In somewhat of a farewell speech at the Truman Presidential Library and Museum, outgoing UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, chose to morally chastise President Bush, instructing him in the virtues of… well… virtue.It is not my intention in this post to evaluate the merits of Annan’s critique or the lack thereof, but since one’s own moral integrity is critically important if one is to judge others without a beam in one’s own eye, I thought it would be helpful to highlight some of the “moral accomplishments” of the United Nations under Secretary-General Annan’s tenure:
The Oil for Food Scandal, which had the original program been instituted as the Clinton Administration desired, may not have led to a debate concerning the invasion of Iraq.
Sex Scandals involving UN Peacekeepers in Haiti, Liberia, and Rwanda, in which girls have been raped and forced into sexual encounters with UN officials in exchange for food or money.
Complete ineptitude in dealing with the genocide in Darfur.
Palestinian gunmen using UN vehicles as getaway cars after murdering six Israeli soldiers.
Mismanagement of the UN Children’s Fund.
Numerous dismissed charges of sexual harrassment.
There is more, but it’s depressing just thinking about it.
Hey, Kofi, "Paragon of Virtue" and "Lecturer in Morality": when you leave your UN office on your last day, don’t forget to turn off the lights, since the American taxpayers are footing the bill… and… don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Cross-Posted at RedBlueChristian.
2 comments:
Allan, Great points, sadly. Unfortunately some of what Annan says has merit, I think. But loses its clout in all of this.
Ted:
I agree. I think his assessment of the Bush Administration is not all wrong, but his comments failed to take account of the old adage, "Those who live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones. The UN is one huge glass house, and Annan has not done a thing to change the climate of corruption.
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