Speeches
Remarks by Ambassador Joseph A. Mussomeli, Grand Opening of Swenson's Ice Cream
Sorya Mall, Phnom Penh
November 08, 2007
Today we witness another small milestone in the modern renaissance of Cambodia -- the introduction of one of the first international franchises to Phnom Penh.
I can think of nothing that better demonstrates how far Cambodia has come in so short a period of time as having an internationally-franchised ice cream parlor. It sounds silly and trivial, but when a society can start focusing on things beyond basic needs, you know it is on its way to a happier future. Being able to enjoy small pleasures – and savoring a bowl of ice cream ranks high on my list of small pleasures – is a good indicator of a normal, thriving society.
A few years ago some political analyst started a theory, since debunked, that no country that had a McDonald’s in it ever waged war against another country with that same franchise. I think we should institute a corollary to that political theory, maybe call it the Swensen’s Doctrine or the Ice Cream Manifesto, that stipulates that every country that enjoys good ice cream and has a Swensen’s franchise will inexorably have good and close relations with every other country with a similar franchise.
Now, for the first time, people young and old in Phnom Penh can enjoy the same sundaes, ice creams, sherbets, and toppings that people throughout America have been enjoying since Earle Swensen opened his first store 59 years ago in San Francisco, California.
Congratulations, once again and good luck.
