The Foreign Service Journal, September 2017

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2017 53 actions. It is truly difficult not to become emotionally involved when you know what’s at stake. Therein lies the danger. The entire process is emotionally charged for the adoptive families—from the anticipation of bringing a child into the family, to the financial commitment, to the uncertainties of a long and complex procedure in a foreign country. But it is also an emotional experience for the consular officer overseeing the case. Emotions can cloud judgment, making officers more willing to overlook potential problems. Certainly, the temptation exists to approve an adoption case to fulfill a family’s dreams. When confronted with wrongdoing or malfeasance, a differ- ent set of emotions comes into play. Many of us might prefer to confront a flawed policy with either resentment or apathy. But such feelings distort the message and ultimately undermine the legitimacy of a reasoned and constructive dissent. Had I responded emotionally, it is doubtful I could have changed any- thing about adoptions in Uganda. Still, I found the process of dissent itself emotionally draining. Like others before me, I worried about the ramifications of my actions. Would I have the ambassador’s support? Would Wash- ington block me from future jobs because I openly voiced my criticisms? In the end, to do the right thing, I had to push aside these concerns. I had to rely on the facts in front of me, as we all must if we are to do our jobs correctly. Difficult as it was for me to take this path, I know it was the correct one. The messages of support I received from colleagues around the world are sufficient proof that dissent remains a criti- cal part of our profession, and that we must all have the courage to speak out when the evidence is clear. We may be filled with unfamiliar or contradictory emotions in the course of our lives and professional careers, but we should never let them cloud our judgment in deciding what is right. n In the end, to do the right thing, I had to rely on the facts in front of me, as we all must if we are to do our jobs correctly. Take AFSA With You! Change your address online, visit us at www.afsa.org/address Or Send changes to: AFSA Membership Department 2101 E Street NW Washington DC 20037 Moving?