The Foreign Service Journal, September 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 / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 5 Lighten the Fiction Since retiring, my appreciation and enjoyment of the FSJ have increased commensurately with my leisure time. In your June “Focus on FS Fiction,” I was delighted to find that Brian Aggeler wields his pen as wickedly when writing prose as when drawing cartoons. However, for the rest of the contributions I have only one word — depressing. Here’s hop- ing for a more balanced selection next summer. Ron Woody FSO, retired Manassas, Va. Honor the Poets among Us One of summertime’s sweet plea- sures is engaging with the Journal ’s fiction issue. But I make the modest proposal that next year’s edition be extended and enriched to include a poetry corner (in addition to the poems the magazine publishes from time to time). The Journal might note in its reminders leading up to the fiction issue this possibility of a poet- ry florescence. Poetry, like prose, enlarges life. As Thomas Carlyle correctly noted, “A vein of poetry exists in the hearts” of us all, and our Foreign Service col- leagues are no exception. Many have ventured into its expressive and evocative language and would, I am certain, welcome the opportunity to share their work as part of the sum- mer fiction issue. Insight, inspiration and humor come to us, when they come, in very different forms. Poetry is one of them, so let’s give it a try. Jerome L. Hoganson FSO, retired Arlington, Va. An Achievable Foreign Policy I appreciated the June article by Gordon Adams, “Fear vs. Hope: u 2400 Virginia Ave., N.W Washington, D.C., 20037 Tel: (202) 293-2000 E-mail: leasingoffice@columbiaplaza.net Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8:00 AM-5:30 PM Sat 10:00 AM-4:00 PM 24 Hour Front Desk Garage Parking Avaliable Controlled Access Potomac River Views Minutes to Fine Dining Newly Renovated Kitchens Directly across the street from Main State, minutes to Kennedy Center and Georgetown Beautiful and Spacious: Efficiencies, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms available for immediate occupancy Utilities Included Complimentary Voice Mail Courtyard Style Plaza Polished Hardwood Floors Private Balconies Huge Walk-in Closets Capital Living With Comfort and Convenience 24 Hour Fitness Center columbia plaza apartments Grand Opening: The Market at Columbia Plaza