(Sticky Note) And the Political Banner goes UP like a Jolly Roger...
This is probably going to happen more and more often as Election 2012 nears, where I lose my temper and make...less than wise decisions. I don't usually discuss politics because it can get...less than civil...nowadays, and I personally hate it when it gets thrown in my face without warning. So to those of you who liked your blood pressure where it was before you read this entry, you do have my sincere apologies.
I know it's "just politics," but this just riles my temper like nothing else: Rick Perry Questions Intentions of American Diplomats
The Foreign Service does not work like that. It is not a career that you can waltz your way into with a silver tongue, and it is not a career you do for the money or "benefits." It's a calling, and it requires dedication to the notion of serving your country because there is no other way you would spend, on average, four years of your life, to become a career American diplomat. It's long hours, a lot of sacrifices, a lot of paperwork, a lot of frustration, and a lot of prayer that what you do at the end of the day is going to make a difference in the long-run. It's being the civilian equivalent of a military officer because you're handed a Commission and, legally (though not traditionally), the government can post you wherever they need you.
Above all, the Foreign Service does not make foreign policy. American diplomats provide feedback on U.S. foreign policy goals and implement the execution plans of said goals, but they do not set the policy agenda. That happens back in D.C. The real core job of the Foreign Service is consular duty, and that job is looking out for the safety of American citizens wherever they are in the world.
If you're interested in reading more about what the Foreign Service demands of its people, this spouse of a FSO replies to Rick Perry's accusations far more eloquently than I have: I'll Bet I've Met More Diplomats Than Rick Perry Has
I've made this a public post, so that if anyone is interested in learning more about the U.S. Foreign Service, they can ask questions. I am not a FSO myself, but I have held a State Department internship abroad, and intend to become an American diplomat, (so I am very familiar with the standards in the recruiting and application proces). I am also friends with retired, former, and current/active FSOs. Curiosity is encouraged; flaming and trolling will be met with the Bonfire of Not Impressed...or my ninja muses who always need more murder suspects for my stories.
I know it's "just politics," but this just riles my temper like nothing else: Rick Perry Questions Intentions of American Diplomats
The Foreign Service does not work like that. It is not a career that you can waltz your way into with a silver tongue, and it is not a career you do for the money or "benefits." It's a calling, and it requires dedication to the notion of serving your country because there is no other way you would spend, on average, four years of your life, to become a career American diplomat. It's long hours, a lot of sacrifices, a lot of paperwork, a lot of frustration, and a lot of prayer that what you do at the end of the day is going to make a difference in the long-run. It's being the civilian equivalent of a military officer because you're handed a Commission and, legally (though not traditionally), the government can post you wherever they need you.
Above all, the Foreign Service does not make foreign policy. American diplomats provide feedback on U.S. foreign policy goals and implement the execution plans of said goals, but they do not set the policy agenda. That happens back in D.C. The real core job of the Foreign Service is consular duty, and that job is looking out for the safety of American citizens wherever they are in the world.
If you're interested in reading more about what the Foreign Service demands of its people, this spouse of a FSO replies to Rick Perry's accusations far more eloquently than I have: I'll Bet I've Met More Diplomats Than Rick Perry Has
I've made this a public post, so that if anyone is interested in learning more about the U.S. Foreign Service, they can ask questions. I am not a FSO myself, but I have held a State Department internship abroad, and intend to become an American diplomat, (so I am very familiar with the standards in the recruiting and application proces). I am also friends with retired, former, and current/active FSOs. Curiosity is encouraged; flaming and trolling will be met with the Bonfire of Not Impressed...or my ninja muses who always need more murder suspects for my stories.