I'm considering the morals of the state here rather than individuals and either way I disagree that morals are statements, rather than actions. I would term that "stated morals" or "claimed morals", to me actions are what count when trying to determine any actors actual morals.
China, for example, has excellent claimed morals. As does the USA. The voting record and what prompts public outcry from American citizens has shown what stated morals they actually care about, for the Chinese citizens ... well we all wish they had the opportunity to make those same types of statements freely so we could see how they compare.
So it's a subtle difference in ethical philosophy value judgements (totally fair point to disagree on) and a bit of talking past each other regarding who "we" refers to.
As to the "which morals" issue, in this context the imprisoned or killed are/were surely more concerned with morality in practice.
Agreed. But certainly, I wish the US would call out China's abuses in the Human Rights Council, and equally (or more) I wish for China to call out the US's abuses. If we (moral US citizens) can't effect morality of the (immoral) US state, perhaps the (moral) Chinese citizens can do so through the (immoral) Chinese state, and vice-versa.
I'm considering the morals of the state here rather than individuals and either way I disagree that morals are statements, rather than actions. I would term that "stated morals" or "claimed morals", to me actions are what count when trying to determine any actors actual morals.
China, for example, has excellent claimed morals. As does the USA. The voting record and what prompts public outcry from American citizens has shown what stated morals they actually care about, for the Chinese citizens ... well we all wish they had the opportunity to make those same types of statements freely so we could see how they compare.
So it's a subtle difference in ethical philosophy value judgements (totally fair point to disagree on) and a bit of talking past each other regarding who "we" refers to.
As to the "which morals" issue, in this context the imprisoned or killed are/were surely more concerned with morality in practice.