The Editor,
And to those whom it should concern... As one who hopes to
someday soon be the father of the child who will be half-Cambodian and
half-American, I am greatly troubled by what I see transpiring in
Cambodia.
I had hoped my child would grow up learning that he or she
could be proud of both countries. That child would learn that America, a
comparably young country, is a great nation, though not without her faults, but
still a country where democracy has for the greater part of 220 years created a
society that has a degree of freedom and opportunity unequaled on the
Earth.
That child would be taught about the greatness of the Khmer people
whose blood he or she shares. The glory of the ancient days, the richness of
Khmer art and culture and the natural beauty of the land.
Of course, I
will point out the errors of both countries in their relationship, especially in
the time-frame of the mid-twentieth century, and there will be guilt enough for
all. But my hope will be to show that both countries have learned from their
mistakes. America, with many responsibilities in the arena of world affairs,
continues to represent one of the most engaged democratic societies, always
evolving, and always committed to the sacred trust that democracy will never be
compromised.
But what of Cambodia? How will I explain what many are
calling the demise of democracy, the bleeding of an opportunity for Cambodia to
distinguish itself among countries. The promise of the 1993 elections is rapidly
becoming a victim of "the old ways". Not that Cambodia shouldn't have its own
"flavor" of the democratic system, but recent developments are sure to leave a
bitter taste in the mouths of many Cambodians who hungered for so long for a
taste of true self-determination, expression, and the chance to regain the pride
of a people with such great potential.
I hope that one day my child will
be able to tell all who ask about his or her background that they are the best
of both worlds; one that is young, strong, and free, and one that is ancient,
glorious, and wise from experience. A keen and attentive leadership will note
that without freedom and wisdom, none of the other qualities will have any
meaning. Cambodia's greatness need not be relegated to the past. The generations
to come will be inquisitive, what shall we tell them?
- Jim Yost, Texas, United States.
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