Though selectmen say the United Nations have good intentions behind what they do, the Board reneged their original vote to observe a proposed United Nations Day.
In a letter to the Board of Selectmen, the United Nations Association of Greater Boston requested that they approve a proclamation and participate in UN Day activities Oct. 24, the 67th anniversary of when the United Nations Charter went into effect. The town would then fly the United Nations flag, encourage model UN simulations at schools and have a display at the library.
Selectmen first approved the proclamation, but decided to re-vote after discussing the current state of the United Nations.
“I don’t think they are living up to their original creed,” said member Robert Kimball. “They aren’t making any effort whatsoever to protect the citizens of the world.”
Selectmen Tim Giblin and Bradford Bramwell agreed.
“I think initially when the United Nations was formed it was formed for a specific purpose and that purpose has not been fulfilled in the last 10 years at least,” Giblin said. “I think their intentions are still there, but I just don’t think that they are as effective as they have been in the past.”
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According to the organization’s official website, the United Nations’ four purposes are to keep peace throughout the world; develop friendly relations among nations; help nations work together to improve the lives of the poor, conquer hunger, disease and illiteracy and to encourage respect for each other’s rights and freedoms; and be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations to achieve these goals.
Selectwoman Mary Steele, who said she did not have as strong an opinion as her peers, suggested the board re-vote. Selectmen Robert Salvo was not present. They then unanimously decided to vote down the proposal, inviting representatives of the United Nations Association to visit the town and discuss their reasoning.