea-to-patna-white-tea/) [Amitava Kumar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amitava-kumar/) ## More by Richard Grenell > [Many developing nations have such severe debt and budget problems that the money given by developed nations will never be spent the way it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/many-developing-nations-have-such-severe-debt-and-budget-problems/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Fellow conservatives, particularly within the Republican Party, typically do a good job arguing against totalitarian, one-size-fits-all approaches to policy. What works for a family…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/fellow-conservatives-particularly-within-the-republican-party/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [U.S. academics and Upper East Side New Yorkers like to think of the United Nations as a place where foreign ambassadors have intellectual discussions…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/u-s-academics-and-upper-east-side-new-yorkers-like-to-think-of-the/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [While supporting human rights in another country is important, fighting for our own safety is crucial.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/while-supporting-human-rights-in-another-country-is-important/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Cancer taught my family that my mom is much stronger than we ever thought. Faced with a devastating diagnosis, she just kept going and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/cancer-taught-my-family-that-my-mom-is-much-stronger-than-we-ever/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [In the past, liberals have competed to see who could shout the loudest to shut down the banks, ridicule success, and penalize anyone working…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/in-the-past-liberals-have-competed-to-see-who-could-shout-the-loudest/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [The U.N. and other international bodies, along with wealthier nations, could manage the unavoidable migration from poorer countries if there were greater focus on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/the-u-n-and-other-international-bodies-along-with-wealthier-nations/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [I think President Obama is weak, bored with the office, and an incompetent leader.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/i-think-president-obama-is-weak-bored-with-the-office-and-an/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Biden's support for Mubarak in the face of his falling regime sends a powerful and unfortunate message to the Arab world that their freedoms…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/biden-s-support-for-mubarak-in-the-face-of-his-falling-regime-sends-a/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Nominating Susan Rice for Secretary of State is a mistake not just because of her Sunday show deceptions but because her tenure as America's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/nominating-susan-rice-for-secretary-of-state-is-a-mistake-not-just/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [It's true that John Bolton would not win the most popular ambassador award at the U.N., but being popular shouldn't be the priority.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/it-s-true-that-john-bolton-would-not-win-the-most-popular-ambassador/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Ironically, Hillary Clinton's appointment in 2008 as secretary of state was forced on Obama by her presidential campaign supporters, who insisted she play a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/ironically-hillary-clinton-s-appointment-in-2008-as-secretary-of/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Journalists undoubtedly have a duty to push, cajole, and aggressively maneuver around campaign handlers in order for the public to see a candidate unscripted.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/journalists-undoubtedly-have-a-duty-to-push-cajole-and-aggressively/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Presidents and cabinet officials could send a strong message of accountability if they held senior appointees responsible for their performance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/presidents-and-cabinet-officials-could-send-a-strong-message-of/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) > [Obama has created a new world where countries ignore the U.S. without consequence. It's so bad that Saudi Arabia doesn't even want to serve…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/obama-has-created-a-new-world-where-countries-ignore-the-u-s-without/) [Richard Grenell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) [Explore all 99 Richard Grenell quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/) ## More Be the first quotes > [I thought I'd be the first to introduce herbal tea to Patna. White tea, ginger tea, rooibos, camomile. No one touched it. On subsequent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amitava-kumar/i-thought-i-d-be-the-first-to-introduce-herbal-tea-to-patna-white-tea/) [Amitava Kumar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/amitava-kumar/) > [I wanna be myself and be the first Jason Jordan. I don't wanna be the second Kurt Angle.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jason-jordan/i-wanna-be-myself-and-be-the-first-jason-jordan-i-don-t-wanna-be-the/) [Jason Jordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jason-jordan/) > [As a big, you don't want to be the first one to shoot.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevon-looney/as-a-big-you-don-t-want-to-be-the-first-one-to-shoot/) [Kevon Looney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevon-looney/) > [I'll be the first to say our military should always be fully funded.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lauren-boebert/i-ll-be-the-first-to-say-our-military-should-always-be-fully-funded/) [Lauren Boebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lauren-boebert/) > [Of course, I want to be the first pick. That's every kids' dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joe-burrow/of-course-i-want-to-be-the-first-pick-that-s-every-kids-dream/) [Joe Burrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joe-burrow/) > [My mother had a saying: 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you're not the last.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kamala-harris/my-mother-had-a-saying-kamala-you-may-be-the-first-to-do-many-things/) [Kamala Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kamala-harris/) > [Hublot has always been happy to be different, unique and they want to be the first to do things - and they certainly have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-clarke/hublot-has-always-been-happy-to-be-different-unique-and-they-want-to/) [Michael Clarke](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-clarke/) > [You can be anything. You could be the President of the United States or the inventor of the next Internet or a ninja cardio-thoracic…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cameron-russell/you-can-be-anything-you-could-be-the-president-of-the-united-states/) [Cameron Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cameron-russell/) > [I would sacrifice 1,000 yards rushing to win a Super Bowl. But I want to be the first back to have back-to-back 2,000-yard seasons.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/adrian-peterson/i-would-sacrifice-1-000-yards-rushing-to-win-a-super-bowl-but-i-want/) [Adrian Peterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/adrian-peterson/) > [India, Pakistan, China, Singapore and South Korea are heavily investing in nuclear arms. Since 21st century is the century of Asia, Asian countries should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/scar-arias/india-pakistan-china-singapore-and-south-korea-are-heavily-investing/) [Óscar Arias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/scar-arias/) > [It's a real honour to be the first comedian to play the O2 which will be the single biggest gig of my career.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lee-evans/it-s-a-real-honour-to-be-the-first-comedian-to-play-the-o2-which-will/) [Lee Evans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lee-evans/) > [To be the first to do something is huge - all eyes are on you. You just don't know how people are going to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-lindsay/to-be-the-first-to-do-something-is-huge-all-eyes-are-on-you-you-just/) [Rachel Lindsay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-lindsay/) > [To be the first player in the world to take part in three successive World Cup finals is very important.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cafu/to-be-the-first-player-in-the-world-to-take-part-in-three-successive/) [Cafu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cafu/) > [But, no, I don't think there will be any kind of problem as far as setting up to be competitive, but you've got to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-wheldon/but-no-i-don-t-think-there-will-be-any-kind-of-problem-as-far-as/) [Dan Wheldon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-wheldon/) > [To be the first Puerto Rican to win a world title in four divisions would be an achievement. Gomez, Benitez, there have been a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miguel-cotto/to-be-the-first-puerto-rican-to-win-a-world-title-in-four-divisions/) [Miguel Cotto](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miguel-cotto/) [Browse all 191 Be the first quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/be-the-first/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When foreigners struggle for their freedoms, they've long expected the U.S. government to be the first to stand with them.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Richard Grenell" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freedoms-they-ve-long-expected-the/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Be the first" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freedoms-they-ve-long-expected-the/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/147/richard-grenell-6195_be-the-first_when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freed_1348953.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When foreigners struggle for their freedoms, they've long expected the U.S. government to be the first to…” — Richard Grenell", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Richard Grenell", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-grenell/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "When foreigners struggle for their freedoms,...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freedoms-they-ve-long-expected-the/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-grenell/when-foreigners-struggle-for-their-freedoms-they-ve-long-expected-the/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```