John Danforth

Washington Missourian

While it was a surprise to many people, it also is understandable why John Danforth resigned as our ambassador to the United Nations. He said he was a "Midwest guy" who wanted to go home to St. Louis.

Most of his life has been spent in public service, with 18 years as a U.S. senator, and at age 68 he wants to spend more time with his ailing wife of 47 years and with relatives and friends in St. Louis. He said he had rejected the idea of serving four years in President Bush's cabinet, particularly as secretary of state. He's tired of living in a hotel in New York, which certainly is understandable at his age.

Danforth leaves the United Nations after serving about six months and was respected by representatives of the other nations in that body. He said he was "very impressed at the convergence of the national interests" of the 191 member nations. He also said he agreed to serve in that body after the president assured him that this nation is committed to a multilateral foreign policy.

However, there have been news reports that Danforth was "frustrated" by some of the workings of the U.N. That is understandable also. Many Americans are frustrated by the U.N., especially as to the allegations of corruption in the U.N. oil-for-food humanitarian program for Iraq, and its refusal to back U.S. policies concerning Iraq.

The United Nations has a record of some successes, but it has been ineffective in other situations. With 191 nations, the makeup of the Security Council, serving in the U.N. has to be frustrating at times.

John Danforth can hold his head high for his many years of public service. Few who have served so long have earned the respect of so many.