The Foreign Service Journal, January 2010

8 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 0 the problem is political; but it is also cultural. Americans are impatient. We want to see results quickly. Going to war satisfies some sort of need in us. Our media glorify violence, and mock intellect. We must put the hammer back in our toolbox, and start wielding diplo- macy instead. When that paradigm shift happens, then the State Depart- ment will get the recognition, respect and funding it deserves. And perhaps the world will be a safer place. So how do we get there? We need to change the American culture, par- ticularly how it perceives diplomacy. Negotiations need to be seen as “cool,” instead of scoffed at. We must collec- tively agree that the true definition of winning a conflict is to “win the hearts and minds” of our enemies, not merely to vanquish them on the battlefield. Toward that end, the diplomatic profession must do a better job of pro- moting itself. Have you ever heard kids say they want to be diplomats when they grow up? When was the last time you saw a Hollywood block- buster about a helpful U.S. diplomat in a far-off country, or a sitcom or drama set in an embassy? If diplomacy is to hold a place of re- spect in the pantheon of American ideals, it must start promoting itself. Good or bad, that’s howAmerica works. The Defense Department already does this. Count up all the movies, TV shows, video games, books, magazines, etc., celebrating the armed forces. There are a lot of them, and this is no accident. The military has been very deliberate about promoting itself in the American consciousness. In conclusion, I agree with Pres. Johnson’s two suggestions, but feel that a more comprehensive approach is re- quired. Thank you for your work. Vince Santilli Orlando, Fla. A Monument to Diplomacy The suggestion in the November President’s Views column (“Rebrand- ing the Foreign Service”) to construct an outside memorial to diplomacy is wonderful and timely. This site, which I suggest calling the Diplomacy for Peace Memorial, should be located in the vicinity of the LincolnMemorial or Vietnam Memorial, where thousands of visitors will find it each year. I stand ready to contribute the first $100 to- ward its completion. I suggest constructing a marble gazebo whose inside ribs would be en- graved with the names of Foreign Service members who have given their lives in the line of duty. Its benches could be engraved with State Depart- ment and other appropriate symbols, and an eternal flame should shine in the center of the room. Outside, two statues of Marines at guard would pay tribute to their commitment to protect us and to risk their life for us all over the world. Hopefully, President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will agree that the time has come for such a memorial and will set the wheels in motion to create this honor for those who have given their lives in service to their country. Simi- larly, its dedication would be a perfect venue for our political leadership to ac- knowledge the sacrifices our diplo- matic and civilian personnel deployed abroad make. One of the greatest honors I had as a Foreign Service secretary for 21 years was to work on Secretary of State visits to post. My second tour was in Malay- sia, where I served in the Regional Se- curity Office. On the day of my arrival in Kuala Lumpur in 1977, several Japanese Red Army gunmen overran the consular section. After seizing the U.S. consul, the Swedish chargé d’affaires and 50 other hostages, they demanded the re- lease of seven members of their group being held in Japanese jails. During this crisis, I worked closely with the RSO and embassy Marine se- curity guards. A memory I still treas- ure is when, on July 1, 1977, the Marines surprised me with a certificate signed by the entire regiment at post proclaiming me an honorary Marine. Catherine I. Postupack Foreign Service specialist, retired Tamaqua, Pa. ■ L E T T E R S Dear Readers: In order to produce a high- quality product, the FSJ depends on the revenue it earns from advertising. You can help with this. Please let us know the names of companies that have provided good service to you — a hotel, insurance company, auto dealership, or other concern. A referral from our readers is the best entrée! Ed Miltenberger Advertising & Circulation Manager Tel: (202) 944-5507 E-mail: miltenberger@afsa.org You Are Our Eyes & Ears!