Today, in his farewell speech as Secretary General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan reached over the heads of the Bush Administration and spoke directly to us.
To us, as Americans. And even, yes, to this community. Not by name, but by definition.
Kofi Annan called us out. He challenged us to live up to the ideals that are in theory the foundation of our democracy, instead of merely paying lip service to them. He said Americans must do what this American government, left to its own devices, won't do. I am paraphrasing here, not quoting (quotes are below), but he made it plain that in his view, global peace and justice are within our grasp -- but only if we demand it, insist on it, and take the necessary actions to realize it.
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