The Foreign Service Journal, November 2012

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | NOVEMBER 2012 23 Calling Out the Unqualified Nevertheless, ambassadors are still important in a globalized world. There is no substitute for having a person on the ground in nearly every country to protect and promote America’s many interests and run large bureaucratic organizations. While it would be helpful if such officials actually understand the countries to which they are appointed, the damage may not be all that great because of where political appointees tend to be sent. There is value, however, in calling attention to nominations that should not go unchallenged. A standing com- mittee of the American Bar Association rates each judicial nominee as “well qualified,” “qualified” or “not qualified.” A committee of retired ambassadors under the auspices of AFSA or another group, like the American Academy of Diplomacy, could do something similar. The president and the Senate might not care about such pronouncements, but they would at least draw media attention to the truly unqualified. They might also persuade some aspiring amateur diplomats to avoid negative publicity by forgoing such positions. While speaking out won’t end the practice of pay-to-play ambassador- ships, it is still worth doing to underline two key points: Diplomacy is a profes- sion, and Foreign Service officers are, in most cases, the most skilled practitio- ners of that profession. n A time of service…a time of need Help for Seniors May Be Just a Phone Call Away— Home Health Care Adult Day Care & Respite Care Prescription Drug Copayments Transportation to Medical Appointments Durable Medical Equipment For more information, please contact the SENIOR LIVING FOUNDATION OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE 1716 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036-2902 Phone: (202) 887-8170 Fax: (202) 872-9320 E-Mail : info@SLFoundation.org Web Site : www.SLFoundation.org The Senior Living Foundation may be able to help you or someone you know. Some examples of assistance are: SPONSORED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION