Reflections

[dearestdiplomat]

Yesterday, there was a private memorial for Manny Coachen at the embassy. I was advised against holding one, but I considered it a gesture to benefit the staff more than Mr. Coachen himself. However, I was one of the very few people in attendance, so perhaps I should have listened to the others

Comments

[stealstruths]

I understand where you're coming from, Ambassador. I mean, I get that people don't like Mr. Coachen for what he did, but when you've spent so much time with someone that you've placed a lot of trust and faith in, it is hard to see them in a completely bad light. He did do some really bad things, that's true, but he also did good things too, especially for you and the embassy.

You can always ask someone for help, y'know. I'd be glad to help you with anything; after all, I figure I'm going to be spending some time there if I want to learn about public relations, right? It'd be a win-win for the both of us - you can get re-organized, and I'll get some education. How 'bout it?

[duck_gimshoe]

Y-yeah, what she said, pal!

[dearestdiplomat]

Thank you so much for the support, Detective Gumshoe! I greatly appreciate it.

[dearestdiplomat]

Thank you so much for understanding, Kay! Your kind words cheered me up today.

You're right. Mr. Coachen and I did spend a lot of time together, and though he was misleading me and didn't see me as a friend, I did think of him as one, and those memories can't simply be erased.

And that's a wonderful idea! I'd be so grateful! It would certainly make work a lot more fun, if we worked together.

1/2

[alphashifu]

I sympathize, ambassador, though the scope of my duties pales compared to yours.

2/2

[alphashifu]

Hey, want to talk about it over a beer?

Re: 2/2

[dearestdiplomat]

Your duties as an agent of Interpol may be quite different from mine, but they certainly are no less far-reaching and essential. I thank you for the sympathy, Agent Lang.

And yes, that would be absolutely delightful! I would be honored to accompany you!

[karmalogic]

I would advise against baring your soul so plain to see in a public weblog. This is not how a leader should behave.

However...your humility may be appealing to some. There are many people in this country who see compassion as a strength.

[dearestdiplomat]

Thank you for being honest with me, Ms. von Karma. I see what you mean, and perhaps you're right in some respects. It's been said I can be too effusive! I'll keep your advice in mind.

As an ambassador, I am a leader of sorts, but I'm no general or head of state. I see myself more as a bridge between two peoples and a servant of both. And for a bridge, it's best to be clear and open.

I must trust in the officials who appointed me and that they made the right choice. Perhaps openness and compassion appealed to them after they saw the result of secrecy and selfishness?

[karmalogic]

After all that's been revealed, you are going to have to win back the people's trust. I suppose being open will help with that. Good thinking, Ambassador.

[dearestdiplomat]

Yes, indeed! One of my most cherished goals is to win back the trust of the people, as the image of our embassy--and by association, our nation's government--has been tarnished in the public eye.

The thought pains me deeply, and I'll do what's necessary to undo the damage that was done.

1/2

[magpie_byrdey]

Um... If it helps, sir, I know how hard it is to sometimes stay optimistic when bad things happen...

2/2

[magpie_byrdey]

But I also think that getting your feelings out and into the open is a healthy thing to do, sir!

[dearestdiplomat]

Thank you so much for the words of sympathy and support. I think I am starting to feel better now that I've spoken of my feelings.

It can be hard to remain optimistic sometimes, can't it? I'm sorry that you know what that's like, but maybe we can look on the bright side--these unfortunate experiences might make us stronger in the long run!

[feymous]

You should be allowed to have a funeral for whoever you want to, no matter how bad a person they were. Funerals are for the living, not the dead.

[dearestdiplomat]

Ah, I suppose you're right! That does make sense. Thank you for your kind words.

Some people objected because it might be seen as honoring a criminal, and the official Cohdopian position is that we should distance ourselves from certain individuals at the embassy who were less than scrupulous. I can see their point.

... Honestly, I don't know if the ceremony made me feel better or worse, but I think I would have regretted not holding one.