All of us know of the terrible headlines from Sierra Leone, from Eritrea and Ethiopia, from the Great Lakes, and from Zimbabwe. But there are other stories as well, which should not be forgotten in a depressed funk over today's bad news. Several days ago Nigeria celebrated its first anniversary of return to democratic rule with the election of President Obasanjo. We all know of the depressing headlines reporting the crushing poverty in many African nations. We all have to remember that the same potential exists across this continent.
Leadership is the key.
All citizens should have a say in selecting those leaders. You graduates bear an extra responsibility as successful beneficiaries of the education so vividly described by Mrs. Williams earlier. President Clinton noted that we need neither empty optimism nor groundless cynicism. What we need, he said, is realistic hope. Today, I have realistic hope that the graduates of the Class 2000 can meet the challenges of the future head on.