The American Independence Day festivities at the residence of US Ambassador to Ukraine William B. Taylor in the Podil district of Kyiv were marred by the whims of the weather, but the host managed to treat his guests to an excellent California barbecue, a variety of alcoholic beverages, and pastries.
He also gave an excellent speech in which he masterfully drew historical parallels between Ukraine and the United States. He noted that national holidays are always occasions to think about the history of one’s country. The ambassador shared his views on US history, broaching aspects that, in his opinion, relate to similar periods in Ukrainian history. The first aspect has to do with the Constitution of the United States, which was adopted some time after the Declaration of Independence, owing to certain misunderstandings with the British friends. The Americans overcame those hardships and are now very proud of their independence. Independence is a very good thing, but the first constitution, adopted in 1781, did not work, so much so that it had to be discarded eight years later and a new one adopted.
Another aspect dealt with business interests and those of state administration. Some of the founding fathers, Ambassador Taylor pointed out with a touch of humor, were wealthy landowners, like those who own metallurgical plants in today’s Ukraine. Later, Americans like Melon, Rockefeller, and Carnegie acquired huge fortunes and learned to donate money for social needs. In order to separate business interests from the national decision-making process, the United States instituted a system of complete transparency whereby all top government officials had to declare their tax returns. Also tough bills were passed in regard to conflicts of interests.
The third aspect, the ambassador went on to say, concerns the US Supreme Court. It was some time before it won its current prestige and respect from the public. When the United States was between 30 and 40 years old, President Andrew Jackson opposed a ruling passed by the Supreme Court headed by Justice John Marshall. He said that Marshall had made his decision, now let him struggle to have it implemented. The ambassador added that this phrase would probably ring a bell for Viktor Baloha. Years passed and as US democracy matured, so did the Supreme Court, which was steadily gaining prestige. So, when it passed a very complicated political ruling in 2000, which determined the outcome of the presidential elections, no one called it into question.
Ambassador Taylor said that the Americans have accumulated 231 years of experience, both good and bad. They are very proud of their independence and democracy. They are also proud that here in Kyiv they are supporting and assisting Ukrainian democracy and independence. He toasted American and Ukrainian independence, pronouncing the traditional Ukrainian toast budmo ! in Ukrainian, to which the guests respectfully replied, “God save America!” @FF D:\www\20\20-8-1.TIF@FT AMBASSADOR WILLIAM B. TAYLOR SHOWS HIS EXCELLENT ORATORICAL SKILLS
