The Foreign Service Journal, December 2014

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | DECEMBER 2014 19 over what diplomats say there. How- ever, if Twitter is a digital cocktail party, that’s an untenable position. No one would even consider asking diplomats to pre-clear everything they say to people they meet at public events—let alone to seek press office clearance before starting a conversation with a potential contact. We are paid to know U.S. foreign policy, to present and defend our posi- tions, and to not embarrass ourselves when we open our mouths in public. We are trusted to speak tactfully and to know what topics are best discussed in other settings. Our policy should treat our inter- actions online and in the real world on an even footing. Yes, there will be rare occasions when diplomats speak undiplomatically and, just as when this happens in the real world, those diplo- mats should face consequences. But just as we don’t limit ourselves to talking about the weather at recep- tions, we should be able to present U.S. policy and engage with contacts online. To meet people, we need to show up for the party. n We are paid to knowU.S. foreign policy, to present and defend our positions, and to not embarrass ourselves when we open our mouths in public.