This week, the United States celebrated the second
inauguration of President Barack Obama. In connection with this event, I
received some questions about how America transitions power and what
Obama’s inauguration means to Cambodia. Great questions! Please
keep them coming.
Let me start by mentioning that this year, the inauguration also coincided with the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who personifies the on-going struggle for human rights that the United States shares with many countries, including Cambodia. Dr. King inspired a movement which demanded that everyone be treated equally under the law. His national holiday is a day when Americans honor those who have fought for liberty and equality.
President Obama’s inauguration provided the culmination of America’s past election year. Democracy can sometimes be messy, especially during elections, as it brings forth the differences in views of the candidates. Americans embrace the debates and dialogue that these different views bring, as they offer opportunities to explore new ideas and ways forward. At times during the campaign, the candidates expressed strong differences of opinion, but that’s because, just like people worldwide, they believe intensely in their view of the best path forward.
A foundational tenet of the United States is that all people have a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” words which are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence andwhich Americans hold dear. After more than 200 years, these words continue to be our guiding principles. In this past election, America chose the inspirational path set in place by these words and expansively envisioned by the President. This is important for Asia, and for Cambodia.
During his inaugural speech, the President reaffirmed America’s pivot to Asia, stating “Now, more than ever, we must do these things together…” America wants to be a partner with Asia, and with Cambodia. This means working together to find solutions to the problems that every country faces. It means helping grow the economy to create more jobs, working to ensure fair elections, and encouraging transparency. America and Cambodia are closely aligned and share many values, and a great number of these values link back to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the strength we gain through our diversity.
Dr. King is perhaps best remembered for his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. In the speech, he articulated his dream for a better world where all people would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I continue to marvel at the amazing transformations that resulted from his bold deeds. Through many years of struggle and perseverance, Dr. King helped the United States move forward to be a more perfect union where people are treated equally, without regard to color, creed, or ethnicity. Dr. King was an advocate of non-violent political protest, which has become a model for human rights advocates and reformers all over the world.
Americans voted in record numbers for President Obama’s vision of the path to the future. Although many people voted for his opponent, after an election is done we all pull together because what unites us is far stronger than what divides us. Americans came together this week to celebrate the inauguration because we respect and understand the differences we have. We celebrate the peaceful transition of power when this occurs. Respecting the rule of law and honoring to the voice of the people are deeply felt values in America and worldwide, and the President’s inauguration was inspirational around the world for those who seek to expand democracy.
You will continue to hear me discuss more about these ideals in the coming weeks as I believe Cambodia has built a foundation upon which greatness can be achieved. And I want to see this great country succeed. Please continue to send me your thoughts and questions at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov.
William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
Let me start by mentioning that this year, the inauguration also coincided with the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who personifies the on-going struggle for human rights that the United States shares with many countries, including Cambodia. Dr. King inspired a movement which demanded that everyone be treated equally under the law. His national holiday is a day when Americans honor those who have fought for liberty and equality.
President Obama’s inauguration provided the culmination of America’s past election year. Democracy can sometimes be messy, especially during elections, as it brings forth the differences in views of the candidates. Americans embrace the debates and dialogue that these different views bring, as they offer opportunities to explore new ideas and ways forward. At times during the campaign, the candidates expressed strong differences of opinion, but that’s because, just like people worldwide, they believe intensely in their view of the best path forward.
A foundational tenet of the United States is that all people have a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” words which are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence andwhich Americans hold dear. After more than 200 years, these words continue to be our guiding principles. In this past election, America chose the inspirational path set in place by these words and expansively envisioned by the President. This is important for Asia, and for Cambodia.
During his inaugural speech, the President reaffirmed America’s pivot to Asia, stating “Now, more than ever, we must do these things together…” America wants to be a partner with Asia, and with Cambodia. This means working together to find solutions to the problems that every country faces. It means helping grow the economy to create more jobs, working to ensure fair elections, and encouraging transparency. America and Cambodia are closely aligned and share many values, and a great number of these values link back to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the strength we gain through our diversity.
Dr. King is perhaps best remembered for his “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in 1963. In the speech, he articulated his dream for a better world where all people would “not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” I continue to marvel at the amazing transformations that resulted from his bold deeds. Through many years of struggle and perseverance, Dr. King helped the United States move forward to be a more perfect union where people are treated equally, without regard to color, creed, or ethnicity. Dr. King was an advocate of non-violent political protest, which has become a model for human rights advocates and reformers all over the world.
Americans voted in record numbers for President Obama’s vision of the path to the future. Although many people voted for his opponent, after an election is done we all pull together because what unites us is far stronger than what divides us. Americans came together this week to celebrate the inauguration because we respect and understand the differences we have. We celebrate the peaceful transition of power when this occurs. Respecting the rule of law and honoring to the voice of the people are deeply felt values in America and worldwide, and the President’s inauguration was inspirational around the world for those who seek to expand democracy.
You will continue to hear me discuss more about these ideals in the coming weeks as I believe Cambodia has built a foundation upon which greatness can be achieved. And I want to see this great country succeed. Please continue to send me your thoughts and questions at AskAMBToddPP@state.gov.
William E. Todd is U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia
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