The Foreign Service Journal, October 2006

fair play and justice, our freedom, and our respect for the freedom of others. Let me close by saying that Ameri- can officials sometimes tell foreign travelers that having a U.S. visa only allows them to “knock on the door.” As Americans, we should make sure that what happens after the door opens reflects our ideals. Nothing less will improve our security, enhance the image of the U.S. abroad or increase the odds that we will win the struggle against Islamic terrorism. Richard Sacks is this year’s winner of AFSA’s William R. Rivkin Award for constructive dissent by a mid-level Foreign Service officer. Since joining the Service in 1989, he has served in Panama (where he was political coun- selor), Seoul, Hanoi, Casablanca, Mexico City andWashington, D.C. He currently is deputy director of the Pakistan and Bangladesh office. Prior to joining the Service, he worked as an Associated Press newsman, daily newspaper reporter, and as a World Bank publications editor. He also co- authored Paraguay: The Personalist Legacy (Westview Press, 1991) with Riordan Roett. 18 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 6 S P E A K I N G O U T Home Suite Home The next time you’re going to be in DC for an extended stay, make yourself at home at Georgetown Suites. With our discounted monthly rates and large, comfortable suites, you’ll feel right at home. Plus we’re near the State Department. Call today! Georgetown Suites the fun place to stay in DC 1-800-348-7203 www.georgetownsuites.com sales@georgetownsuites.com Need to Sound the Alarm About Something? Why not write a “Speaking Out” column for the Foreign Service Journal ? “Speaking Out” is your forum to advo- cate policy, regulatory or statutory changes affecting the Foreign Service. These can be based on personal experi- ence with an injustice or convey your hard-won insights into a foreign affairs- related issue. Writers are encouraged to take strong stands, but all factual claims must be supported and documented. Submissions should be approximately 1,500 words in length and should be sent via e-mail to journal@afsa.org. Please note that all submissions to the Journal must be approved by the Editorial Board and are subject to edit- ing for style, length and format. As Americans, we should make sure that what happens after the door opens reflects our ideals.