The Foreign Service Journal, June 2004

10 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / J U N E 2 0 0 4 L E T T E R S Public Diplomacy or Discretion? I enjoyed the April Speaking Out, “Weakest Link in Our Foreign Policy Arsenal,” by William P. Kiehl. Not fighting for the continued existence of USIA was one of the major mistakes of the Clinton administration. Many of the legislators who joined in the destruction are now moaning about the government’s lack of a means to combat the attacks on the U.S. The State Department, too, watch- ed with a smile while USIA was pulled apart. During 35 years work- ing for the agency, I rarely met an FSO who didn’t despise the very idea of “public diplomacy.” Chiefs of mis- sion and area directors frequently tried to pretend that they took the matter seriously, but their actions in terms of resource priorities belied their words. Most junior officers were more frank. Some of the senior agency officers had the same attitude. Oddly enough, some of the political appointees were more friendly to our work since they actually believed — and attempted to put into action — the words from the top, words that were only meant to put a little poetry into the lives of the USIA officers without changing the fact that the lowliest probationer at State was of more use than all of USIA! The department cannot help itself in this matter. It is old and set in its ways. One of the ways it is set in is, in fact, quite a good one. Discretion is a major part of the soul of a diplomatic organization. But discretion is the very opposite of public diplomacy. On this level everything should be open, every question answered, every comment or attack countered. In this Internet world, we must be ready, willing and able to do so in an entire- ly truthful manner. Only a new ver- sion of USIA will be able to carry this out. A new name, a budget not attached to State’s, officers not trained in A-100 courses, and a director who has made his reputation in fields other than politics, are necessary. Edward P. Dillon USIA FSO, retired Arlington, Va. USAID & Contracting Out I enjoyed the April issue, which included an excellent collection of arti- cles. The article by Ronald Spiers, “To- ward a New U.S.-U.N. Rapproche- ment,” was most constructive and thoughtful. Yet Shawn Zeller’s article on USAID seemed like a “puff” piece for Natsios and Marshall. Getting contract work out to the private sector, knowingly at prohibitive long-term costs to the taxpayer, was the press of political management for the last three decades. At USAID, with staffing downsized and contract over- sight and regulations marginalized, potential for contracting out even more work increased. Management favored open grants or broad contracts to NGOs or other assorted organiza- tions to minimize oversight and responsibility by USAID and involve- ment by local governments. Moreover, the best of loyal, senior and dedicated USAID FSNs were often relegated, overnight, to positions as contract staff under cafeteria or commissary contract employment mechanisms. Today, con- tract warrior employees are considered a politically expedient alternative to high-profile American soldiers in dan- ger zones. As a result, contractors can now earn bigger salaries in hours than GIs guarding them earn in weeks. After 30 years of USAID’s increasing “contracting out,” a change in mentali- ty as well as policy may be more impor- tant than USAID’s current staffing adjustments. Having just rejoined AFSA after many years away, I encourage all retirees to read George Jones’ “Where Have All the Members Gone?” (in AFSA News ). Recruiting others is a laudable goal for us all. After more than 10 years out of the Service, I now realize political admin- istrations thrive on public and profes- sional complacency. I urge all foreign affairs professionals to speak out in whatever forums possible. As a for- mer coordinating member of the State Department “Open Forum,” I am disturbed at how free thinking, constructive criticism and any form of dissent are essentially equated with “treason.” J. Kevin Burke USAID FSO, retired Cape Cod, Mass. Praise for State VP Voice When I open the Journal I turn first to two or three sections. These are my regular reads. Over time I have found myself looking forward to Louise Crane’s VP Voice column as well (monthly in AFSA News ). I find her comments constructive, thought- ful and encouraging. I’ve added her column to my regular reads. I encourage everyone else to do the same. David Casavis Department of Commerce New York, N.Y. AFGE Let Me Down I was much impressed with last year’s June issue devoted to AFSA’s history and its efforts at the beginning of labor/management negotiations more than 30 years ago. There was, however, one aspect of the entire pic- ture that was missing — AFGE, the American Federation of Government Employees. Like many others in the Foreign Service, I had joined AFSA in order to partake of the professional aspects of the Foreign Service. I especially enjoyed the Foreign Service Journal and found the writings informative and illuminating. I had also joined AFGE for help with labor/manage-