[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fNHVv_Qr3s4WNAawIHa7HWKPD_Rxg6aRW_4KMqTAOkf4":3,"$fsj3ojD8WAsW1wMUJFDkxgI5nr5i_lplGWQuc3cCciDQ":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},198301,"Ilir Zherka","I",3,null,"ilir-zherka",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":50},[14,28,39],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":27},2805745,"The leaders of other countries are using this fact as a bargaining chip, claiming that until the US brings democracy to the residents of its capital, it can forget about preaching democracy to them.",4,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[22],{"id":23,"tag":24},5780893,{"id":25,"tag_name":26},13249,"bargaining","**The Backstory**\nThis quote is likely from Ilir Zherka, a Macedonian politician and leader of the opposition in the 1990s. Given the context of the quote, it's probable that Zherka said this during a period of intense international scrutiny, when the United States was advocating for democratic reforms in the Balkans. As the leader of the opposition, Zherka was likely frustrated with the perceived hypocrisy of the US, which was pushing for democratic reforms in other countries while struggling to implement them at home.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe hidden insight in this quote lies in its critique of the double standard in international politics. Zherka is highlighting the paradox that while the US is advocating for democracy and human rights abroad, it is struggling to implement these values at home. This paradox is rooted in the fact that the US is using its own democratic shortcomings as a bargaining chip to avoid pressure from other countries.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, consider the importance of self-reflection and internal reform before advocating for change in others. By acknowledging and addressing your own weaknesses and shortcomings, you can build credibility and authenticity in your efforts to promote positive change in the world.",{"id":29,"quote_text":30,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":31,"source":32,"quote_tag":33,"commentary":9},2805739,"Our challenge is to educate more people so that we can activate them. The prohibition in the D.C. appropriations bill is on lobbying activities, and this is not lobbying. This is education.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[34],{"id":35,"tag":36},5780883,{"id":37,"tag_name":38},24263,"activate",{"id":40,"quote_text":41,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":42,"source":43,"quote_tag":44,"commentary":9},2805723,"Our hope is that passage of the resolution will further the cause by putting international pressure on the Congress.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[45],{"id":46,"tag":47},5780869,{"id":48,"tag_name":49},3498,"cause",{"currentPage":51,"totalPages":51,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":52},1,10]