Prime Picture: Edward Reilly Stettinius Jr., Secretary of State and chairman of the delegation from the US, indicators the UN Constitution at a ceremony held on the Veterans’ Battle Memorial Constructing on June 26, 1945. At left is President Harry S. Truman. UN Photo/Yould
Eleanor Roosevelt’s My Day columns had been a collection of newspaper articles written by the First Woman between 1936 and 1962. Revealed six days per week in newspapers throughout the nation, her columns provided a snapshot of her each day life and ideas on necessary points.
This column was republished by permission of the property of Eleanor Roosevelt.
HYDE PARK, Monday, June 26, 1945 — On Sunday in church, the minister preached on the theme: “Put together Ye the Means of the Lord.” I couldn’t assist however suppose that the representatives who’ve been engaged on the constitution out in San Francisco have labored to carry forth one thing which can put together the best way for that “kingdom of God on earth” which we poor, defective human beings have been so lengthy awaiting.
There may be no kingdom of God on earth so long as males hate one another, settling their difficulties via wars and bringing sorrow and struggling on different males. As soon as you start a battle there’s, after all, nothing to do however to combat it to the top; so the trouble for peace should be made whereas the nations are at peace.
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These males in San Francisco have managed to do a slightly outstanding job. This constitution is extra involved with human rights than many people dared hope can be attainable. Now it’ll go to the assorted governments of the United Nations for ratification. The earlier that’s achieved, the higher it is going to be.
I’ve seen sure arguments which favor lengthy debate and lengthy consideration. That appears to me fully pointless. The controversy must be over. The peoples of the world can in a short time be acquainted with what’s within the constitution; and although the governments could not suppose so, the folks of the world usually are not involved with too many particulars. They’re prepared to surrender a great deal of what often known as nationwide rights to assist put together “the best way of the Lord.” I don’t suppose they are going to be very affected person this time with males who carry up minor factors not as a result of these factors are necessary, however as a result of they’re afraid of actual cooperation among the many nations.
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I do know very effectively that there are risks in cooperation, however I do know, too, what the hazards are when you don’t have any cooperation. That has been made clear to many, many households on this nation and all through the world. I believe I communicate for the typical man and girl after I say that we’d as effectively take an opportunity and take a look at one thing new, having religion in our fellow males as a result of they’ve suffered simply as now we have suffered and should need peace as a lot as we do.
I do not consider that greed and selfishness have gone out of the human race. I’m fairly ready to be significantly disillusioned many occasions in the middle of cooperation. I shall most likely be disillusioned in myself as a lot as in different folks, however I wish to attempt for a peaceable world. The ratification of the constitution as quickly as attainable, in compliance with President Truman’s needs, will, I believe, make simpler each step we take sooner or later. It’ll encourage our folks to organize for the true work of constructing understanding and peace all through the world.
E. R.
Copyright © 1945 Eleanor Roosevelt.
