John A. Gentry

In the following viewpoint, John A. Gentry argues that the overly broad definition of human rights adopted in the United States has led to numerous problems. In his opinion, Americans wrongly believe they are entitled to complete economic security and protection against all kinds of discrimination. Gentry claims that this sense of entitlement has led to a decline in personal responsibility and the privileging of some groups over others, which threatens national cohesion. Gentry is a former CIA analyst who researches and writes on defense and national security.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In Gentry’s opinion, when did the creation of rights in the United States begin to accelerate?
2. How do excessive human rights destroy nationhood, according to the author?
3. Why does the former prime minister of Singapore...