FUSsa-talk Mailing List: A Year of Progress for U.S. Global Engagement

[Robert Tapp (rtapp4]

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Robert Tapp <tappx001 [at] umn.edu>
> Date: December 31, 2009 6:01:28 PM EST
> t
> 
> With all of its many representational drawbacks (like the US Senate!), the UN 
> is a major step toward a more just and peaceful world, and the Obama 
> presidency has brought us back into the conversation.
> 
> Begin forwarded message:
> 
>> From: "The United Nations Association of the USA" <aaveryt [at] unausa.org>
>> Date: December 31, 2009 1:20:55 PM EST
>> 
>> Subject: A Year of Progress for U.S. Global Engagement
>> Reply-To: "The United Nations Association of the USA" <aaveryt [at] 
>> unausa.org>
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Dear Robert,
>>  
>> While it may not have garnered national headlines, the year that comes to a 
>> close tonight saw the United States take significant strides toward 
>> re-defining its diplomatic role in the world.
>>  
>> For the first time, the United States ran for election to the world's most 
>> prominent human rights body, the UN Human Rights Council, and easily won a 
>> seat. The United States ended its self-induced exile from the world's first 
>> permanent international court for mass atrocity crimes, the International 
>> Criminal Court (ICC). And the President and Congress provided over $700 
>> million to pay UN arrears and funding shortfalls, finally fulfilling the 
>> most basic obligation of UN membership--paying our dues.
>>  
>> Taken together, these historic accomplishments demonstrate a renewed 
>> commitment to active and responsible U.S. participation in international 
>> organizations, which help the United States share the burden of promoting 
>> international stability and prosperity.
>>  
>> And you helped make it happen with your letters and meetings, phone calls 
>> and e-mails.
>>  
>> Congratulations, and thank you.
>>  
>> Now, we have one final request before the year is out. Help us thank 
>> President Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and encourage them to 
>> continue to prioritize multilateral cooperation.
>>  
>> The Administration has pursued a policy of working through international 
>> institutions whenever possible, rather than criticizing them from the 
>> outside and needlessly going it alone. It is important to let the 
>> Administration know that Americans support the renewed emphasis on 
>> multilateral diplomacy and, more specifically, the decisions to join the 
>> Human Rights Council, participate in key meetings of the ICC, and pay our UN 
>> dues.
>>  
>> To send a quick note to the President and Secretary of State, CLICK HERE. 
>>  
>> Thank you for all your dedication and support, and best wishes for the New 
>> Year!
>>  
>> The UNA-USA Advocacy Team
>> 
>>  
>>  If you no longer wish to receive e-mail from us, please click here. 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>