The Foreign Service Journal, May 2005

L E T T E R S 8 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / M A Y 2 0 0 5 and souls of millions, particularly in the developing world. He was a steadfast champion of American val- ues during this protracted struggle, and had proven himself, above all, to be a man of democratic principle and humanitarian caring. I shall always remember, and be most proud of, my father’s decision to put his principles into action and even place his career in jeopardy to protest what still seems to me as the unconscionable lapse of ethical judg- ment of an earlier U.S. administra- tion. He spoke out against the failure to condemn by word or action the slaughter of countless innocents in the East Wing of Pakistan by the rampaging troops of the Pakistan Army in 1971. The rather imperial administration in Washington at that time chose to pursue a strategy of employing Pakistan as a secret back- door to establish detente with China. This strategy did not take into consid- eration the human element and the democratic striving of a people in the face of terror and great odds. My father did not waiver in his convic- tions and spoke out boldly. I think his convictions were vindicated. What began as an aspiration for more democracy became the fulfillment of nationhood for the newly created Bangladesh. I am gratified that, in time, my father was recognized by his peers for his actions on behalf of free- dom and human dignity. I hope that the memory of my father may strengthen the resolve of those who insist on accountability and transparency in governmental deci- sion making — those motivated by reason and conscience, who feel obligated in extreme cases to vigor- ously express their creative and hon- est dissent to policies that could nega- tively affect the future of and interna- tional image of our nation for years to come. To take a principled stand when circumstances call for it is an action that should be celebrated in a democracy, not punished. Peter R. Blood Senior Information Specialist Congressional Research Service Library of Congress The Need for Cultural Centers The first job for Karen Hughes as under secretary for public affairs will be to re-convince the whole world, especially the Middle East, of Ameri-