Meaning: The quote "America does not fight for land, glory or riches" by Virginia Foxx, a politician, encompasses a sentiment that has been a recurring theme in American political rhetoric and foreign policy. The quote speaks to the idea that the United States engages in military conflicts and interventions not for territorial expansion, the pursuit of glory, or the acquisition of wealth, but rather for principles such as freedom, democracy, and the defense of human rights.

Throughout history, the United States has often framed its military engagements as being motivated by noble causes rather than self-serving interests. From the American Revolution to contemporary conflicts, the rhetoric of fighting for ideals such as freedom, justice, and democracy has been central to the nation's self-image and its portrayal of its foreign policy objectives.

One of the earliest examples of this sentiment can be found in the Monroe Doctrine of 1823, articulated by President James Monroe. The doctrine asserted that the Americas should no longer be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers, and that any attempt by a European power to oppress or control any nation in the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as a hostile act against the United States. This proclamation framed the United States as a defender of the sovereignty and independence of the nations of the Western Hemisphere, aligning with the idea that the country's foreign policy was driven by a desire to protect the rights and freedoms of others.

In the 20th century, this sentiment was echoed in the rhetoric surrounding U.S. involvement in both World Wars. In World War I, President Woodrow Wilson framed the conflict as a fight to make the world "safe for democracy," emphasizing the moral imperative of the United States' intervention. Similarly, in World War II, the United States portrayed its involvement as a defense of freedom and human rights in the face of totalitarian aggression.

The quote also reflects the rhetoric surrounding more recent military interventions, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration justified the invasion of Afghanistan as a response to the attacks and as a mission to dismantle the Al-Qaeda network and remove the Taliban regime that harbored it. Similarly, the invasion of Iraq was framed as a part of the global "war on terror" and as a mission to remove a dictator who posed a threat to regional stability and to promote democracy in the Middle East.

While the quote embodies the idealistic vision of America's role in the world, it has also been subject to criticism and skepticism. Critics argue that the United States has often pursued its strategic and economic interests under the guise of promoting democracy and freedom, pointing to instances of support for authoritarian regimes and interventions that have had unintended consequences for the populations of the affected countries.

In conclusion, the quote "America does not fight for land, glory or riches" by Virginia Foxx encapsulates a longstanding theme in American political discourse, emphasizing the nation's self-image as a defender of freedom, democracy, and human rights in its engagements with the world. This rhetoric has shaped the narrative of U.S. foreign policy and military interventions, portraying them as driven by noble ideals rather than self-serving interests. However, this idealistic vision has also been met with criticism and scrutiny, as the reality of America's actions on the global stage is often more complex and multifaceted.