Ambassador Speeches

                                  4th of July official ceremony – 2008

It is a true pleasure for me to welcome you all to our first 4th of July ceremony in our new facility.

But that pleasure, I must admit, is tinged with some personal regret as I contemplate my departure from this beautiful country in one month’s time. As I am sure you all know, this 4th of July ceremony will be my last as U.S. Ambassador to Nicaragua.

Traditionally for Americans, July 4th is a day to reflect upon the bravery and foresight of our founding fathers.

It is a day to celebrate the basic principles of our republic – democracy, freedom and religious tolerance – and consider how those values have sustained and strengthened our nation for more than two centuries, and spread far beyond our borders.

It is a day to share with family, neighbors, colleagues and friends.

Thankfully, for me, many of my family, neighbors, colleagues and friends are here this day, in this large hall, in Nicaragua.

And traditionally for Nicaraguans attending national day celebrations, it is a day for the host Ambassador to reflect upon the state of bilateral relations.

I firmly believe, as I have every day for the past three years, that relations between our two peoples are extraordinarily close.

We are hemispheric neighbors.

The U.S. is both Nicaragua’s largest trading partner and source of private investment.

Some 500,000 Nicaraguans live in the United States. They send back to their families $500 million each year.

Thousands of Americans live and work in Nicaragua.

Our official assistance programs in Nicaragua are substantial, diverse and widespread. Taken together, they encompass our firm commitment to social justice – the notion that poverty can best be reduced by democratic practice, market economics and social investment.

The generosity of private Americans and NGO’s -- and their heartfelt commitment to Nicaragua -- are equally impressive.

In sum, the economic, commercial, historic, geographic and family ties between our two peoples are strong enough to withstand all but the most catastrophic shocks.

Over the course of the past several weeks I have been asked many times if I have any “final thoughts” to share with the Nicaraguan people.

My standard answer has been to express my fervent hope that Nicaraguans take full advantage of some wonderful opportunities –

Full access to the largest market in the world though CAFTA,

The good will of a generous donor community,

The forgiveness of billions of dollars of external debt,

A strong natural resource base,

High international prices for its most important products,

A privileged geographic position, and, most importantly

A democratic system built on the sacrifice of thousands of its citizens.

In the context of this 4th of July celebration, however, let me leave you with one “final, final” thought.

In the 232 years of the American experience, we have learned that we, as citizens, must not leave democracy to the sole purview of politicians, judges, and law professors.

Democracy is a collective exercise which should hopefully flourish in the hearts of all citizens and be expressed by them countless times throughout their lives –

As they interact with their fellow citizens;

As they freely voice their opinions;

As they attend their chosen place of worship;

As they cast their ballots.

Simply put, we have learned that the most dangerous and pernicious enemy of democracy is not dictatorship.

It is apathy.

Many thanks.