Isn't it a good thing that the Trump administration is starving agencies and failing to hire people? We need to pay for security at Mar-a-Lago and protect his family while they shill around the world for the family business.
1
It seems that the editorial board of The New York Times claims...that a business man, even a high profile, successful one like Tillerson, does not possess the knowledge or personal experience to understand the intricacies involved of a government bureaucracy like the State Department. So, I guess my question for the all-knowing, frequently and predictably judgmental members of the Editorial Board of The New York Times would be this: How many of you have the personal work experience in The State Department to justify our accepting your judgement about Tillerson? Comparatively speaking, it seems to me that a CEO of a Fortune 500 company probably knows a little more about how to operate in a difficult world than a handful of journalists who sit around a conference table and dissect the efforts of others.
1
What are our President's most prominent characteristics?
Stupidity and ignorance, of course, as any schoolchild could tell you.
Is it any wonder that such a President would have an administration noteworthy for its incompetence?
It would be a miracle if this were not so!
Stupidity and ignorance, of course, as any schoolchild could tell you.
Is it any wonder that such a President would have an administration noteworthy for its incompetence?
It would be a miracle if this were not so!
4
The incomplete staff at State is a simple reflection of the incompetence of the Secretary and the President. Neither of them recognizes the exceptional importance to US security and the security of the world that having a full staff of experts entails. Trump and Tillerson were both CEOs of businesses that are much simpler than the vast complexity of running the US government. But neither of them, as managers, ever had the need to rely on such expertise, so they don't have a clue how to use it.
A simple tellling example. The recent minor commotion related to Duterte exhibits the gross inability of the Trump/Tillerson clown act to rely on experts. In my circle of family and friends, people who rely on social media and broadcast, just as Trump does, don't even know who Duterte is!!!! So Trump has no clue who Duterte is, but proceeded to have a "friendly" conversation with him and invited him the the US. Never mind the ridiculous inferences about Trump cozying up to powerful killers, Trump didn't even know who he was talking to. The sheer incompetence of a President to make a mistake like this without first consulting with experts at State is dumbfounding! He doesn't even know that he needs the experts or even how the mistake came to pass. SAD!
A simple tellling example. The recent minor commotion related to Duterte exhibits the gross inability of the Trump/Tillerson clown act to rely on experts. In my circle of family and friends, people who rely on social media and broadcast, just as Trump does, don't even know who Duterte is!!!! So Trump has no clue who Duterte is, but proceeded to have a "friendly" conversation with him and invited him the the US. Never mind the ridiculous inferences about Trump cozying up to powerful killers, Trump didn't even know who he was talking to. The sheer incompetence of a President to make a mistake like this without first consulting with experts at State is dumbfounding! He doesn't even know that he needs the experts or even how the mistake came to pass. SAD!
7
What Mr Tillerson needs to realize is that, after his display of reckless irresponsibility, the judgement and managerial capacity of no oil executive ought to be taken seriously, ever again.
2
Tillerson is turning out to be the typical wimpy CEO who doesn't do much layered management. Another Trump failure! I would have thought he would have run for the hills a bit ago given the amount of dirt Trump has kicked up at him. Turns out he is just another silver spoon guy like Pence....with his ah shucks comments at the ready.
6
This sounds like a miniature version of the administration. Cocooning himself with top aides, not filling key positions and not knowing the ropes of gov, Mr. Tillerson seems to be aping his boss.
Like other members of trump's cabinet, the Secretary has no clue how to run a gov agency. With trump going off constantly with conflicting and bizarre statements, this is no time for the State Dept to be run by an amateur. He may have been a successful corporate executive but the gov is not run like a business to which trump and Tillerson are finding out. To his credit, he did ask for Elliot Abrams to be his top aide which thin-skinned trump vetoed.
The State Dept is comprised of dedicated individuals who work hard and deserve an administration that supports them.
Like other members of trump's cabinet, the Secretary has no clue how to run a gov agency. With trump going off constantly with conflicting and bizarre statements, this is no time for the State Dept to be run by an amateur. He may have been a successful corporate executive but the gov is not run like a business to which trump and Tillerson are finding out. To his credit, he did ask for Elliot Abrams to be his top aide which thin-skinned trump vetoed.
The State Dept is comprised of dedicated individuals who work hard and deserve an administration that supports them.
3
What is REALLY going on with this arrogant, detached, WILLFULLY UNINFORMED IGNORANT MAN?!? Three months ago I would have scoffed at the notion that Tillerson is all part of Putin's plan. I can no longer dismiss such theories as too bizarre to be true.
6
Tillerson may have been an effective CEO, but he is out of his depth as Secretary of State. Even if he were a total international relations maven, he would still need a considerable support staff just to keep up with the day-to-day job.
So now he is flying solo, and it shows. His public statements are rare and cartoonish. He might as well be some guy on a bar stool. Surely he knows that he needs help.
But it seems that Trump thinks all international relations are transactional between big shots. No analysis needed. It is a dangerous, losing strategy.
So now he is flying solo, and it shows. His public statements are rare and cartoonish. He might as well be some guy on a bar stool. Surely he knows that he needs help.
But it seems that Trump thinks all international relations are transactional between big shots. No analysis needed. It is a dangerous, losing strategy.
8
No need to worry. There are not many issues facing the US. He can start staffing as soon as the bullets start flying inn Korea, Europe etc.
1
I agree with the Editorial Board. I suppose the Trump administration could be like the Bush administration in minimizing the importance of State. Condoleeza Rice could do little.
I think Tillerson was brought on because of his interactions with Russia. The Trump relation with Russia has collapsed. So now Tillerson is in the position of having to learn how to build a Department of State. It's all beyond the meager intelligence of Trump supporters. But Tillerson's speech today was not all that bad. So maybe we'll get somewhere.
I think Tillerson was brought on because of his interactions with Russia. The Trump relation with Russia has collapsed. So now Tillerson is in the position of having to learn how to build a Department of State. It's all beyond the meager intelligence of Trump supporters. But Tillerson's speech today was not all that bad. So maybe we'll get somewhere.
1
They are going to get much better but that will take a little time. You have a real leader who knows how to re-engineer things and is not just going to spend money for whatever.
He is an opportunistic elite oil man.
Doesn't care about us just enriching himself.
Ignorant of public policy that uplifts .
Will head us toward continued " endless War On Terror" miasma.
Doesn't care about us just enriching himself.
Ignorant of public policy that uplifts .
Will head us toward continued " endless War On Terror" miasma.
4
The diplomatic and therefore image of America is missing from the facade of America all over the world. It is well known that Trump does not want anyone but himself as foreign representative. Therefore, the role of Secretary of State is almost an honorary role. Tillerson is not the person for that role-but no one in America is the person for that role.
The American congress must right the role of the State Department by doing some in depth analysis and insisting that State Department have a more leading role in the affairs of the state of America.
The current situation is filled with hazards-with only Trump and Pence doing foreign affairs and Tillison just filling in as needed. If Trump continues to make waves with his ignorance about foreign affairs America is in a dangerous place in the world. Already, Trump on purpose, has stripped State Department of many top persons. That alone should earn him the condemnation of all those who care about the future of America. Yet, not a word in public do we hear.
America is getting what it paid for-an inept and incompetent administration with many flawed Secretariats-not least of which is State.
The American congress must right the role of the State Department by doing some in depth analysis and insisting that State Department have a more leading role in the affairs of the state of America.
The current situation is filled with hazards-with only Trump and Pence doing foreign affairs and Tillison just filling in as needed. If Trump continues to make waves with his ignorance about foreign affairs America is in a dangerous place in the world. Already, Trump on purpose, has stripped State Department of many top persons. That alone should earn him the condemnation of all those who care about the future of America. Yet, not a word in public do we hear.
America is getting what it paid for-an inept and incompetent administration with many flawed Secretariats-not least of which is State.
7
At least we now have a Secretary of State that has some actual accomplishments. Neither Clinton nor Kerry was even remotely qualified to hold the office. Their utterly inept tenures proved that conclusively.
1
I agree he has a very close relationship with Russia, one of the US's major allies.
2
Entropy reigns.
2
NYT can blame any Trump government official being inefficient or inept or inadequate fro the job but let don't forget one truth
That bar set by Trump so low , not Tillerson anybody walks on the street knows reading and writing can pass it.
That bar set by Trump so low , not Tillerson anybody walks on the street knows reading and writing can pass it.
3
Tillerson is not qualified to do this job.....no experience in the US Government.
He should simply retire...and let someone else take over....
He should simply retire...and let someone else take over....
6
all those folks in the header pic look like therye on their way to the electric chair
when its really you who are on their way to doom
3
That photo: either someone just died, or they are about to have a lottery drawing for places in the fallout bunker. At this rate, I'd pick option two.
5
The auto corrector misspelled Reid rather than Reif
It is part of "starve the beast".
The appointment of Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon Mobil, perfectly illustrated who the Republican U.S. Government means when it says "our interests" overseas: corporate oil.
We do not have a democracy of, by, and for the people in the United States. We have a plutocracy of and for only greedy corporations now known as "citizens" united.
We do not have a democracy of, by, and for the people in the United States. We have a plutocracy of and for only greedy corporations now known as "citizens" united.
16
There is not a single member of this administration who is not using their position to enrich themselves and their friends.
To paraphrase .....never have so few,stolen so much, from so many.
This group makes Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall look like choirboys.
To paraphrase .....never have so few,stolen so much, from so many.
This group makes Boss Tweed and Tammany Hall look like choirboys.
19
Unlike Clinton as Secretary of State. The woman and her husband were shameless exploiters of her position. And lets not forget she gave Russia control of US uranium while they gave her "charity" millions. Talk about corrupt.
3
Tillerson plans to cut 26% of the State Department budget and fire 2,300 people. The Trump Doctrine is evidently "Forget human values in America and Abroad." No one will want to work for the State Department. Traditionally it has brought in some of the top minds and the greatest talents in government, who face the challenging job of representing the country abroad, negotiating and navigating the changing currents of global dynamics, politics, and issues. All of this is being abandoned by this CEO who really only cares about his big business and its past and future profits, and by Trump whose No. 1 concern is his profiteering as well as his bombing for entertainment. A generation or more of talent and expertise will be lost. The US will get involved in unnecessary wars, possibly WWIII. Never before was this country an authoritarian military regime but between all the generals around Trump, his own ignorant aggression and bullying tactics as well as fascist tendencies, and the lack of respect for international relations and allies, that is where this is heading. He cozies up to the worst dictators in the world, and insults our long-time friends and allies, being played like a fool. Tillerson is no better.
This is sickening, as is almost everything connected with the Trump Administration. Every secretary seems to be charged with the destruction of his or her department, regardless of the harm it does to the United States internationally or domestically. Zeros unite.
This is sickening, as is almost everything connected with the Trump Administration. Every secretary seems to be charged with the destruction of his or her department, regardless of the harm it does to the United States internationally or domestically. Zeros unite.
A clue-less president is bound to appoint equally clue-less individuals like Tillerson to manage governmental affairs. Every time I see Tillerson on TV he looks like he would be happy anywhere else but where he is at the moment. Can we afford such an empty suit as Secretary of State?
10
Heck, 55% of the nation deserves better! Still, trump and his stooges are in control at every level and in most states. I have discovered, however, that once I accept that I've given up on this country doing anything worthwhile for the foreseeable future, I am more serene.
4
Due respect to NYT, this editorial is sort of a last straw for me. Newspapers and some electronic media are doing good and necessary work to match the challenge of this particular time in our history, but they always come right up to it then veer away. It is not that Tillerson should do a better job with the state department in the face of an erratic and inexperienced president who wants to cut back government. It's that the president should be removed from the White House. Tillerson's travails are 5% of the larger problem that have no prospect of change in a mentally ill man who is an empty, incurious, and inarticulate bully. Change is not going to happen. Stop with the editorials about the symptoms. Put it in an editorial on the front page: the president needs to be removed from office. It will be met with anger and ridicule by some, but it will start the conversation.
19
Of all departments that serve the United States, this is one that requires strong leadership with a clear path to follow. Geez, when will this nightmare of an administration be gone? Okay, let us start with impeachment, then.......
10
This is great! we have a real estate dealer who has done nothing of any significance outside of the real estate world as President, and an Oilman who has done nothing other than oil in his life as our Chief Diplomat! What could possibly go wrong? Let us not forget those 62 million ignorant souls who have put us in this enviable!! situation. Dream on guys, dream on!
12
One has to wonder what the mission of the State Department under Tillerson is, because from observation it is indeed questionable.
It has no teeth and from its past it seemed to be active in policy often taking initiative but in meetings with Trump admiistration where they should have had a presence they did not.
Honestly, seeing Tillerson where he did go abroad made me wonder if he was securing oil rights for Exxon instead of being engaged with the problem areas this administration is toying with.
I see no world view in word, deed or action. It is time to question motives here and ultimate goals for the DOS.
It has no teeth and from its past it seemed to be active in policy often taking initiative but in meetings with Trump admiistration where they should have had a presence they did not.
Honestly, seeing Tillerson where he did go abroad made me wonder if he was securing oil rights for Exxon instead of being engaged with the problem areas this administration is toying with.
I see no world view in word, deed or action. It is time to question motives here and ultimate goals for the DOS.
8
anyone still working in any capacity for the fed govt is complicit in the crimes committed and to be committed by the trump gang of crims
not to mention how can you live w yourself enabling a madman to destroy the country your progeny will have to live in
4
If Tillerson was taking over an oil corporation, he would have his staff in place by now.
As long as everyone keeps measuring the Trump administration like other administrations, you will miss the entire story.
This is not incompetence. (Although it is true that running a business really has little to do with running a government, despite decades of propaganda.) They are doing exactly what they mean to do, dismantle every part of the government that is not the military, surveillance, or law enforcement.
These people are all anti government and every cabinet Secretary had been picked precisely because they hate that part of government.
They want to turn over all functions to corporations that will do nothing but covert middle class taxes to profits. All government property will be sold off.
Look at what they have done to the U.S. Postal Service, which is in the constitution, and made this country possible. They made it finance it's pensions and healthcare 75 years into the future (which no other entity does), and used the budget hole as an excuse to give Staples their business, but without the union employees. They are also selling off the best off the classic post office buildings. Trump even has a hotel in one.
Stop the looting.
As long as everyone keeps measuring the Trump administration like other administrations, you will miss the entire story.
This is not incompetence. (Although it is true that running a business really has little to do with running a government, despite decades of propaganda.) They are doing exactly what they mean to do, dismantle every part of the government that is not the military, surveillance, or law enforcement.
These people are all anti government and every cabinet Secretary had been picked precisely because they hate that part of government.
They want to turn over all functions to corporations that will do nothing but covert middle class taxes to profits. All government property will be sold off.
Look at what they have done to the U.S. Postal Service, which is in the constitution, and made this country possible. They made it finance it's pensions and healthcare 75 years into the future (which no other entity does), and used the budget hole as an excuse to give Staples their business, but without the union employees. They are also selling off the best off the classic post office buildings. Trump even has a hotel in one.
Stop the looting.
8
Tillerson isnt gonna fill key State dept positions until he feels he has a firm grasp of the department and perhaps the true lay of the pieces in terms of global political board, for fear of being outshone or critiqued, say, the way Bannon tried to co-opt Trump. It is you typical corporate CEO master of the universe mentality that continues in complete denial of the support system and people keeping him on top of things.
5
What else would you expect from a man like Tillerson? He's a product of his environment: Large corporate CEO's. Corporations are always looking to get the job done with fewer people. Maybe he will follow the usual pattern of outsourcing jobs to makeup for the shortfall in staff just like no-bid contracts handed out by Dick Cheney to former corporations they ran to "save" on expenses. Maybe current U.S. embassies will be converted to Exxon/Mobile gas stations run by the ambassadors who retain their positions as long as they meet sales goals.
8
Exactly, they will outsource the state department to global corporations, just like they have outsourced most of the military, and even the National Security Agency.
6
Secretary Tillerson is five times the adult that Hillary and her ''personal lawyers'' hiding her crimes pretended to be.
One of those is going to come out with a tell-all... or disappear while trying.
One of those is going to come out with a tell-all... or disappear while trying.
3
Yes yes one of the never ending investigations is eventually going to turn up something. Failing that alternative facts can created.
2
Ah, dismantling diplomacy in favor of weapons. Trump's enablers helping out the wannabe dictator in chief.
Dangerous and wrong. As Churchill (not a pacifist, mind you) said:
"Jaw jaw is better than war war."
Dangerous and wrong. As Churchill (not a pacifist, mind you) said:
"Jaw jaw is better than war war."
11
I liked James Mattis' comment to the Senate when he was asked about the State Department. His response "If you cut the State Department funding, you need to increase my budget to buy more ammo".
27
thats exactly what trump is doing, too
6
The people in the photo look like they're attending a funeral. Perhaps they are.
23
The State Department is one of the first victims of Trump's dictatorship. The depression and sadness in the faces in the photograph reflect this new Trump reality. Requiem for a lost country. Elegy for diplomacy, democracy, human values and civility.
6
Everyone just relaaaaaaax.
The State Department is working very hard to find the right way to remove sanctions on Russia so Exxon can drill baby drill.
Wait... is this not what we're all expecting?
The State Department is working very hard to find the right way to remove sanctions on Russia so Exxon can drill baby drill.
Wait... is this not what we're all expecting?
8
money was always the mission
all that other stuff just a distraction
2
The reality is that political appointees allow the Executive Branch to actually function. Unless appointed to a political position, civil servants do not have executive function. Mr. Tillerson is quite aware of this from his tenure in the private sector. Exxon Mobil is not a mom and pop shop like the Trump Organization is. He is to be commended for swatting away some of the grossly unqualified appointees that the President tried to get him to accept, but, as the article points out, the longer he waits to get an executive team in place, the more crippled American diplomacy-- at a time it is needed.
4
Rex Tillerson didn't even want the job. His wife told him to take it. That in itself speaks volumes about Rex Tillerson.
5
If he was again president of a giant multinational, the fact that major decisions about staffing were not being made would be an outrage and shareholders would start wondering if they made a good choice. If he goes to another country and does not meet with the multinational's senior officers it would also be a serious failure. Why would he do this which would be bad management in any organization? Because he, like his boss, has a fundamental unreasonable hatred for any government and this will be popular with the White House clique. The foreign policy disaster of this administration is just beginning to unfold.
8
Having career experts in senior positions may be better for the country and even the administration than filling those positions with political appointees who may well be less qualified or, worse, may inhibit the flow of information needed by the Secretary or he President. When I worked at the Department in the 1970's no more than a handful of senior officials were political appointees, though there were a larger number of political appointees who were ambassadors, usually at pleasant posts. Political appointees can excellent, but there is sure no guarantee of that
2
To some extent this is true, Chip, but whether career or political in origin, the Assistant Secretaries - especially those heading up the major regional bureaus - need to be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Foreign Ministers of small and medium countries meet with our Assistant Secretaries as their counterpart, and they are not going to have confidence in what a designated temporary place-holder says (if foreign protocol even allows them to engage.)
Look at Exxon's model for total loyal from its employees selected early and paid well. Understand how beneficial to Tillerson to have no independent "witnesses" anywhere in his way.
Egregious! His conduct egregious!
Egregious! His conduct egregious!
3
The fact is that the 200 positions cited in your editorial are being "filled" temporarily by capable career professionals -- civil and foreign service -- who are more talented, informed, skilled and experienced than any outside political hacks who might be installed in the same positions by virtue of the size of their campaign contributions or who they "know" at the White House. These are people of unquestioned loyalty and devotion who serve the country irrespective of who sits in the Oval Office.
The NYT suggests that this is all Mr. Tillerson's fault. That somehow Mr. Tillerson does not want these positions filled. I'd reckon that Mr. Tillerson is actually glad to have such competent people serving directly under him.
There is of course another factor to consider, and that is this: that between those competent insiders and political donors with ties to the administration (a) who have seen Mr. Trump in action for the last 100 days and have decided to preserve their reputations and not serve, and (b) those who might have been selected had they not criticized our "commander in chief" on the pages of their social media accounts and are thus banned, there simply are not 200 people to be found.
The NYT suggests that this is all Mr. Tillerson's fault. That somehow Mr. Tillerson does not want these positions filled. I'd reckon that Mr. Tillerson is actually glad to have such competent people serving directly under him.
There is of course another factor to consider, and that is this: that between those competent insiders and political donors with ties to the administration (a) who have seen Mr. Trump in action for the last 100 days and have decided to preserve their reputations and not serve, and (b) those who might have been selected had they not criticized our "commander in chief" on the pages of their social media accounts and are thus banned, there simply are not 200 people to be found.
5
The fact is that the 200 positions cited in your editorial are being "filled" temporarily by capable career professionals -- civil and foreign service -- who are more talented, informed, skilled and experienced than any outside political hacks who might be installed in the same positions by virtue of the size of their campaign contributions or who they "know" at the White House. These are people of unquestioned loyalty and devotion who serve the country irrespective of who sits in the Oval Office.
The NYT suggests that this is all Mr. Tillerson's fault. That somehow Mr. Tillerson does not want these positions filled. I'd reckon that Mr. Tillerson is actually glad to have such competent people serving directly under him
There is of course another factor to consider, and that is this: that between those competent insiders and political donors with ties to the administration (a) who have seen Mr. Trump in action for the last 100 days and have decided to preserve their reputations and not serve, and (b) those who might have been selected had they not criticized our "commander in chief" on the pages of their social media accounts and are thus banned, there simply are not 200 people to be found.
The State Department is open for business every day
The NYT suggests that this is all Mr. Tillerson's fault. That somehow Mr. Tillerson does not want these positions filled. I'd reckon that Mr. Tillerson is actually glad to have such competent people serving directly under him
There is of course another factor to consider, and that is this: that between those competent insiders and political donors with ties to the administration (a) who have seen Mr. Trump in action for the last 100 days and have decided to preserve their reputations and not serve, and (b) those who might have been selected had they not criticized our "commander in chief" on the pages of their social media accounts and are thus banned, there simply are not 200 people to be found.
The State Department is open for business every day
2
For their foreign counterparts to have confidence in even the smartest, most capable career officers, those in the very senior positions such as Assistant Secretary (who are essentially the players on the State Dept baseball team, without whom the game can't be played no matter who the Manager is) need to be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
1
It would seem that the present administration has done everything humanly possible to expose the myth that a successful businessman and his cohorts could run circles around seasoned politicians when it came to getting things accomplished and "winning so much that we would get tired of so much winning." Now that the grand experiment has proven that this is nonsense, can we agree never to do this again?
10
No one in the picture looks happy.
7
There exists another plausible reason why these State Department positions remain unfulfilled: there are not enough experienced individuals willing to risk their reputation and careers by associating themselves with the chaotic policy and incompetence of the Trump administration leadership. .
12
Remember when the invasion of Iraq was pending and taking place, and many people who did not believe that Saddam had WMDs kept saying "It's the oil, stupid!" Well, indeed it was, and oil is deeply intertwined in international affairs everywhere. So, without reference to Tillerson former interests with the Russian oil company, or to whatever divestment he's made of his financial investments, having Tillerson as Secretary of State is such a glaring conflict of interest that the real elephant in the room is that he accepted the position at all. I don't want to hear that "he didn't want it". He should have recognized his unfitness for the job and the fact that he didn't was in reality the first deduction from decent government that he has made. And his failure to fill the departmental jobs is not just "laid-back". The corporate agenda for decades has been to reduce government a mere skeleton so that they have to pay less taxes and have less regulations on their profiteering. Mr. Tillerson is nakedly fulfilling the corporate agenda.
3
Remember Tillerson was selected for two bigly reasons: 1) He looked like Donald's idea of a Secretary of State from central casting. 2) Putin liked him very much. Tillerson is unprepared and unqualified and knows it more now than at the beginning. Being vilified is not what Rex is used to so of course he is not filing positions and not interacting with the press because he is deeply ashamed of his lack of expertise. That is why new staff and media and all those who could see his bumbling are not allowed close. Of course this makes him look worse to the whole world. He has no hope of looking better or doing a competent job. Poor old fella. He will go down in history as a Secretary of State look alike with no talent and bad decisions.
8
What a difference the Trump administration is making to the country.
Benjamin Franklin was the U.S. Minister to France as the first American diplomat.
Thomas Jefferson became the next ambassador to France and subsequently the Secretary of State before being elected president.
John Adams was a distinguished diplomat to Holland and to France before becoming president.
Martin van Buren served as Secretary of State and was president.
The great orators Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and William Jennings Bryan were all Secretaries of State.
William Henry Seward was one of the 19th century Secretaries of State.
These and other distinguished figures were all highly qualified and well versed in government and policy. They represented the country honorably.
Like Trump and the majority of his Cabinet and other appointments, Tillerson has no relevant experience or background. He went to Russia, and Exxon-Mobile, his company, asked for waiver of sanctions almost immediately to continue its oil drilling in Russia. Exxon when Tillerson was in charge had lobbied against Russian sanctions.
When will the independent investigation of the Trump campaign's ties with Russia happen?
Holding the State Department hostage, disparaging foreign service personnel who serve often in hostile or unstable conditions, not supporting them financially or with adequate security, and leaving -- for the first time in America's history -- significant gaps in the leadership and department, endangers the country.
Benjamin Franklin was the U.S. Minister to France as the first American diplomat.
Thomas Jefferson became the next ambassador to France and subsequently the Secretary of State before being elected president.
John Adams was a distinguished diplomat to Holland and to France before becoming president.
Martin van Buren served as Secretary of State and was president.
The great orators Henry Clay, Daniel Webster and William Jennings Bryan were all Secretaries of State.
William Henry Seward was one of the 19th century Secretaries of State.
These and other distinguished figures were all highly qualified and well versed in government and policy. They represented the country honorably.
Like Trump and the majority of his Cabinet and other appointments, Tillerson has no relevant experience or background. He went to Russia, and Exxon-Mobile, his company, asked for waiver of sanctions almost immediately to continue its oil drilling in Russia. Exxon when Tillerson was in charge had lobbied against Russian sanctions.
When will the independent investigation of the Trump campaign's ties with Russia happen?
Holding the State Department hostage, disparaging foreign service personnel who serve often in hostile or unstable conditions, not supporting them financially or with adequate security, and leaving -- for the first time in America's history -- significant gaps in the leadership and department, endangers the country.
7
It is obvious, that Tillerson is going to be a massive failure in his current role. He will go back to being an oilman but the country will pay a heavy price for his incompetence and foot-dragging.
7
The State Department, under the Trump Regime, appears to be in a confused version of the old movie, "Dumb and Dumber". Donald Trump knows nothing about Foreign Affairs, nor does he seem to care--except, where there is money to be made for TrumpCo. And, Rex Tillerson, the businessman he brought in--with a medal from Putin, to boot--is also a diplomatic novice. Even his business acumen seems to be lacking--listening to departments is good for motivation; but, right now, Tillerson needs Knowledge, and Wisdom. And FAST!
When SecDef James Mattis heard that the State Budget would be cut by 30%, his first comment was: "I'll need a lot more bullets!" The value of every dollar in the State Budget is worth more than the same dollars spent in just about any other department--including Defense. And what CEO would calmly accept a 30% budget cut calmly, without putting-up a squawk?
Trump and Tillerson, a sure case of "The Blind Leading the Blind!"
`https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
When SecDef James Mattis heard that the State Budget would be cut by 30%, his first comment was: "I'll need a lot more bullets!" The value of every dollar in the State Budget is worth more than the same dollars spent in just about any other department--including Defense. And what CEO would calmly accept a 30% budget cut calmly, without putting-up a squawk?
Trump and Tillerson, a sure case of "The Blind Leading the Blind!"
`https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
3
Judging by the expression of State Dept. personel accompanying the article, if Sec. Tillerson is sincere about his planned "listening tour" he's about to get a searing earful from his maligned and disgruntled staffers.
4
The problem, of course, is Donald Trump. No one can have a bigger job than him. I suspect he'd really like one of his children in the job. It was easy to see from the confirmation hearings that Mr. Tillerson did not have a clue and when he got rebuffed by the vile Mr. Trump from hiring Mr. Abrams as his Deputy, he seemed to shrink away. All of Mr. Trump's choices have been of the lowest form -- an embarrassment for this country. Even Gen. McMaster -- anyone of any worth would have to really think twice about working for Mr. Trump -- they are all suspect.
10
But remember all the money saved on these peoples' salaries will go straight to the State Dept's bottom line.
2
I fear it will go straight to the 1%.
1
I blame the MSM for Tillerson getting away with this. For some reason the MSM, including the liberal leaning MSNBC, have tried to make it seem like we need not fear Trump's erratic manners and pronouncements because there is this stable of sober, sagacious talent that will back stop the president's stupidity.
This editorial should be a wake up call to the MSM to stop normalizing Trump's cabinet in some lame attempt to calm fears about the stability of government.
I mean, the SecDef doesn't know which way the fleet is sailing nor does he care about bombing damage assessments.
The SecTreaus is waving around a one page tax plan that cuts taxes for the rich.
This editorial should be a wake up call to the MSM to stop normalizing Trump's cabinet in some lame attempt to calm fears about the stability of government.
I mean, the SecDef doesn't know which way the fleet is sailing nor does he care about bombing damage assessments.
The SecTreaus is waving around a one page tax plan that cuts taxes for the rich.
8
Would appreciate it if you would consider running several recent submissions which r fairly perceptive and informative, and drawn from personal experienc. First, situtional awareness, or lack thereof of f.s'o.'s whom I worked with at embassies abroad, most of whom did not relate to the populace of the country, not bothering to learn national languages, and in one case,being insensitive to religious "moeurs" in an Islamic country. Also authored 2 comments on Marie le Pen's chances of winning on Sunday, slim to none,and who lacks engaging, rough, albeit tactless charm ,according to many, of her father. Ex soldier in a colonial paratroop regiment during conflict in Algeria,he has a rough charm which can win you over even if u disagreed, which I do with his ideas. His daughter lacks his likeability.Le Pen "pere" even gave me a "briquet" with his image, but "il y avait pas de feu!" Also offered criticism of Mr. Cohen, but gentillement, who missed the boat when it came to reporting dramatic shift in population, social engineering that took place in 1960's and 1970's when rich ,"les grands blancs," wealthy folks, drove "les petits blancs," from Paris centre to gruesome, perilous HLM's "en banlieue!" All of the above are drawn from primary sources, personal experience.Again a case of lack of situationl awareness of RC's part. Thanks for your consideration of the above.
2
Hunh? I think you're responding to the wrong editorial.
3
Actually, the title of this article should have been "America Deserves Better". The arrogance and incompetence of Trump and his appointees is breathtaking. If this is running the American government like a business we are all in for trouble. Can't wait for 2020 if we make it that far.
13
gee, what a surprise. almost everyone that trump has put into office has been a disgrace. the epa is now for big business as are many of the offices that trump has changed. trump really was dumb enough to think that running the largest government in the free world would be as using the shenanigans for running his family company. the man is a flimflam man and the minority bought into it. just remember what he said during the campaign that if shot someone in new york city none of his flock would care; that is the only true thing that this con man has said. so, i am quite surprised that it took this long for the nytimes to make this assessment of tillerson. why not look at the other agencies that he has made a joke of?
8
As long as the state department operates with a skeleton staff, U.S. leadership in the world will continue to shrink.
9
The only cabinet members who appear to be experienced and qualified are have military backgrounds. However, the complexities of the world disorder require delicate diplomatic negotiations not military solutions. Where is John Kerry when we need him?
5
In a logical world, you would be right -- But in Trump's world, military solutions are the new diplomacy.
4
The U.S. State Department is headed by a bumbling neophyte who is in so far over his head that he can't even string together coherent responses to reporters. Under Trump this role would be challenging for the most seasoned of diplomats, with his constant disruptive tweets on issues involving foreign governments. Tillerson may have been gang busters at Exxon Mobil, but right now he is performing on the world stage with a constant "deer in the headlights" face that inspires pity...not confidence.
10
Mr. Tillerson is incompetent in the role that he is being asked to fill and the US will pay a steep price for his tenure at the State Department. Sure, the buck stops with Trump and his regime, but the damage will be the damage -- and some of it may be irreparable in terms of US influence and prestige abroad. It will even effect our economy. The goal is to make the US less important -- not America First, as the regime chimes. The US is just another real estate venture to this group. If it goes "bankrupt" -- well -- stuff happens in Trumpland. And yet, we all politely accept our fate -- no marches with pitchforks and torches like you see in some countries where a dictator is being ousted -- at least not yet. I pray we wake up before its too late. These people mean to destroy our liberal democracy. The NYT pleading editorial is weak sauce for what we need to reverse that
4
It just occurred to me why the president is having so much trouble filling senior government positions - he will only nominate someone who knows less about a given position than he does.
7
" he will only nominate someone who knows less about a given position than he does."
Yeah, and there aren't that many of them.
Yeah, and there aren't that many of them.
2
We all deserve better.
8
One must look at the bright side, the silver lining (as it were). With fewer State Department staff think of the money that'll be saved on salaries. It's probably quite a bit.
The money "saved" on a competent State Department staff, is being spent on flights to and from Mar-a-Lago.
17
Tillereon's famous comment that he didn't think the average American citizen cares about Ukraine reflects what he thinks of anyone below him and it is not reassuring. If it thinks so little of the people he represents what makes anyone think he gives a hoot about the citizens of Ukraine? A secretary of state without compassion may suit Donald Trump's world, but it does not serve America or the world.
11
If Tillerson had any courage, he'd fire anyone above munchkin-status hired post-2008 by the Obama administration. Haven't seen that yet, so why is the NYT Editorial Board in such a tizzy?
If Tillerson had any courage, he would resign. So much for Eagle Scout integrity.
7
Every single Obama political appointee at State is long gone. Civil servants and members of the Foreign service are not hired by the President or anyone in the political machine.
1
Who needs a fully-staffed State Department when there's Twitter???
11
As CEO of ExxonMobil, Tillerson had one mission: To maximize profits for ExxonMobil shareholders. I doubt that his mission has changed as secretary of state.
10
The head of Exon had a meeting with all the gas station employees to decide
how to run the company.
how to run the company.
1
So when Secretary of Defense, Gen. Mattis, said "If State Department funding gets cut, then I need to buy more amunition," Bannon and Trump said, "Okay then?"
http://www.businessinsider.com/mattis-state-department-funding-need-to-b...
http://www.businessinsider.com/mattis-state-department-funding-need-to-b...
6
Not one smiling face in that photo where Rex T addresses State Department employees. Do they know something we don't? The direction America is headed in under Trump is Autocratic and the State Department honchos clearly know that. Their opinions and knowledge are of little consequence when it comes to decisions on how to treat the likes of Kim Jong Un and Rodrigo Duterte. It's gilded invitations and Hershey kisses for both - both madmen and alleged murderers. Charming - and you wonder why they're not smiling?
5
I suspect morale is about as high as when major oil companies merge and folks are waiting to see who is 'redundant'.
6
Given the kinds of appointments that the other Department Heads are making I think that the vacancies may really a blessing.
2
The big question: Why accept a job you clearly have no appetite for nor, apparently, any ideas on how to do it well? His (next to the Attorney General) is the most high-profile cabinet position yet he has been almost invisible since being confirmed. Makes me wonder how he performed at Exxon. Boggles the mind!
7
Dick Cheney called Tillerson "an inspired choice" when he was first announced, but then, Cheney isn't known for his imagination. It's a fascist thing--you wouldn't get it.
I don't understand why anyone needs to look any further than the fact Tillerson was the CEO of Exxon Mobil to grok completely the ridiculousness of his appointment. He's spent his entire adult life profiting hugely from raping the planet and that qualifies him to be the director of our foreign policy? Gee, I wonder why the rest of the world hates us?
I don't understand why anyone needs to look any further than the fact Tillerson was the CEO of Exxon Mobil to grok completely the ridiculousness of his appointment. He's spent his entire adult life profiting hugely from raping the planet and that qualifies him to be the director of our foreign policy? Gee, I wonder why the rest of the world hates us?
11
No body should be fooled by the crocodile tears which have been shed by this administration for human rights and Syrian situation in United nations and the stunt of tough talk about Putin. Expect the Russian sanctions to go quickly in exchange for some so called "deal" on Syria.
6
Of all the persons on the picture, not a single one has even the faintest sign of a smile...
9
Venezuela, we aren't too far behind you.........
3
Get the hook!
3
The best news of this administration Is that their incompetence is our best protection when it comes to domestic policy. I am not as sure that incompetence is going to work as well on the International stage.
7
So here's the real question. Why weren't people concerned about the State Department months ago? -- aside from time spent excoriating Hillary Clinton, that is.
Wasn't it obvious that if Donald Trump won , he'd try to run it himself while of course, knowing everything better than all the foreign service officials and life-long Diplomats.
Along with everything else...
Too late now.
Wasn't it obvious that if Donald Trump won , he'd try to run it himself while of course, knowing everything better than all the foreign service officials and life-long Diplomats.
Along with everything else...
Too late now.
4
Many people, familiar with the Exxon/Tillerson brand of deal-making in impoverished countries with resources for sale by brutish leaders, wondered how his particular skill-set would contribute to making the world a more civilized and peaceful place. A few Democratic legislators ignored their party's strong denunciation of his appointment and fell for the the Alpha Male myth. They were mostly Democrats elected from states with fossil fuel extraction economies. They're still waiting for those coal jobs.
The top unfilled positions are the people who would normally have access to what is actually going on or what Tillerson is doing (on behalf of Exxon/Mobil or otherwise).
Emails, anyone? Well, if there's no one there with high enough clearance to send or get any, then how will America know what Red Tillerson is really doing in and for Russia, the Arctic, and anywhere else Exxon wants to drill.
Emails, anyone? Well, if there's no one there with high enough clearance to send or get any, then how will America know what Red Tillerson is really doing in and for Russia, the Arctic, and anywhere else Exxon wants to drill.
3
1. Given the past failures of the State Department (Libya and Syria front and center), downsizing and deemphasizing the role of the State Department seems like a wise decision.
2. Bemoaning the slow confirmation process while actively cheering the Democrat's effort to slow it down is the height of hypocrisy. That means you.
2. Bemoaning the slow confirmation process while actively cheering the Democrat's effort to slow it down is the height of hypocrisy. That means you.
1
FYI. There's more to the U.S. State Department than the two examples you've managed to come up with -- and trying to deflect this lack of knowledge by blaming the Democrats, won't change the situation.
5
It is quite possible that there are no qualified candidates who want to work in the Trump administration anyway.
6
Secretary Tillerson does not appear to enjoy his new role. He seems to always have a scowl on his face and is a poor communicator. I question how he maintained his business status for so long or if this is a new attitude.
I also wonder how long he will put up with this new responsibility with his zero experience. Maybe a year?
I also wonder how long he will put up with this new responsibility with his zero experience. Maybe a year?
8
And looking at the faces of those surroundng him, it appears that Mr. Tillerson isn't the only unhappy camper.
6
After reading the comments, I wonder what world the contributors think they're living in now. This is the Trump Era, and democratic government is being strategically dismantled. It isn't sloth, incompetence, or ignorance exactly(though there's plenty of it)--it's an agenda for a new world order. Wake up and smell the napalm.
6
Disagree "tout a fait!"Having worked as an interpreter for LS , free lance , for 30 years, and having served in 3 west African countries, first as a Fulbright in Senegal where I lived in an apartment 5 minutes from the Embassy, and 3 years with an ngo sponsored by US AID, I can say that a good percentage of fso's whom I knew seldom rose above the level of a "rond de cuir,"seldom if ever showed an interest in national languages and cultures, and without which one cannot not be an effective representative of the US,and often showed contempt for the citizenry and religious "moeurs!"They tended to remain among themselves, seldom venturing beyond the Embassy comfort zone. Egregious example is an p.a.o. who walked around Dakar wearing a tee- shirt which announced in Wolof,"Amu halis," or I have no money. In a Muslim country that honors "aman," or charity for the poor, this was a profound insult and finally the Ambassador, Mark Johnson if I recall ,a good fellow, told this culturally insensitive fso to cut it out. As I have written, fso and ambassador whom I had the most profound respect for was Christopher Ross, assigned to Algeria in 1990's and who conversed easily both in Kabyle, a Berber language spoken in the mountainous region of the Kabylia,as well as French as third and second languages. "C'etait un vrai chef!"One final point. "Bref,"our foreign policy is not hurt by cuts in staff. On the contrary, decision to pair down may actually be an asset .
4
I love the look on their faces. It screams,"what the heck am I doing here with this idiot!"
7
In answer to your headline query: WHY? Too many past Secretaries of State have demonstrated how it should be done, yet Trump's choices seem to have the same ability as Trump. Very little........ They mostly dwell on the past conduct, or assumed conduct, of Hillary Clinton.
2
I have one minor correction to the op-ed piece. "Temporary hold-overs" don't feel fully empowered, they ARE NOT empowered. I've been in government service, and seen enough "acting" supervisors whose authority was limited to approving time sheets, employee training and not much else.
3
Trump is unwilling to put a functioning gov't together. Tillerson is just not doing a job that is in any way acceptable.
6
If he had been an Exxon employee he would have been fired for incompetence.
3
May 3,2017
Forget the staffing at DOS - we have an ideologue captain of global industry working for a White House Administration has fears science, evolution, women, climate, and trans-everything expect the power for ruling transfer for dominance and military warring authority. When all you need is one DT State and the rest will cut a deal with the golden ruler of the USA all is right with the new and improved Republican party that makes everything greater and yes greater - ode to Sinatra I did it my way.
We may have to set up an off shore improved government in order to take over the inept debacle in the Trump White House, et. al.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
Forget the staffing at DOS - we have an ideologue captain of global industry working for a White House Administration has fears science, evolution, women, climate, and trans-everything expect the power for ruling transfer for dominance and military warring authority. When all you need is one DT State and the rest will cut a deal with the golden ruler of the USA all is right with the new and improved Republican party that makes everything greater and yes greater - ode to Sinatra I did it my way.
We may have to set up an off shore improved government in order to take over the inept debacle in the Trump White House, et. al.
jja Manhattan, N.Y.
2
But this is what the electorate voted for
An America First country with its back turned to the rest of the world
Shut down all treaties from NAFTA to NATO
If we retreat behind our American version of the Chinese Wall we won't need a State Department anything like what we have had
And with Exxon's Tillerson in charge it dovetails with abandoning environmental protection
At least the red states and the majority of white voters who voted Trump should be rejoicing.
An America First country with its back turned to the rest of the world
Shut down all treaties from NAFTA to NATO
If we retreat behind our American version of the Chinese Wall we won't need a State Department anything like what we have had
And with Exxon's Tillerson in charge it dovetails with abandoning environmental protection
At least the red states and the majority of white voters who voted Trump should be rejoicing.
3
If an embassy staff member is harmed under Mr. Trump, is Hillary going to be blamed?
6
I do not envy my colleagues at State. Their survival may well be the test for the survival of the Civil Service system.
1
At first, large numbers of those holding Ambassadorial positions and others, were asked to quit. Now, we see many key positions remain vacant.
If, Mr. Tillerson thinks he can run the State Dept as he did the oil company, he is dead wrong. From the time he was appointed Secy of State, he has been struggling to properly occupy the Office. He has been half-hearted in attending strategic location meetings. This has left our key partners with questions. Mr. Tillerson does not believe in having members of the Press join him going to any meetings outside the US.
Members of the State Dept, both at home and abroad play an important role.
Those representing our country at various embassies and consulates, are on the front line. From the position of Ambassador and down to the rank and file, they all focus in promoting and representing our country's image outside our shores. Whether it is an American citizen seeking assistance in a foreign country, or visitors applying for a visa are routine functions.
There are more critical functions and responsibilities, representatives of the State Dept handle, at home and outside. The Sec of Defence has said that if the State Dept has to cut down its operational budget, then, the budget for military spending must fill in the gap.
Complex issues wait the participation and involvement of our State Dept. For the Secy of State to conduct a Manning Guide evaluation at this stage, does not make sense, and makes this vital agency unimportant.
If, Mr. Tillerson thinks he can run the State Dept as he did the oil company, he is dead wrong. From the time he was appointed Secy of State, he has been struggling to properly occupy the Office. He has been half-hearted in attending strategic location meetings. This has left our key partners with questions. Mr. Tillerson does not believe in having members of the Press join him going to any meetings outside the US.
Members of the State Dept, both at home and abroad play an important role.
Those representing our country at various embassies and consulates, are on the front line. From the position of Ambassador and down to the rank and file, they all focus in promoting and representing our country's image outside our shores. Whether it is an American citizen seeking assistance in a foreign country, or visitors applying for a visa are routine functions.
There are more critical functions and responsibilities, representatives of the State Dept handle, at home and outside. The Sec of Defence has said that if the State Dept has to cut down its operational budget, then, the budget for military spending must fill in the gap.
Complex issues wait the participation and involvement of our State Dept. For the Secy of State to conduct a Manning Guide evaluation at this stage, does not make sense, and makes this vital agency unimportant.
3
As an enlightened progressive, we need more of this please. There's nothing worse than when one of our own gets the shaft. It doesn't matter if it's a six figure media personality, a celebrity, the wife of a former president who's running for her turn, a whiny student at an elite university who's having a tantrum, or an upper level GS-15 government employee at the Department of State - these people need all the media empathy we can give.
And as to those thousands of people getting shot in Chicago and other urban areas, those religious minorities being persecuted in the Middle East, or blue collar people getting the shaft because they can't compete with overseas and undocumented labor? Let's work on not hearing so much about them. They're just too different, and hard for us to relate to. Plus, they're used to being ignored and living a hard life, and now they have Trump to speak for them.
And as to those thousands of people getting shot in Chicago and other urban areas, those religious minorities being persecuted in the Middle East, or blue collar people getting the shaft because they can't compete with overseas and undocumented labor? Let's work on not hearing so much about them. They're just too different, and hard for us to relate to. Plus, they're used to being ignored and living a hard life, and now they have Trump to speak for them.
2
It's time to rethink the American practice of having so many purely political appointees in government departments. In other countries, department leaders do not change automatically with the change of government. In Germany, in its ministries, the minister and the two parliamentary state secretaries change. Two other state secretaries and many other sub-officials stay in office. It helps bring continuity to government.
4
Germany also has the advantage of having more than two political parties representing the People.
1
Trump didn't want Senator Corker, because he wasn't tall enough.
The Secretary of State needs to understand government and foreign policy. The Secretary of State must be able to articulate the president's policy, Tillerson might have great management skills, but he isn't exhibiting them, and he certainly isn't articulating anything.
The Secretary of State needs to understand government and foreign policy. The Secretary of State must be able to articulate the president's policy, Tillerson might have great management skills, but he isn't exhibiting them, and he certainly isn't articulating anything.
5
Some of the Trump administration's actions show ineptitude. Others -- in particular, the staff reductions at the State Department and the EPA -- seem to demonstrate the intention to consolidate power in fewer hands. How better to stifle internal dissent than by minimizing headcount?
Trump's initial budget proposal, combined with his frequent ill-advised and contentious utterings, telegraph this administration's objectives. When you slash funding for the nation's diplomatic body (and for the arts and sciences, healthcare, Meals on Wheels, and the list goes on) but tremendously increase spending for the military, you're looking for, or at least not avoiding, conflict. Tillerson may prove to be either too much of a newbie, too ineffectual, or too complicit to alter that course.
Trump's initial budget proposal, combined with his frequent ill-advised and contentious utterings, telegraph this administration's objectives. When you slash funding for the nation's diplomatic body (and for the arts and sciences, healthcare, Meals on Wheels, and the list goes on) but tremendously increase spending for the military, you're looking for, or at least not avoiding, conflict. Tillerson may prove to be either too much of a newbie, too ineffectual, or too complicit to alter that course.
4
Tillerson had started filling positions. He selected Elliot Abrams who would have been a good choice coming with valuable experience but Trump nixed it. Tillerson may not be filling slots because he knows Trump won't approve them.
2
I am an immigration attorney and I am in the process of winding down my practice. We still have cases where we are trying to secure visas from the state department. All immigration cases go through a two-step process of approval through USCIS and then once a visa is available the state department grants said visa. Up to the ascendancy of the Trump Administration, State Department processing was efficient and transparent. Most of the time we had answers within 30 days and email requests were responded to promptly. We now have applications pending at the state department for months and we receive no information from them nor responses to our e-mail request. If this is how the Tillerson State Department is addressing the rest of the world's problems, then we are in deep, deep, trouble.
6
There are state department employees around the world who cost an arm and a leg to maintain - private American schools for their kids at astounding cost, accommodation in super high-rent neighborhoods, paid travel for the entire family and much more - and do little work that would fall under the "critical to state" category, at least by my estimation. Typically the work seems to involve generic information dissemination and gathering, local business liason, event management and the like. Eventually, the tax payer absorbs these large costs. Streamlining the department in a judicious way to cut the "nice to haves but not necessarily essential" may be called for. That said, clearly the meaningful roles need to be filled.
2
Your first sentence applies perfectly for the entire Trump clan, all of whom currently live on the taxpayer dime.
"Accommodation in high-rent neighborhood(s), paid travel for the entire family, do little work, (fake) information dissemination," go to private school (Barron), travel to England to sue a paper for defamation (Melania), and, let's not forget, the Secret Service for Don, Jr. to hunt endangered species, "visit" Uruguay, etc.
Don't forget Mr. AND Mrs. Pence and their daughter because Mike can't go anywhere alone without his minders, "Mother," and his babysitter, all of whom we pay for. God forbid he has to meet a woman somewhere.
State Department employees we can probably afford as taxpayers. The Trump Clan? Not much longer.
"Accommodation in high-rent neighborhood(s), paid travel for the entire family, do little work, (fake) information dissemination," go to private school (Barron), travel to England to sue a paper for defamation (Melania), and, let's not forget, the Secret Service for Don, Jr. to hunt endangered species, "visit" Uruguay, etc.
Don't forget Mr. AND Mrs. Pence and their daughter because Mike can't go anywhere alone without his minders, "Mother," and his babysitter, all of whom we pay for. God forbid he has to meet a woman somewhere.
State Department employees we can probably afford as taxpayers. The Trump Clan? Not much longer.
4
I wonder how all this foot-dragging on top appointees will affect the corps of government workers in the long term. Each administration's appointees not only fulfill important positions but become the bullpen and leaders of future administrations. By not filling these positions or by filling them only with extreme loyalists, no matter how incompetent, President Trump may be harming the US government for years and decades to come.
5
Let's face facts: one of the primary reasons why Rex Tillerson is so slow in recruiting key appointees -- other than his own inexperience -- is because, way back at the beginning of the presidential campaign, most competent Republican foreign policy experts balked at the prospect of a Trump administration, and even declared in writing that they would never work for him. That has left Tillerson to pick and choose among a remaining cadre that is not as well-qualified or politically reliable. Of course, it's easy to nominate a big donor for an Ambassadorship to a paradise post, or more to the point, a washed up National Security staffer to an Ambassadorship on the other side of the world, but when it comes to filling key posts that require a certain specialized knowledge, in most cases either the ideal candidates don't want Trump or Trump doesn't want them (viz. Elliott Abrams). Tillerson would do well to start trusting the professionals in the building he is supposed to be running, and to promote them to the jobs they are already doing. Absent that, we are all in for a long dark night at the Department of State.
2
Possibly, just possibly, we do not need to think of the United States being so politically active in the affairs of other peoples. I can understand being commercially active internationally, but whether we need to be involved in presidential elections from Honduras to Namibia to Latvia should be questioned.
Adding deliberately to the State Department may be proper policy.
Adding deliberately to the State Department may be proper policy.
2
The smart thing would have been to keep all personnel until replacements were ready to slide in. Since everyone in trump's cabinet is ignorant of the day-to-day workings of the departments they have been charged to lead, we can expect that our government will not adequately meet the challenges that will come along in the next months. Sadly, we have become a member of the disfunctional republics we have often shown contempt for.
9
"Smart" has never been something that's figured in this administration -- especially when the person in charge is hell-bent on eviscerating every last shred of evidence of his predecessor, regardless of the effects it might have on the country's ability to operate.
3
Rex Tillerson, the Exon Oil Barron and recipient of a Russian medal, presented to him by none other than Vladimir Putin himself. Is it just a coincidence that Tillerson is now the United States Secretary of State, appointed by another Putin puppet, Donald Trump? How many more people inside the Trump Administration are being manipulated by Putin? (Those destined to fill the vacant positions at State are probably be investigated and vetted by Putin's people as we speak.)
6
Yes, a preponderance of evidence exists that we are coopted , but worse, we are accepting that status quo blithely. An uninformed citizenry along with financial interests have not stood up for their interest in remaining the American democracy.
This is how many things in life are lost...with a whimper.
Go to Ann Applebaum for more on the subject.
She's traditional center right but cannot abide what we're witnessing.
This is how many things in life are lost...with a whimper.
Go to Ann Applebaum for more on the subject.
She's traditional center right but cannot abide what we're witnessing.
5
For all the chest beating about destroying ISIS and preventing terrorism, nothing puts us in danger's path more than eroding our diplomacy. I don't work in govt myself, but have friends who are life-long civil servants at State, and they are all worried about the current morass. It's unlike anything they've experienced with any past administration.
14
From another article I read, Nikki Haley, U.N. rep, has a habit of going off script. While no matter how well intended she may be there she be no light seen between the U.N. rep and the head of the State Department.
Yet her going off on her own does not seem to bother Mr. Tillerson.
Let me ask you Americans, which person should a foreign country listen to?
This situation describes the whole Trump Administration quite well.
Yet her going off on her own does not seem to bother Mr. Tillerson.
Let me ask you Americans, which person should a foreign country listen to?
This situation describes the whole Trump Administration quite well.
8
If you think Americans can answer that question, you've got a surprise in store --- Most of us can't figure that out either.
3
Our future is in the hands of rank amateurs. Would anyone ask a billionaire to perform brain surgery on their child? Trump and Tillerson ignore expertise at our peril.
12
It does not surprise me that Tillerson has been slow to backfill senior positions in the State Department. Business executives have long learned that organizations tend to be too "top heavy" and some staff are just not necessary. Delaying the backfill is one technique for identifying what positions are critical and necessary.
What does puzzle me is that I thought that I had read that Mr. Trump never knew Tillerson prior to being elected President. Rather he was recommended to Trump by David Gates and Condoleezza Rice. Two experienced and knowledgable individuals. Do they have second thoughts or are we just not seeing what is truly going on behind the scenes and getting caught up with optics?
What does puzzle me is that I thought that I had read that Mr. Trump never knew Tillerson prior to being elected President. Rather he was recommended to Trump by David Gates and Condoleezza Rice. Two experienced and knowledgable individuals. Do they have second thoughts or are we just not seeing what is truly going on behind the scenes and getting caught up with optics?
3
We are the shame of the modern world. People of Reason and Intelligence are watching in horror as we methodically dismantle, and destroy government infrastructure, and the substrate of Foreign Policy Framework that has take us many decades to build.
Let's be entirely clear. The systems that are being hobbled or outright destroyed are critical to this country, and the world. They have helped keep the modern world "stable - at least as much as anything can. Has the US made mistakes? Most definitely. But it's not for nothing we have been called the "Leader of the Free World." Our Systems, and the influence were highly instrumental in keeping the world from blowing itself up in the post nuclear age. We helped to save mankind as a species up to now.
All this has not come cheaply. We have fought wars. Soldiers, and many members of the Intelligence and Diplomatic Communities, have given their lives to help build and maintain systems and relationships that the Trump Administration is now recklessly, petulantly smashing to bits.
Look at the Korean situation: we are hurdling towards NUCLEAR WAR, or at least a confrontation that will utterly destroy the Korean Peninsula... all within weeks of Trump taking office. It's happening because we no longer have cool, rational adults running the show. Our toddler-In-Chief, with his snarky tweeting fingers and big mouth, has done incalculable damage. He brags, threatens, and impulsively acts with total ignorance: what a disastrous calamity!
Let's be entirely clear. The systems that are being hobbled or outright destroyed are critical to this country, and the world. They have helped keep the modern world "stable - at least as much as anything can. Has the US made mistakes? Most definitely. But it's not for nothing we have been called the "Leader of the Free World." Our Systems, and the influence were highly instrumental in keeping the world from blowing itself up in the post nuclear age. We helped to save mankind as a species up to now.
All this has not come cheaply. We have fought wars. Soldiers, and many members of the Intelligence and Diplomatic Communities, have given their lives to help build and maintain systems and relationships that the Trump Administration is now recklessly, petulantly smashing to bits.
Look at the Korean situation: we are hurdling towards NUCLEAR WAR, or at least a confrontation that will utterly destroy the Korean Peninsula... all within weeks of Trump taking office. It's happening because we no longer have cool, rational adults running the show. Our toddler-In-Chief, with his snarky tweeting fingers and big mouth, has done incalculable damage. He brags, threatens, and impulsively acts with total ignorance: what a disastrous calamity!
16
Trump has set the tone for his presidency by boosting defense and cutting diplomacy. Tillerson is clearly winging it with inadequate support staff and no strategic plan for any of the world’s hotspots from Afghanistan to Yemen. Foggy Bottom is literally living up to its moniker, where we have a State Department enmeshed in a policy fog, sinking into chaos with no bottom in sight.
Trump continues to shoot from the hip, adopting new foreign policy positions on the fly, apparently without any briefings from his State Department. How else can one explain his impulsive shout outs to dictators such as North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un and Philippines’ Duterte? And, who knows what he said to his benefactors in the Kremlin in Tuesday’s call with Putin?
Meanwhile an ascendant Taliban now controls more of Afghanistan than anytime since the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. And, it increasingly appears that Russia is supplying the Taliban with arms to destabilize the region – it’s Putin revenge for our Stinger missile strategy that drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan in the 1980s.
So sending 59 cruise missiles into Syria, redirecting an armada into the Korean peninsula and ignoring the impending summer Taliban uprising in Afghanistan does not bode well for U.S. foreign policy in the short term. It’s time for State to step up, rein in the president and work with the national security team to develop a coherent long-term policy to deal with these various situations.
Trump continues to shoot from the hip, adopting new foreign policy positions on the fly, apparently without any briefings from his State Department. How else can one explain his impulsive shout outs to dictators such as North Korea’s Kim Jong-Un and Philippines’ Duterte? And, who knows what he said to his benefactors in the Kremlin in Tuesday’s call with Putin?
Meanwhile an ascendant Taliban now controls more of Afghanistan than anytime since the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011. And, it increasingly appears that Russia is supplying the Taliban with arms to destabilize the region – it’s Putin revenge for our Stinger missile strategy that drove the Soviets out of Afghanistan in the 1980s.
So sending 59 cruise missiles into Syria, redirecting an armada into the Korean peninsula and ignoring the impending summer Taliban uprising in Afghanistan does not bode well for U.S. foreign policy in the short term. It’s time for State to step up, rein in the president and work with the national security team to develop a coherent long-term policy to deal with these various situations.
11
Tillerson is just a figurehead. Everyone knows that Jared and Ivanka are really in charge with input from the brothers as needed. We just think they are checking out new hotel deals when they travel, but they are also consolidating the family governing power for the total takeover.
11
Funny. I thought Jared & Ivanka were the figureheads.
2
Tillerson, like Trump, is beholden to Putin and Russian energy policies. Tillerson takes his orders from the Kremlin, not us taxpayers.
10
Rex Tillerson is Secretary of State to promote American oil and fossil fuel interests abroad. Any diplomatic efforts addressing a crisis will be dealt with by Jared. So who needs a whole bunch of seasoned professionals when they would just get in the way? They might also see what Tillerson is doing and object so needs must get rid of them. Why else has Tillerson been the model of opaqueness?
Like Trump, Tillerson is a businessman and will continue to be as he does what he knows best which is promote the interests of his brand in this case ExxonMobil. Come hell or high-water, Russian Congressional inquiries or not, the sanctions against Russia will be lifted to allow arctic oil to flow for Exxon and Putin. Putin, Trump and Tillerson just have to wait a bit longer than originally planned. Which puts Tillerson in the awkward position of actually having to do the rest of the job of a Secretary of State which he obviously feels uncomfortable doing.
Like Trump, Tillerson is a businessman and will continue to be as he does what he knows best which is promote the interests of his brand in this case ExxonMobil. Come hell or high-water, Russian Congressional inquiries or not, the sanctions against Russia will be lifted to allow arctic oil to flow for Exxon and Putin. Putin, Trump and Tillerson just have to wait a bit longer than originally planned. Which puts Tillerson in the awkward position of actually having to do the rest of the job of a Secretary of State which he obviously feels uncomfortable doing.
58
I am thinking of how efficient the system of Presidential system of government is versus a Parliamentary system of government. In the former, at the change of administrations, there is a massive upheaval of staff in all departments. Thousands of political appointees of the former administration are asked to resign to be replaced with thousands of new political appointees who may not be ready or available for several months. This is enormously wasteful. The least that could be done to improve performance is to to retain previous appointees until replacements become available.
In the Parliamentary system, there is no drastic turnover of bureaucracy. A highly competent civil service continues to run the government, albeit with guidelines of the newly elected officials.
The US system of appointing heads and senior staff of all agencies needs to be reformed to avoid prolonged and needless stumbling of every new administration.
In the Parliamentary system, there is no drastic turnover of bureaucracy. A highly competent civil service continues to run the government, albeit with guidelines of the newly elected officials.
The US system of appointing heads and senior staff of all agencies needs to be reformed to avoid prolonged and needless stumbling of every new administration.
4
Business approaches are implemented to make more money for businesses. Government purpose is not to make money for its stockholders and the 1%. It is there to work to make lives better and safe for its citizens, unlike corporations that benefit when they are top heavy with money at the expense of workers.
6
The foreign policy of the US since the end of WWII has been, with the exception of the Marshall Plan, considerably less than successful. Viewing the int'l system as one of problems to be solved rather than of forces to be managed has too often resulted in the militarization of the US's foreign relations. While no fan of Donald Trump, who for me, is just not a President, he has offered a few important proposals over the last two years. First, he publicly announced he wanted to take the US out of the business of nation building which is another way of saying that he did not feel the US could or should export our brand of to democracy to every other nation in the world. He has also indicated that he did not want to send US troops to every corner of the globe to police other nations. The NY Times would do well to assign reporters to examine the consequences of the US's hundreds of military interventions and coups over the past hundred years and their links to our current challenges. Finally, a quick study of the Secs of State, Nat'l Security Advisers and other players who have been consultants for advice on foreign and military affairs will find the architects and builders of our consistently failed foreign policy. Whether it be Vietnam, Korea, the Russian Federation, Iraq, Afghanistan, Latin America and from Dean Rusk, John Foster Dulles, McGeorge Bundy, Roswell Gilpatric, Wolfowitz, Pearl to Hillary Clinton the United States has been a dangerous agent of instability.
3
Even giving Tillerson the benefit of the doubt, his inability to adapt to the culture of the State Department is troubling. Any country's diplomatic service is developed out of generations and cohorts of highly trained diplomats and other professionals whose jobs are not related to politics, but to policy. That is why most State Department folks are civil service; their jobs are stable and they have the time to develop expertise across issues and sometimes countries. As CEO, Tillerson must have developed some capacity to adjust--it is time to do it at the State Department.
I lived outside of the States for many, many years and had occasion to collaborate with the staff at a major embassy over a span of several presidents. I want to give a shout-out to the dedicated personnel of the State Department!! Mr. Tillerson, I hope that you find a way to tap into their talent and commitment to the country; the country and you will benefit.
I lived outside of the States for many, many years and had occasion to collaborate with the staff at a major embassy over a span of several presidents. I want to give a shout-out to the dedicated personnel of the State Department!! Mr. Tillerson, I hope that you find a way to tap into their talent and commitment to the country; the country and you will benefit.
76
You have it backward, he is to change the culture not to adapt to it. Those that can do their jobs differently will remain the rest can leave. Trump was elected to change everything, that means EVERYTHING!!!
As a long time civil servant at the Treasury Department it has been refreshing to have so few political appointees for the past few months. Most of the career civil servants who are acting in these positions have decades of relevant experience and are more qualified and capable than the politicals I've seen in the jobs in any previous administration. This administration will get much more active, and dangerous, as soon as these positions are filled. Be careful what you wish for.
91
You are mistaken in that many of the "career civil servants" are the ones who were ousted.
Trump folks don't like brains. Or talent. Or experience.
Trump folks don't like brains. Or talent. Or experience.
The world will not wait for Tillerson to get off his but and bring the State Department up to speed. We need a functioning state department NOW to handle or better still avoid international crises that could devolve into military confrontations.
68
Tillerson has a ready-made excuse if all goes bad: "I never wanted this job. Who knew it could be so complicated? Oh, my previous life was so much easier." That path has already been blazed by his boss.
8
To have become the CEO of Exxon Tillerson has to be a smart man. Has to be. So why isn't he acting like a smart person? Is Trump throttling him down?
4
You remember what happened to Steve Bannon once he started to get more press than the boss, don't you??
3
Tillerson is unqualified! He exudes an attitude of disinterest in the job! He needs to go back to Exxon or retire altogether. Not to mention his cozy relationship with the Russians. Trump's view that businessmen millionaires/billionaires can fix anything is absurd! We need trained, educated professionals with expertise in foreign relations at State. This is like appointing a chef to be Head of Brain Surgery at a major hospital! But in the Trump era, educated, qualified experts are reviled. Absurd! Impeachment can't come soon enough!
8
If trump wants to reward his buddies with big jobs, he should just give them an ambassadorship. In that capacity they can be showhorses who throw cocktail parties. And hopefully not embarrass us
And for goddaske, give the sensitive, high-level, substantive leadership jobs to the people who have show decades of expertise, experience and judgment in the realm of government and geo-politics.
The stakes are too high to play Apprentice
And for goddaske, give the sensitive, high-level, substantive leadership jobs to the people who have show decades of expertise, experience and judgment in the realm of government and geo-politics.
The stakes are too high to play Apprentice
8
When discussing the mess at the rudderless State Department, let's stipulate that Lyin' Donnie Trump's administration is abnormal from top to bottom. Thus it is no surprise that Rex is not a normal secretary of state by the standards that prevailed until January 20, 2017.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's try evaluating Rex by the standards of corporate America. Imagine that a Fortune 500 company has just announced the hiring of a new executive vice president to lead a mission-critical division. All the usual P.R. pros splash the news of his/her appointment across the pages and screens of the known universe.
After that comes . . . silence and inaction. Crickets, month after month.
Is there any doubt that most American corporations would have sent this failed executive packing with a spectacular severance package and the announcement that he/she was looking forward to sending more time with family? He/she would be out and the company would use its colossal hiring mistake as a teachable moment. Heck, the incident might even generate a TED talk or two where thought leaders expound upon the lessons learned.
I hope Lil' Jared is paying attention, because if there ever was a place where government needs to begin acting like an efficient American corporation, it's at the top of the organizational chart at the State Department.
Now that we have that out of the way, let's try evaluating Rex by the standards of corporate America. Imagine that a Fortune 500 company has just announced the hiring of a new executive vice president to lead a mission-critical division. All the usual P.R. pros splash the news of his/her appointment across the pages and screens of the known universe.
After that comes . . . silence and inaction. Crickets, month after month.
Is there any doubt that most American corporations would have sent this failed executive packing with a spectacular severance package and the announcement that he/she was looking forward to sending more time with family? He/she would be out and the company would use its colossal hiring mistake as a teachable moment. Heck, the incident might even generate a TED talk or two where thought leaders expound upon the lessons learned.
I hope Lil' Jared is paying attention, because if there ever was a place where government needs to begin acting like an efficient American corporation, it's at the top of the organizational chart at the State Department.
51
What corporation would hire a person with no experience to lead a major, critical division?
Oh, right, they would do it if it involved nepotism.
Oh, right, they would do it if it involved nepotism.
1
So you forget the hammering that he and his department has given the Russians.
One would think from reading this that Obama did such a fine job.
All of you are 100% kidding yourselves if you think Tiller was brought on to do anything but get rid of the sanctions on Russia freeing Exxon-mobile to execute the 500 billion dollar contract to drill in the Russian arctic. I think he will quit the State Dept the second they are dropped to go back to his CEO job at Exxon-Mobile.
19
Yes. The timing is a bit too circumspect, isn't it?? -- Especially when you take into account that oil was discovered while drilling in the Arctic Circle last summer...right next to Russian territory.
And with increased global warming, what better chance to get to it?
And with increased global warming, what better chance to get to it?
1
Tillerson looks like a deer caught in the headlights.
6
If it were me I'd quit in protest. Maybe it's a failing but maybe it's time to stop playing the republican game. The republicans need to own their anti-governmental rage and that's how employees should sell. GOP distain of the federal government doesn't deserve to be worked with. It's damned if you do, damned if you don't top-down-blaming-business leadership. They own it. Let them go it alone if that is what they thinks best. Let them buy into it. Let them run it like a business.
Yes, all governmental employees deserve better than what Republican Party leadership is willing to provide. They also deserve public respect greater than what is currently given.
Yes, all governmental employees deserve better than what Republican Party leadership is willing to provide. They also deserve public respect greater than what is currently given.
7
It seems like a deliberate attempt to undermine all government institutions and destroy our democracy! Trump and his fascist corporate cronies are treasonous and outright dangerous to our country and the world!
8
Maybe his wife would have been better suited for the job?
2
Tillerson = Trump puppet!
8
A puppet's puppet.
While chief executive of Exxon Mobil, Rex Tillerson funded far-right think tanks casting doubt over what was by then an overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change was occurring and being caused by fossil fuels.
To say he has no government experience is beside the point. Tillerson's bribes for lies that jeopardize the survival of the human race make him the worst Secretary of State in American history.
To say he has no government experience is beside the point. Tillerson's bribes for lies that jeopardize the survival of the human race make him the worst Secretary of State in American history.
11
He ought to be incarcerated for with holding evidence.
A simple question... Has Tillerson not put forth names because they have to be approved by the president first? I read that somewhere .
2
Seems kind of like hiring a mechanic who has nothing but duct tape, a locking pliers, and a can of WD-40 in the toolbox.
3
SOS Rex Tillerson is a BUSINESSMAN! Just like Trump. BUSINESSMEN!
We need to run the country like a Business.
Like Wells Fargo, United Airlines...
Make America GREAT Again.
We need to run the country like a Business.
Like Wells Fargo, United Airlines...
Make America GREAT Again.
10
But the wheels are coming off!!! No one in this administration has ANY governing experience and edicts from trump do not and can not be thought of as governing.
3
Here's the probable result of his "departmentwide listening mission:" He will hear what the diplomats and civil servants have to say, then fire the ones who are saying the 'wrong" things.
That'll show us!
That'll show us!
3
I can't help but notice the accompanying photo to this piece.
No one is smiling and seem very somber. I wonder why?
No one is smiling and seem very somber. I wonder why?
1
"The State Department Deserves Better"
How about the American taxpayer, American military personnel, and innocent civilians in sovereign nations in the Middle East deserve better?
The neocon masters of chaos in the State Department need to go and I'm glad to see Tillerson pulling the rug out from under them. What could go wrong? We have fewer unnecessary and illegal wars in the Middle East?
The State Department neocons’ “regime change” illegal wars of aggression unleashed on Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Ukraine have destroyed countless lives and squandered over $6 trillion in American taxes. The U.S. deficit is over $21 trillion and we have an annual trade deficit of over $550 billion. Not smart.
Perhaps gutting the State Department will lead to some peace and stability in the world and economic responsibility at home?
All these targeted governments were first ostracized by the neocons and the major U.S. news organizations, such as the Washington Post and the New York Times, which have become what amounts to neocon mouthpieces. Whenever the neocons decide that it’s time for another “regime change,” the mainstream U.S. media enlists in the propaganda wars.
The consequence of this cascading disorder has been damaging and cumulative. The costs of the Iraq War strapped the U.S. Treasury and left less government maneuvering room when Wall Street crashed in 2008.
How about the American taxpayer, American military personnel, and innocent civilians in sovereign nations in the Middle East deserve better?
The neocon masters of chaos in the State Department need to go and I'm glad to see Tillerson pulling the rug out from under them. What could go wrong? We have fewer unnecessary and illegal wars in the Middle East?
The State Department neocons’ “regime change” illegal wars of aggression unleashed on Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya and Ukraine have destroyed countless lives and squandered over $6 trillion in American taxes. The U.S. deficit is over $21 trillion and we have an annual trade deficit of over $550 billion. Not smart.
Perhaps gutting the State Department will lead to some peace and stability in the world and economic responsibility at home?
All these targeted governments were first ostracized by the neocons and the major U.S. news organizations, such as the Washington Post and the New York Times, which have become what amounts to neocon mouthpieces. Whenever the neocons decide that it’s time for another “regime change,” the mainstream U.S. media enlists in the propaganda wars.
The consequence of this cascading disorder has been damaging and cumulative. The costs of the Iraq War strapped the U.S. Treasury and left less government maneuvering room when Wall Street crashed in 2008.
5
It is difficult to come to grips with your neocon-at-State and New York Times conspiracy theory in creating world chaos. I thought the chaos had to do more with the conceit, cruelty and corruption in those country's leadership. You can also toss in the influence of the "party of NO" on our Congress ham stringing our last president, some guns and ammo selling lobbyists in DC, 9/ll, and an increasingly poorly educated electorate. And, my own theory, the difficulty of finding US diplomatic or military personnel who have a good command of any Arabic language or an understanding of Islam.
1
"Even citizens who are deeply jaded about the government must realize that with the world in turmoil, it’s dangerous ...."
Are you suggesting that Trump supporters are going to realize actual facts versus the alternative facts Trump has been feeding them? Seriously?
We're living in a democracy-cum-kakocracy. The Trump supporters landed us here. They're not realizing anything.
Are you suggesting that Trump supporters are going to realize actual facts versus the alternative facts Trump has been feeding them? Seriously?
We're living in a democracy-cum-kakocracy. The Trump supporters landed us here. They're not realizing anything.
9
“If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition ultimately."
-- James Mattis, March 5, 2013
-- James Mattis, March 5, 2013
8
Bubba may have nice silver hair, a deep no-sense voice, and an air of seriousness, but Bubba don't like consulting with staff and dealing with people. He's a lone ranger CEO, and now a lone ranger head of state. And that's the way he likes it.
8
Maybe we should bring Hillary back, she accomplished so much on her last tour.
2
Finally, a good idea...
2
And she would've accomplished even more in the Oval...without
Russia!
Russia!
2
Rex, Trump and co. are part of the Joe McCarthy school of fatuous communist myths. The state department has been infiltrated according to their paranoia, and they act accordingly.
2
Where is Waldo Tillerson?
3
Indeed, shattering diplomacy so to allow war, is so shortsighted it may cut your nose in the process. Tillerson, an ignoramus in state's affairs, other than oil-related business, must be counselled to speak up for his 'right' to defend peaceful means in an upside-down world. If he remains 'mum', expecting, in Don Quijote's world, freedom in jail, the truth from a liar, the impossible from our narcissist-in-chief, then even what's possible ought to be denied to him. A most dangerous form of inaction, literally a shot in his own foot. Remember Eisenhower's warning speech about the dangers of the Military-Industrial Complex? And the unnecessary Vietnam war fiasco? And "W"/Cheney/Rumsfeld/Wolfowitz treasonous lie embarking us in a stupid, and never-ending Middle East 'embroglio'? Has Tillerson fallen asleep at the wheel, while an unscrupulous commander-in-chief seeks revenge, and glory, in all the wrong places?
3
Trump's foreign policy can be summed up as: "We don't need no stinkin' diplomacy." So therefore the State Department should be able to get along fine with about 11 maybe 12 employees. Rex Tillerson can outsource all the remaining State Department jobs to call centers in India and Pakistan like all the other American CEOs have done (yes Chase Bank, Microsoft and dozens of other huge corporations, I am talking about you).
15
This piece argues that even for those "jaded" on government we must realize the importance of a fully-staffed State Dept. in quelling international "chaos". The problem is, assuming for purposes of discussion this proposition is true, news sources don't tell us what wins the State Dept. has had. Few consider the Iran deal a win, and believe the Iranians will build a bomb. No good news on the bad relationship between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India. Central Africa is a mess. China brutally subjugates Tibet. There never seems to be a good balance between long-term policy (huh?) and transactional exigencies, as exemplified in the Middle East and Eurasia. So why does the State Dept. deserve a cookie?
2
The American people really need to rethink their penchant for electing people who have no knowledge of government's function and would rather it didn't exist.
14
You mean people just like them?
2
Donald Trump says, with regards to foreign leaders, he likes to keep 'em guessing.
The thinking goes, that the uncertainty of what we'll do will make "the bad guys" extra cautious. Afterall, they don't want to call down the wrath of the most powerful nation on Earth. With regards to North Korea's latest round of missile tests, how's that working out?
Truth is, uncertainty is dangerous. It can lead to miscalculation. To see how dangerous it is to feel your way in the dark about your opponent's intentions, just read in depth about the Cuban Missile Crisis. The red phone was installed after the crisis to minimize uncertainty.
Uncertainty is bad even in the more mundane aspects of the State Department's job. How are our overseas diplomats going to explain our position to foreign leaders? Tell them, 'Your guess is, literally, as good as mine'? How are home based State Department workers supposed to do their jobs based on what the President makes up as he goes along? There'll be no confusion there.
The thinking goes, that the uncertainty of what we'll do will make "the bad guys" extra cautious. Afterall, they don't want to call down the wrath of the most powerful nation on Earth. With regards to North Korea's latest round of missile tests, how's that working out?
Truth is, uncertainty is dangerous. It can lead to miscalculation. To see how dangerous it is to feel your way in the dark about your opponent's intentions, just read in depth about the Cuban Missile Crisis. The red phone was installed after the crisis to minimize uncertainty.
Uncertainty is bad even in the more mundane aspects of the State Department's job. How are our overseas diplomats going to explain our position to foreign leaders? Tell them, 'Your guess is, literally, as good as mine'? How are home based State Department workers supposed to do their jobs based on what the President makes up as he goes along? There'll be no confusion there.
5
Business CEO's and Corporate Executives of all suit colors like to do nothing and talk big. Why would Tillerson do anything else, he is too use to having all the work done for him. Most people know how much 'work' MBA's and other Business majors do, none except take the credit for other people's ideas and hard work. Suits and executives are a waste of space and most companies and organizations $.
2
The US government is a business that need not worry about failed policies or botched product manufacturing or delivery. It will be funded regardless by we tax paying proles. Now it is headed by a plutocrat that refuses to release his tax records which means he is a crook. There really isn't much more to say. 80 million didn't vote last year. In 2020 it might be double so vacancies (deputy assistant to the undersecretary) at State is moot. If you are intelligent the whole system is an embarrassment.
1
Insulting allies, sucking up to despots, firing diplomats, appointing family members and cronies may look like mindless incompetence. But before you can make America great again you need to destroy it first, and here the Trump regime is off to a flying start. Bigly.
The US is in the midst of an existential crisis with Trump deliberately deconstructing government by appointing incompetent people to head agencies they have long histories of antagonism towards, and by not appointing mid-level managers to those agencies whose effectiveness he means to further destroy through budget cuts.
But this, my dear Americans, is how banana republics operate.
Tillerson knows nothing about this job, doesn't want it, doesn't need it and has no intention of trying to do it well.
Tillerson is just there for the oil deal with Russia.
But the Orange One doesn't need him. His foreign policy is simple: "deals" for him, his family, and "friends" - foreign and domestic. War with Korea or Iran, if he gets caught with his tiny hands in the till. Regional dust ups, if he needs to obscure the consequences of his domestic policies. Foreign Policy will be dictated by the needs of his "Trump First" Domestic Policy.
SAD.
The US is in the midst of an existential crisis with Trump deliberately deconstructing government by appointing incompetent people to head agencies they have long histories of antagonism towards, and by not appointing mid-level managers to those agencies whose effectiveness he means to further destroy through budget cuts.
But this, my dear Americans, is how banana republics operate.
Tillerson knows nothing about this job, doesn't want it, doesn't need it and has no intention of trying to do it well.
Tillerson is just there for the oil deal with Russia.
But the Orange One doesn't need him. His foreign policy is simple: "deals" for him, his family, and "friends" - foreign and domestic. War with Korea or Iran, if he gets caught with his tiny hands in the till. Regional dust ups, if he needs to obscure the consequences of his domestic policies. Foreign Policy will be dictated by the needs of his "Trump First" Domestic Policy.
SAD.
15
This ignores vast problems in the State Dept as run by Bush and then under Sec Hillary Clinton.
First, it grew wildly in ways outside its old role. It became part of the "covert" side of the many wars. Its bureaucratic growth drive, common to any organization, was directed to contest with the CIA and Defense Dept for roles in the wars. The clearest symbol of that is the world's largest "embassy" which is the Green Zone in Iraq, from which the State Dept meant to play Viceroy of Iraq. Afghanistan is similar.
Second, the staff that grew in those ways was the purest neocon hawks, pushing wars. The symbol of that is best seen in Victoria Nuland in Ukraine.
There is much room for reduction in the State Dept, and there are many positions that were created for the neocons and hawks that ought not to be filled. End those things, don't staff them up again.
First, it grew wildly in ways outside its old role. It became part of the "covert" side of the many wars. Its bureaucratic growth drive, common to any organization, was directed to contest with the CIA and Defense Dept for roles in the wars. The clearest symbol of that is the world's largest "embassy" which is the Green Zone in Iraq, from which the State Dept meant to play Viceroy of Iraq. Afghanistan is similar.
Second, the staff that grew in those ways was the purest neocon hawks, pushing wars. The symbol of that is best seen in Victoria Nuland in Ukraine.
There is much room for reduction in the State Dept, and there are many positions that were created for the neocons and hawks that ought not to be filled. End those things, don't staff them up again.
4
"The State Department Deserves Better" .... what State Department?? It doesn't exist anymore. And judging by that photo, it looks like no one there wants to be there too much longer.
What an absolute travesty for this country. Not only are we at the hands of a president with no Foreign Policy experience, but he has managed to upend the entire Diplomatic Corps, by appointing an acolyte to head the Department, who sees the position as nothing more than the political favor which it is.
The State Department deserves better.
And so do we.
What an absolute travesty for this country. Not only are we at the hands of a president with no Foreign Policy experience, but he has managed to upend the entire Diplomatic Corps, by appointing an acolyte to head the Department, who sees the position as nothing more than the political favor which it is.
The State Department deserves better.
And so do we.
3
If world peace were attainable by simply filling offices at the State Department, just image what kind of world we could have if we simply doubled the number of offices for it. How obvious is that?
1
Apparently Trump and the Republicans think that world peace can be attained by simply inflating the Defense Department budget.
2
For decades, Republicans have railed against "bureaucrats" and the cornerstone of the last several national campaigns has been the ineptitude of "government." Now that they are in full control, let's see how they can govern without the very professionals that they have spend years condemning. Perhaps, just once in a while we need to thank America's Federal employees for their service those in uniform and those in civilian garb as well! They really do make a difference!
15
Mr. Tillerson, was highly recommended by ex defense secretary Bob Gates, another Texan. Tillerson credits his wife with urging he accept the position of Secretary of State. Obviously, Tillerson prime reasoning for wanting the job is to protect the 500 billion dollar oil drilling contract he signed with Russia as head of ExxonMobil. The high profit making company. Either the biggest or one of the biggest such contracts entered into by any oil drilling company. I haven't track the trips he's taken because of his new found position but I suspect they all were with mostly Russian aligned countries. The U.S. can now be added to that mix, compliments of Trump.
This hasn't left Tillerson the time needed to make the 200 appointments to fill the positions. Wonder if one of the questions he will ask of applicants is. "who is adverse to lifting sanctions on Russia."
This hasn't left Tillerson the time needed to make the 200 appointments to fill the positions. Wonder if one of the questions he will ask of applicants is. "who is adverse to lifting sanctions on Russia."
4
Isn't running the government like a family business what hereditary monarchs do? I thought we realized that didn't work when we tossed out King George.
14
The State Department always expected private business to be the glue between US and Foreign countries - Contractors are really the Diplomats. They would visit remote areas, meet with local leaders, and report back to the State Department or USAID what the issues are. Case in point is Gaza or West Bank - Consultants could move into these regions while US Government officials just stayed in Tel Aviv not taking any security risks. Obviously Tillerson is well aware of this idiosyncrasy and is figuring out how to correct it. He will expand his staff as soon as he finds "feet-on-the-ground" experts who are not afraid of touching the real world.
Let's be honest: our embassies are glorified DMVs, and the State Department is in need of a fundamental overhaul.
I've been an American Abroad for almost 15 years and I can tell you that US embassy staff more often than not know much less about the countries they are in than the US military, intel, and businesspeople who are stationed there. They are forced to stay in American bubbles, and rotate countries every couple of years -- living in a perpetual state of Newb.
I hate to be a party pooper for all the back-patting baby-boomers reading this, but international businessmen like Tillerson ARE the new diplomats, and what they do has a profound impact on the national interest.
I'm no fan of Trump, but some of our best institutions (like State) would benefit from drastic reorganization. Our diplomats need to work in close coordination with American businesses overseas in the same way that competing countries like China and Japan do -- or we are going to continue getting hosed in places like Southeast Asia, where I live. If a guy like Tillerson can bridge that gap, we should give him a chance - and give him a bit of time.
I've been an American Abroad for almost 15 years and I can tell you that US embassy staff more often than not know much less about the countries they are in than the US military, intel, and businesspeople who are stationed there. They are forced to stay in American bubbles, and rotate countries every couple of years -- living in a perpetual state of Newb.
I hate to be a party pooper for all the back-patting baby-boomers reading this, but international businessmen like Tillerson ARE the new diplomats, and what they do has a profound impact on the national interest.
I'm no fan of Trump, but some of our best institutions (like State) would benefit from drastic reorganization. Our diplomats need to work in close coordination with American businesses overseas in the same way that competing countries like China and Japan do -- or we are going to continue getting hosed in places like Southeast Asia, where I live. If a guy like Tillerson can bridge that gap, we should give him a chance - and give him a bit of time.
2
Mr. Tillerson is doing just fine. The world was just as chaotic under Barrack Obama maybe even more so because people knew Barrack was the ultimate paper tiger. It is funny that the Times calls out Afghanistan because it was Barrack who ran from the field there with the same Times clapping all the way. A listening tour is what CEOs do before acting to fill roles. It may take a little longer but the result will most likely be better. It would be good to give each of these people concrete objectives. If they do not hit the objectives then it would be the next person up.
1
Tillerson is Secretary of State so he can eliminate the sanctions against Russia, thereby allowing Exxon to resume drilling in Russia and making billions for everyone concerned. This is beyond obvious and I doubt he has any interests beyond Exxon’s.
Have you noticed that all of Trump's cabinet and department head picks have obvious animosity towards whatever they are supposed to lead? I don’t believe there is one exception.
Have you noticed that all of Trump's cabinet and department head picks have obvious animosity towards whatever they are supposed to lead? I don’t believe there is one exception.
4
"professional diplomats and civil servants" ?
The NYT editorial board might be interested to learn that
1. State Department career employees are all "professionals"
2. Diplomats are all "civil servants"
The Secretary would do well to clarity that all members of our diplomatic service are equally valued "civil servants", regardless of where they are serving or the functions they are performing for the American people. If reductions in force are necessary, the elitist officers who continue to demand special bonuses and refuse to accept their obligations as civil servants should be the first to let go. There are plenty of dedicated employees waiting to take their place without demanding special perks and bonuses.
The NYT editorial board might be interested to learn that
1. State Department career employees are all "professionals"
2. Diplomats are all "civil servants"
The Secretary would do well to clarity that all members of our diplomatic service are equally valued "civil servants", regardless of where they are serving or the functions they are performing for the American people. If reductions in force are necessary, the elitist officers who continue to demand special bonuses and refuse to accept their obligations as civil servants should be the first to let go. There are plenty of dedicated employees waiting to take their place without demanding special perks and bonuses.
2
Tillerson is Secretary of State so he can eliminate the sanctions against Russia, thereby allowing Exxon to resume drilling in Russia and making billions for everyone concerned. This is beyond obvious and I doubt he has any interests beyond Exxon’s.
Have you noticed that all of Trump's cabinet and department head picks have obvious animosity towards whatever they are supposed to lead? I don’t believe there is one exception.
Have you noticed that all of Trump's cabinet and department head picks have obvious animosity towards whatever they are supposed to lead? I don’t believe there is one exception.
State has been so bad for so long, it doubtful if any could describe their jobs coherently, just sinecures at home and abroad.
It follows from Trump – everything this administration does is transactional vs. playing for the long term. Like watching a pee-wee soccer game. Wherever the ball goes there's a swarm of frantically kicking little legs and the rest of the field is empty. But this isn't a game.
It’s reactive to the issue or crisis or need – with no cogent strategy – except there’s a new sheriff in town.
Even if you could establish policy and positions with a small group of advisors – the actual implementation and day-to day execution will unravel into a colossal mess because there either won’t be anyone to do it or those left in charge won’t have context or relationships to make it work.
It’s all so short-sighted, whack-a-mole that may sound good in the moment but leaves a trail of future clean-up and ambiguity.
And it’s driven out of Trump being completely devoid of world or US historical context.
It’s reactive to the issue or crisis or need – with no cogent strategy – except there’s a new sheriff in town.
Even if you could establish policy and positions with a small group of advisors – the actual implementation and day-to day execution will unravel into a colossal mess because there either won’t be anyone to do it or those left in charge won’t have context or relationships to make it work.
It’s all so short-sighted, whack-a-mole that may sound good in the moment but leaves a trail of future clean-up and ambiguity.
And it’s driven out of Trump being completely devoid of world or US historical context.
This editorial fails to consider the possibility that no one responsible wants to work for a President who is an unhinged, narcissistic, compulsively lying, racist, misogynist, authoritarian overall nightmare. Does Tillerson have anyone decent to hire?
Isn't it possible that the world will be better off without Trump trying to "stabilize" anything? How is a Trump administration going to accomplish anything productive when he can't stop lying about voter fraud, the popular vote, his crowd size, Frederick Douglass, Andrew Jackson, the reason for the Civil War, that Obama wiretapped him ..... The world is better off ignoring the United States as long as our President is Trump.
Isn't it possible that the world will be better off without Trump trying to "stabilize" anything? How is a Trump administration going to accomplish anything productive when he can't stop lying about voter fraud, the popular vote, his crowd size, Frederick Douglass, Andrew Jackson, the reason for the Civil War, that Obama wiretapped him ..... The world is better off ignoring the United States as long as our President is Trump.
3
Has anyone considered that Rex Tillerson, recipient of a high medal bestowed on him by Vladimir Putin, couldn't less about staffing the State Department and getting it operable? He's Secretary of State only to get US sanctions on Russia lifted so Exxon's oil contract with Russia is concluded with success and more money than many of us can even imagine. This guy is just not into serving our nation for a second and may in fact be interested in doing us real damage.
3
Ignorance is bliss. The nutty man in charge of of our foreign policy knows full-well what he is doing. In keeping with the attitudes of many of his supporters, he is uncomfortable seeking advice from the multitude of people who are more intelligent and better qualified to conduct our foreign affairs than he is.
3
The Secretary of State is the mouthpiece and intermediary of the President.
As far as THIS so-called president is concerned, Tillerson is doing exactly what is expected of him:
Throwing fender pads over the side as Trump wildly careens the ship of state from port to port.
Trump figures the world will carry on no matter what he does, will take credit for any improvements and lay blame everywhere for every failure. He can't be bothered to think beyond what is in the Trump Brand's best interest.
Look how much he has conceded to China while, in return, all we get in return are trademarks for Ivanka and deals for Donald.
We take a black eye for welcoming Duterte, and Donald sees a better future for his properties in Manila.
Then, there's Russia. Get this guy out of there ASAP!
As far as THIS so-called president is concerned, Tillerson is doing exactly what is expected of him:
Throwing fender pads over the side as Trump wildly careens the ship of state from port to port.
Trump figures the world will carry on no matter what he does, will take credit for any improvements and lay blame everywhere for every failure. He can't be bothered to think beyond what is in the Trump Brand's best interest.
Look how much he has conceded to China while, in return, all we get in return are trademarks for Ivanka and deals for Donald.
We take a black eye for welcoming Duterte, and Donald sees a better future for his properties in Manila.
Then, there's Russia. Get this guy out of there ASAP!
6
I think Rex Tillerson is lucky he has Donald Trump sucking up all of the oxygen in the media space with his behaving like a petulant child with his nonsensical tweets, because it takes the focus away from Tillerson's high level of unmitigated incompetence.
What is really scary is at a time we need a real competent, experienced Secretary of State and an experienced solid staff of professionals to support him, we have this embarrassment who likes to glad hand, have a few drinks and a good meal, maybe picking up the tab, but as far as diplomacy or doing any heavy lifting on the world stage in dealing with serious world developments, Rex Tillerson is basically missing in action.
Rex Tillerson made it clear he didn't really want the job, that he wanted to be retired, well, he is acting like a guy who is already retired.
I somehow get the feeling that Rex Tillerson would rather be sitting bellied up to a bar in a smoky lounge, with a tall glass of bourbon and a camel cigarette burning in an ashtray in front of him, than do this job.
What is really scary is at a time we need a real competent, experienced Secretary of State and an experienced solid staff of professionals to support him, we have this embarrassment who likes to glad hand, have a few drinks and a good meal, maybe picking up the tab, but as far as diplomacy or doing any heavy lifting on the world stage in dealing with serious world developments, Rex Tillerson is basically missing in action.
Rex Tillerson made it clear he didn't really want the job, that he wanted to be retired, well, he is acting like a guy who is already retired.
I somehow get the feeling that Rex Tillerson would rather be sitting bellied up to a bar in a smoky lounge, with a tall glass of bourbon and a camel cigarette burning in an ashtray in front of him, than do this job.
6
People who has chimed that Tillerson is well qualified and capable, what do they have to say now?
2
I've lived overseas for years and interact far more than the average American would with State department officials and offices. I am no supporter of Trump but Tillerson is right, the State department is bloated and the people I come in contact with working at our embassies and consulates abroad never really impress me as anything more than mundane paper pushers (with very few exceptions). A good culling of the ranks, CEO style, might just put a little fire in the belly of those left behind. We can afford a streamlining of this department and should in fact encourage it.
2
As a 75 year old who worked with State Department officials for decades while I was with another agency, I find some of the comments that are hostile to State unwarranted. Diplomacy is difficult, its practitioners are expected to be world class experts on their specialties, and typically efforts to defuse potentially or actual violent situations can take years to be successful.
State is an easy target for cheap shots by those who can't or won't admit that national security issues are complex, usually involving several sovereign parties, each of whom seeks to maximize its position. The Iranian nuclear accord comes to mind, as do the Bosnia and Kosovo agreements. In all these cases war was averted.
Now, State is led by a wealthy businessman who spent his entire adulthood working for one powerful corporation. He wants to apply business models on an organization that is the antithesis of a corporation, as he no doubt seeks efficiencies and increased production. Meanwhile, because he does not have qualified senior staff to help him with his proposed re-organization that are intended to lead to significant personnel and financial cuts, it is probable that much harm will be done to State and its ability to protect this country.
State is an easy target for cheap shots by those who can't or won't admit that national security issues are complex, usually involving several sovereign parties, each of whom seeks to maximize its position. The Iranian nuclear accord comes to mind, as do the Bosnia and Kosovo agreements. In all these cases war was averted.
Now, State is led by a wealthy businessman who spent his entire adulthood working for one powerful corporation. He wants to apply business models on an organization that is the antithesis of a corporation, as he no doubt seeks efficiencies and increased production. Meanwhile, because he does not have qualified senior staff to help him with his proposed re-organization that are intended to lead to significant personnel and financial cuts, it is probable that much harm will be done to State and its ability to protect this country.
13
There is a large coterie of very smart and experienced career Foreign Service Officers who are more than capable of providing the Secretary with expert advice, and no doubt they are doing exactly that. Equally, career FSOs assigned as Deputy Chiefs of Mission can ably discharge ambassadorial duties abroad in the absence of political appointees. Secretary Tillerson should take whatever time he needs to think through the best structure for his organization, then be deliberative in filling its senior ranks.
1
This looks like a corporate executive spinning off an unneeded business subsidiary. In the private sector executives get kudos for this sort of thing if it enhances the bottom line. There is no bottom line in government and business is paid from allocated budgets. As management Guru Peter Drucker observed over five six decades ago, there is no "theory of the firm" guiding an invisible hand in the public sector. What is optimized is power and this means authority over decisions, budgets and staff. But Tillerson seems not to want power. He wanders around the foreign affairs playing field by himself, doesn't formulate or implement policy and demoralizes State Department staff in the process. Is he hollowing out State before spinning it off and out of the orbit of essential foreign affairs player? So that he and his boss can put their personal imprimatur on foreign relations, running it like a business fiefdom? Looking to maximize the profits of private sector vested interests of which they are a part?
Another fish out of water, flailing around like his boss. Completely unqualified and unprepared for his office. Unfortunately for us, foreign affairs is the one area where Trump can do maximum damage without constraints of Congress or the Courts. Filling key positions has low priority if you don't know their value. And it is likely no one qualified is willing to work in this Administration.
2
"...running a business is not the same as leading the free world in an era of multiple, complex crises."
Ever since the Reagan presidency and the Republican party shift to the far right, we have heard government is bad (the problem) and funding the public sector is a waste of taxpayer money, whereas business is good, and anything the government does can be done better by the private sector and business expertise
Americans became infatuated the "business model" and it was widely adopted in places it shouldn't have. Medicine was one area; universities were another area. I worked in both areas and saw what happened firsthand.
The problem is the values of business are basically incapable with the values of government and serving the public. Business values revolve around economics and are all about profits, garnering market share, and maximizing profits while minimizing costs (though not CEO and executive pay packages but certainly labor costs). Public values revolve social and societal needs, such as education, health care, justice, and supporting civil society.
A healthy society manages to achieve a balance between these values, but gets off track when if favors one set of values at the expense of the other. Unfortunately, the Republicans no loner recognize the need for balance but are in a fierce competition to assure only business and economic values prevail, which means eviscerating social values and the public sector.
This is why Trump and Tillerson et al will fail
Ever since the Reagan presidency and the Republican party shift to the far right, we have heard government is bad (the problem) and funding the public sector is a waste of taxpayer money, whereas business is good, and anything the government does can be done better by the private sector and business expertise
Americans became infatuated the "business model" and it was widely adopted in places it shouldn't have. Medicine was one area; universities were another area. I worked in both areas and saw what happened firsthand.
The problem is the values of business are basically incapable with the values of government and serving the public. Business values revolve around economics and are all about profits, garnering market share, and maximizing profits while minimizing costs (though not CEO and executive pay packages but certainly labor costs). Public values revolve social and societal needs, such as education, health care, justice, and supporting civil society.
A healthy society manages to achieve a balance between these values, but gets off track when if favors one set of values at the expense of the other. Unfortunately, the Republicans no loner recognize the need for balance but are in a fierce competition to assure only business and economic values prevail, which means eviscerating social values and the public sector.
This is why Trump and Tillerson et al will fail
3
What's the rush? In business, when a new CEO is appointed, it can be a year before that singular change is reflected in the new organization structure.
These large bureaucracies like State have grown out of control for too long, and they're always headed by a politician or political appointee - another bureaucrat. These organizations exist for themselves and not the citizens. State isn't the only example.
Give Tillerson time. If we're still in this spot 6 months from now with no progress on staffing, then there's cause for concern. For now, let the guy do his job and find his own team.
These large bureaucracies like State have grown out of control for too long, and they're always headed by a politician or political appointee - another bureaucrat. These organizations exist for themselves and not the citizens. State isn't the only example.
Give Tillerson time. If we're still in this spot 6 months from now with no progress on staffing, then there's cause for concern. For now, let the guy do his job and find his own team.
2
The role of the State Department is not "managing the chaos" in the world. It is to promote American interests. This is a far narrower ask that this editorial seems to envision. Regions like the Balkans should be able to stand on their own. We should probably let a pro-American military dictatorship take over in Afghanistan, since that nation seems culturally incapable of pluralistic democracy.
As far as his approach to restructuring the Department, he is on the right track. The public sector needs to embrace the efficiency-oriented structures used in the private sector because, as tax payers, we are not getting value for the money we are spending.
As far as his approach to restructuring the Department, he is on the right track. The public sector needs to embrace the efficiency-oriented structures used in the private sector because, as tax payers, we are not getting value for the money we are spending.
1
So far Tillerson is a disappointment -- and I'm still waiting to see what comes of Exxon Mobil's application for a sanctions waiver on the Russian oil exploration deal negotiated by Tillerson before he became Secretary of State. As for the "wise generals" selected by Trump to command our national security apparatus, they're a disappointment too. They know better than most that without diplomatic "soft power," military "hard power" will never achieve our objectives. Apparently everyone is too scared to tell the blusterer-in-chief that if he doesn't staff the State Department with competent professionals our foreign policy will go down the tubes.
1
After the Constitutional Convention was concluded a citizen asked Ben Franklin what kind of government we had created. He replied "A Republic, if you can keep it". These words of wisdom come back to haunt me almost daily since the advent of the Trump administration and the influence of the Koch brothers and Grover Norquist. Truly, we are in danger of losing the Republic as Big Business and the military take over the various governmental departments. The last bastion of sanity and hope, the State Department, has been superseded by the Pentagon over the last few years and now, Tillerson will have his turn at destroying what's left. Who would have believed a few years ago that it would fall to Germany to defend western civilizations liberal values.
7
What is it that people don't get about running a business? For the last 20 or more years companies have been delayering. In laymen's terms it means running a company with as few people as possible and still make your numbers. It's about minimizing costs to maximize profits. Nothing could be more different to how a government runs or the reasons that the government does what it does. In business the focus is simple, make money. Running a country and being part of the world community is not that simple. I don't believe past Presidents of the US could run Exxon and for that same reason Tillerson or Trump do not have the abilities to run the country or the State dept.
6
This might be good for State and the rest of the executive branch. These senior political appointee positions in State, DoD, and other departments and agencies are now being filled (at least for awhile) by senior career civil servants and uniformed officers, albeit in an "acting" status. It greatly cuts down on the number of appointments going to those whose principle qualifications all too often are that they donated huge amounts of money to the President, worked on his campaign staff, or were connected to think tanks and academic organizations that supported the winning political party, often with the objective of polishing resumes before moving quickly back to the private sector.
In the case of our embassies, I'd far rather have the ambassadors' shoes filled by the deputy chief of mission in a Charge d'Affaires capacity -- always a career foreign service officer who actually knows the country, language, issues, and internal State processes, than by a wealthy supporter of the President. Same goes for so many of the assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary positions.
In the case of our embassies, I'd far rather have the ambassadors' shoes filled by the deputy chief of mission in a Charge d'Affaires capacity -- always a career foreign service officer who actually knows the country, language, issues, and internal State processes, than by a wealthy supporter of the President. Same goes for so many of the assistant secretary and deputy assistant secretary positions.
1
Tillerson is also reticent about facing the press.
His tardiness in meeting the staff here and at embassies
abroad as well as shying away from the media point to
his style of working in big business where CEO huddles
with a handful of senior vice presidents to make all
important decisions and once in a while send e-mail
to the employees. They never face the media and are
generally awkward when they do. He is not going to
be as good as John Kerry.
His tardiness in meeting the staff here and at embassies
abroad as well as shying away from the media point to
his style of working in big business where CEO huddles
with a handful of senior vice presidents to make all
important decisions and once in a while send e-mail
to the employees. They never face the media and are
generally awkward when they do. He is not going to
be as good as John Kerry.
2
Be careful what you wish for - so far, every Trump appointee has made things worse on a daily basis. This editorial's attempt to normalize an abnormal set of circumstances implies that filling departmental positions will make things run more smoothly. So far, there is very little evidence that that is a realistic possibility in this administration!
1
Tillerson is a business man and will reenter the business world after his little stint in government. He will focus on building ties with foreign governments that might further his own, and his business friends goals. That is likely the only reason he took this office. Don't expect great leadership for our country; get ready for trading and bargaining. That is what Tillerson is all about.
2
Yes, Tillerson was well traveled and as a rich businessman had rubbed elbows with other rich businessmen and politicians around the world, but he was hired for one thing - his relationship with Russia. Before and during the election, Russia was big deal No. 1 to Trump. And, apparently, they had reason to believe a Trump presidency would be in their favor, and acted to make sure that happened. In that environment, Tillerson's expertise made sense.
But then things change in the world - sometimes quickly - and can get very "complicated" - who knew?
Tillerson was always known to be a good businessman but not a good manager of people.
I have been an employee in a law firm which merged with another and we all knew "changes" would be made and the waiting was excruciating - going in every day, not knowing if your life as you knew it was safe or if you should start thinking of a new job, town, schools.
To keep people on this edge not for weeks but for months is inexcusable. Morale must be at an all time low. Job performance cannot help but suffer. Cooperation is out the door. People are trying to undercut each other to look better to be the one chosen to stay.
The longer it goes on the further out of the loop people are - being up to the minute I imagine is important at State. So even those chosen will be less effective.
And those who stay will never trust or respect the boss again, will never be a team player - they'll be too busy watching their own backs.
But then things change in the world - sometimes quickly - and can get very "complicated" - who knew?
Tillerson was always known to be a good businessman but not a good manager of people.
I have been an employee in a law firm which merged with another and we all knew "changes" would be made and the waiting was excruciating - going in every day, not knowing if your life as you knew it was safe or if you should start thinking of a new job, town, schools.
To keep people on this edge not for weeks but for months is inexcusable. Morale must be at an all time low. Job performance cannot help but suffer. Cooperation is out the door. People are trying to undercut each other to look better to be the one chosen to stay.
The longer it goes on the further out of the loop people are - being up to the minute I imagine is important at State. So even those chosen will be less effective.
And those who stay will never trust or respect the boss again, will never be a team player - they'll be too busy watching their own backs.
4
On may wonder, whether the State Department really deserves better? It has always been an arm of the President rather than an agency setting an independent course of foreign relations. One may start with the US betrayal of their ally in the War of Independence, the French King Louis XVI and his family, continue through the indecisive intervention in Russia after the Bolsheviks' seizure of power, and to the support of such dictatorships as Batista in Cuba and the rulers of former Vite-Nam.
Why bother. President Trump will not use any of the information provided by the State Department in policy making. In fact, he does not really believe in policy, so the whole department is largely superfluous in his government.
2
There are NO senior career state department diplomats left in that office. We cannot carry out diplomatic negotiations with a bunch of self-interested newbies, who put our country at risk every single day they fail to carry out long standing policy. WE deserve better than anything this administration has to offer.
5
It appears that Tillerson has brought the executive suite mindset into his role as Sec. of State. That thought pattern being that the fewer lower level employees you can get by with, the bigger the slice of profit pie is for the corner office suite holders. Did Trump forget to mention that government work doesn't get dividends, profit-sharing or delayed stock options, or does Donald think that is within his powers as well?
Tillerson embarks on time-honored, study-the-situation, listening-tour stalls that accomplish about as much material progress as flooring the gas pedal does when you are stuck on glare ice. How Betsy DeVos. Would anyone know the difference if they traded jobs for few months?
Tillerson embarks on time-honored, study-the-situation, listening-tour stalls that accomplish about as much material progress as flooring the gas pedal does when you are stuck on glare ice. How Betsy DeVos. Would anyone know the difference if they traded jobs for few months?
2
Rex Tillerson is only following the President's compass setting, which seems more spinner from the "Wheel of Fortune" than compass needle. Who could staff, then restaff with every new course direction, and who would sign up to try an navigate the constant changes only to be asked daily to explain the inexplicable? If the President would point in one direction and advance more than one step before redirecting, then let's see how Mr. Tillerson performs, until then, his feet are clearly tied.
Political appointees appointed by the Trump family might be encouraged to promote the Trump family business. I would contend that Tillerson having career diplomats serve in senior posts is of greater value to the American people and the State Department.
1
No doubt Tillerson must have been an excellent businessman. However, there is one measure of success that has to be accounted for in evaluating Tillerson's career, which was entirely at one company. Tillerson is the quintessential "company man."
He is struggling with that role at the moment because the CEO of his new employer is an erratic, shallow, egomaniac who is ignorant of the policy details and issues he is supposed to lead on. Although Tillerson may eventually throw in the towel, he does not have a history of being a quitter. But can he be an effective and loyal follower of the captain of the Exxon Valdez II ?
He is struggling with that role at the moment because the CEO of his new employer is an erratic, shallow, egomaniac who is ignorant of the policy details and issues he is supposed to lead on. Although Tillerson may eventually throw in the towel, he does not have a history of being a quitter. But can he be an effective and loyal follower of the captain of the Exxon Valdez II ?
2
Empty positions in leadership will become the baseline for staffing by 2018, then the trump (with a little t) administration can declare that they reduced govt. spending, saving money on behalf of tax payers.
In the photograph, there is not a smile among them. Just faces looking for a hint of leadership, a hint of strategy, a hint of "I know what I'm doing" talk and evidently, not getting any of that.
In THIS administration, the staffers are probably better off, and happier, with those positions unfilled since the selected leaders so far have all come from non-govt. ranks and have little to no knowledge about running a country.
In the photograph, there is not a smile among them. Just faces looking for a hint of leadership, a hint of strategy, a hint of "I know what I'm doing" talk and evidently, not getting any of that.
In THIS administration, the staffers are probably better off, and happier, with those positions unfilled since the selected leaders so far have all come from non-govt. ranks and have little to no knowledge about running a country.
1
What an interesting puzzle. Rex Tillerson is being chastised for not filling the 200 political appointees to the State Department. One has to note that many political appointees are not necessarily expert diplomats or foreign country historians. He might be forced to cut 33% of the workforce, and it appears that he is starting with the political appointees who have not worked in the Foreign Service for 25 or 30 years.
I agree with the Times editorial, that Tillerson should fill the Undersecretary position. He put forward an excellent and experienced candidate, and the Trump Team nixed him, since the gentleman had criticized candidate Trump.
This writer requests that the NYT cover carefully Tillerson's State Department listening tour. I would like to know more about how many inside the State Department, and other nations around the world, really miss most of those 200 political appointees? Are we talking about the top experts from the leading Universities and think tanks in the US, or big political contributors?
I agree with the Times editorial, that Tillerson should fill the Undersecretary position. He put forward an excellent and experienced candidate, and the Trump Team nixed him, since the gentleman had criticized candidate Trump.
This writer requests that the NYT cover carefully Tillerson's State Department listening tour. I would like to know more about how many inside the State Department, and other nations around the world, really miss most of those 200 political appointees? Are we talking about the top experts from the leading Universities and think tanks in the US, or big political contributors?
2
It wasn't just political appointees who were asked to leave.
1
The real question is can we survive and recover from four years of the people now running the government.
2
In order to reform anything, education,military, diplomacy, etc. the fundamental requirement is knowledge of the present system. You have to know what works and what doesn't work and why it doesn't work. It stands to reason that someone completely ignorant of structure, details and personnel cannot do a credible job or do it at all. Tillerson, like his boss Trump, suffer from lack of this basic knowledge and will continue to sow confusion and engage in missteps until they are sufficiently acquainted with their job...if they ever will.
8
The picture is worth a thousand words - not even the ghost of a smile among the professionals who know they and their expertise will be dissed for the next four years, in favor of the ignorance and personal self-interest of their bosses.
4
The American people deserve better too. The last thing we need now, or at any time, is be caught completely unprepared for a crisis in the rest of the world. The State Department is one of the agencies that should be not as political in terms of who runs it, as it is. The positions there ought not to be political rewards for big donors or supporters. I was leery of Obama's decision to have Hillary Clinton leading it but she seems to have done a decent job.
I think that running a government or an agency as important as the State Department the way one runs a business is a mistake. Employees in this department, especially those in the top positions, ought to have experience in foreign relations, working with different nationalities, living in countries other than America, or her allies, and extensive knowledge of how language, customs, and history affect relations. Being a CEO may help but having lived in another country and knowing its language, customs, and people is an even better experience. We rely upon the Secretary of State to represent us in foreign policy and to the rest of the world. Therefore this position and others immediately under it should not be political rewards.
I think that running a government or an agency as important as the State Department the way one runs a business is a mistake. Employees in this department, especially those in the top positions, ought to have experience in foreign relations, working with different nationalities, living in countries other than America, or her allies, and extensive knowledge of how language, customs, and history affect relations. Being a CEO may help but having lived in another country and knowing its language, customs, and people is an even better experience. We rely upon the Secretary of State to represent us in foreign policy and to the rest of the world. Therefore this position and others immediately under it should not be political rewards.
20
I apologize. But I have to vehemently disagree with the NYTimes Editorial Board.
The State Dept's course was set way back in 1947, with the establishment of the National Defense Act as the guiding principals of US Foreign Policy. The State Dept has not deviated left nor right over the past 70 years....and appearantly STILL believes that its mission is to "contain the Soviet Union".
As we poured an incredible amount of money, personel, and effort into the State Dept to counteract the threat of "world communism", the State Dept's bureaucracy grew like a twisted mass of kudzu vines enveloping nearly every possible political outlook on the world. The under-secretary of east african relations advises one thing while the assistant advisor to the secretary pro-tem of the adjuct dept of Pakistani studies advises another. The State Dept has become a world unto itself, often contemptuous of any rube that DARES to offer a common sense perspective....(oh....foreign affairs is far too complex for you crude common americans to ever grasp!!).........
The STate Dept has inertia that is driving a 20th Century America right onto the rocks of the 21st Century.....stay the course.
The State Dept's course was set way back in 1947, with the establishment of the National Defense Act as the guiding principals of US Foreign Policy. The State Dept has not deviated left nor right over the past 70 years....and appearantly STILL believes that its mission is to "contain the Soviet Union".
As we poured an incredible amount of money, personel, and effort into the State Dept to counteract the threat of "world communism", the State Dept's bureaucracy grew like a twisted mass of kudzu vines enveloping nearly every possible political outlook on the world. The under-secretary of east african relations advises one thing while the assistant advisor to the secretary pro-tem of the adjuct dept of Pakistani studies advises another. The State Dept has become a world unto itself, often contemptuous of any rube that DARES to offer a common sense perspective....(oh....foreign affairs is far too complex for you crude common americans to ever grasp!!).........
The STate Dept has inertia that is driving a 20th Century America right onto the rocks of the 21st Century.....stay the course.
14
Unapologetically, i certainly can't disagree more. As differing opinions can occur in educated environments, at least these are educated opinions. The most dangerous time for the country and the State department is when ignorant (Trump) or uncaring (Tex Rex) leaders leave this fine institution to rot and propose relying on a worn out military.
2
Even more reason why someone with no experience in these matters at all, should not be in this position. Especially one that needed to be talked into taking the position by his wife.
What is your background or inside information that we should believe you?
1
I wonder if the Times' editorial board is being too tough on Tillerson:
1. In business, newly appointed leaders evaluate staff against strategic objectives before making radical organizational changes. This takes time.
2. Since Tillerson's boss has no strategic vision, where does that leave Tillerson?
3. Tillerson's boss vacillates back and forth, making a cohesive vision impossible, thus making staff changes including hiring new staff likewise impossible
4. Maybe Tillerson is taking cues from his boss about budget reduction and, hence, is moving slowly. The American people often don't know what transpires between a president and his secretaries.
Tillerson is an intelligent man. There are probably reasons why he is moving slowly.
1. In business, newly appointed leaders evaluate staff against strategic objectives before making radical organizational changes. This takes time.
2. Since Tillerson's boss has no strategic vision, where does that leave Tillerson?
3. Tillerson's boss vacillates back and forth, making a cohesive vision impossible, thus making staff changes including hiring new staff likewise impossible
4. Maybe Tillerson is taking cues from his boss about budget reduction and, hence, is moving slowly. The American people often don't know what transpires between a president and his secretaries.
Tillerson is an intelligent man. There are probably reasons why he is moving slowly.
6
I agree. If anything, he's showing caution. And you're right. When a new CEO comes on board it can be close to one year before that change makes itself apparent in the organization's new structure.
Tillerson is a smart guy. State could use a little shaking to see what falls out first - and then he can staff it accordingly.
Tillerson is a smart guy. State could use a little shaking to see what falls out first - and then he can staff it accordingly.
1
Mr. Burger, another way to frame your reasons is that an intelligent man accepted an important job from a crazy person. That's not really a defense of Tillerson.
1
We have seen no reason to believe Tillerson is an "intelligent man".
Clearly he has limited morals, and it is questionable whether his allegiance is to this country. Or is he just another russian stooge?
Trying to break our Country, is treason. Show us the tax returns.
Clearly he has limited morals, and it is questionable whether his allegiance is to this country. Or is he just another russian stooge?
Trying to break our Country, is treason. Show us the tax returns.
1
Like DeVos, Pruitt, and Sessions, Tillerson was chosen to destroy his agency, not improve it. Did Putin select him?
78
No, his big admirer, Donald Trump, aka POTUS, selected him but with advice I'm sure.
9
Putin is the reason for everything in your world. Say the name "Putin," then magically you are absolved of all critical thinking.
Obama had a huge staff and made a MESS of things.
Just once I'd love to see some balanced honest reporting from this newspaper.
Just once I'd love to see some balanced honest reporting from this newspaper.
11
Just once I would like to see a substantive response from someone critical of President Obama's leadership. What "mess"? And what about the Times reporting is not "balanced" or is less than honest?? Facts, please!
3
The value of having spent a significant amount of time outside the U.S. is clear to anyone who has done so: our country is then seen as a member of a community of nations, none of which has all the answers for all the others. This is an important part of why Obama was both comfortable and well received abroad. To have either a President or a Secretary of State without such experience is as insulting to Americans as it is to the rest of the world.
26
Even traveling outside of this country for a few weeks is a help. Unfortunately most of us don't have the vacation time to do so. It's often quite surprising to learn that actions journalists in the US tout as favorable to us and the world aren't seen that way in Europe or any other country.
12
Compared to the Iran deal of the last administration, the three stooges would be an improvement.
7
Oh, is that the same Iran deal that trump initially thought was a diplomatic blunder of historic proportions and now thinks is okay, after its actual provisions were explained to him detail?
You wanted a stooge? Well, you got one anyway.
You wanted a stooge? Well, you got one anyway.
1
I've watched Tillerson with an open mind, trying to see what he feels, thinks about, and evaluates the many intertwined vagaries inherent in current foreign affairs. So far what I see is near-complete silence supplemented only with occasional seemingly superficial comment that is always devoid of historical context and nuance. Am I alone in my concern?
68
He has no business being in that position, and it appears is working for his own and/or russian interests.
Show us the tax return.
Show us the tax return.
3
"Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." ~ John Adams
And here we are...
And here we are...
28
Which is why we are not a "democracy, Blue Ridge.
We are a representative REPUBLIC based on democratic principles.
Back to American history class for you, sir.
We are a representative REPUBLIC based on democratic principles.
Back to American history class for you, sir.
If this is the business wisdom he brings I am selling my Exxon shares a.s.a.p.
17
Does anybody still wonder why being a great business person might just not be a particularly good qualification for government service? Government and business are not the same. We saw this disconnect between business skills and government administration in the Bush43 (our first MBA President) administration. We are seeing it play out again with Trump and, by extension, Tillerson et. al.
38
Being an unseasoned community organizer with almost no political experience certainly didn't qualify our former president for government service, either.
Honestly answer this question: As of January 1, 2017, were we safer than we were on January 1, 2009?
Not really. Obama left the would in a mess and the United States and its allies under serious treat from at least three directions.
Honestly answer this question: As of January 1, 2017, were we safer than we were on January 1, 2009?
Not really. Obama left the would in a mess and the United States and its allies under serious treat from at least three directions.
Excuse me, but I believe that President Obama was an Illinois State Senator. He had more government experience than the entire Trump White House. And are we actually any safer since January 20, 2017?
We now have a President who seems intent on trashing our allies, extolling the virtues of despotic killers and threatens us with greater military involvement in the Middle East (Iran) and on the Korean Peninsula.
I'll take an engaged Obama over tweet-maniac Trump any day.
We now have a President who seems intent on trashing our allies, extolling the virtues of despotic killers and threatens us with greater military involvement in the Middle East (Iran) and on the Korean Peninsula.
I'll take an engaged Obama over tweet-maniac Trump any day.
3
Obama's record in his position as "state senator" show that he tended to vote "present" on most legislation...when he was there.
His record in the US Senate was not much of an improvement. As one Senator said when asked what working with Obama was like, Obama was acting like the junior senator from Illinois...
Not a ringing endorsement, I would say.
His record in the US Senate was not much of an improvement. As one Senator said when asked what working with Obama was like, Obama was acting like the junior senator from Illinois...
Not a ringing endorsement, I would say.
Don't forget that the hiring freeze continues at the State Department, meaning staffing shortages exist throughout the organization as well as at the senior leadership level. It is patently obvious that Tillerson is seeking to gut the department, both through massive staffing cuts as well as by eroding morale. Neither the White House nor SecState have any interest in real diplomacy.
23
As a career foreign service officer of 31 years, I would suggest that someone tell Secretary Tillerson to give George Schultz a call. He was the greatest secretary of state that I served. He understood the department's strengths and flaws, but got the maximum from it.
In my opinion, the Country is particularly fortunate to have Mr Tillerson in the state Department.
If you're looking for a reason that Mr Trump has had trouble filling positions, look to the obstructionism of Mr Schumer.
If you're looking for a reason that Mr Trump has had trouble filling positions, look to the obstructionism of Mr Schumer.
7
Amy,
Before you blame either Mr Schumer or the Democrats, it might be wise to note, Tillerson did not appoint anyone for these positions. There were no vetting or confirmation hearings for these positions. This problem belongs to Tillerson and the Republicans alone.
Before you blame either Mr Schumer or the Democrats, it might be wise to note, Tillerson did not appoint anyone for these positions. There were no vetting or confirmation hearings for these positions. This problem belongs to Tillerson and the Republicans alone.
5
"...look to the obstructionism of Mr Schumer"
As opposed to the republicans in the last administration?
Ideology "Trumps" america...
As opposed to the republicans in the last administration?
Ideology "Trumps" america...
5
Maybe you've forgotten the hiring freeze that the Republican president instituted shortly after his inauguration?
3
If the State Department was a publicly traded company, the value would have plummeted and the CEO would have been fired. If you are going to pay lip service to running America like a business, then don't allow this mismanagement to happen without rapid steps to change.
20
As the article points out, “no other federal department is as dependent on political appointees” as the State Department. It appears that Rex Tillerson plans to make the State Department less dependent on political appointees and more dependent on its career professionals who have earned their positions by merit rather than as the result of political patronage. The department shouldn’t need new leaders every time someone new moves into the White House.
8
Exactly!
1
It happens with every administration. Political appointees are seldom converted to permanent status. They leave when presidents change. However, with this administration, even career professionals at the top of various divisions were given the choice of demotion or being fired. While it happens to some degree with every change in administration, this administration is going further down the grade level.
1
Did Sec. Tillerson have high quality sources of information when he was CEO of Exxon? Could it be that he believed he could get along without advice from people who had studied problems in depth and were following current events at a level of detail that a generalist executive could not hope to achieve?
Leadership in business means setting a vision and inspiring employees to work hard to achieve that vision. In our government, President Trump is setting the vision and Sec. Tillerson is an underling who must share that vision with the State Department.
It's intriguing to think that he must also influence his boss and encourage him to shape a vision, but I suppose that sometimes happens in business. What does it mean if Tillerson has to spend too much time on that aspect of his job?
We hear that President Trump is a disrupter. He likes to create confusion and chaos. He thinks that helps him negotiate better deals. Sec. Tillerson may be in a tough spot where he has to find a way to convince the president that chaos can be dangerous. It seems kind of obvious that he needs some assistance from staff, but it also seems that the boss doesn't want him to have what he needs.
Leadership in business means setting a vision and inspiring employees to work hard to achieve that vision. In our government, President Trump is setting the vision and Sec. Tillerson is an underling who must share that vision with the State Department.
It's intriguing to think that he must also influence his boss and encourage him to shape a vision, but I suppose that sometimes happens in business. What does it mean if Tillerson has to spend too much time on that aspect of his job?
We hear that President Trump is a disrupter. He likes to create confusion and chaos. He thinks that helps him negotiate better deals. Sec. Tillerson may be in a tough spot where he has to find a way to convince the president that chaos can be dangerous. It seems kind of obvious that he needs some assistance from staff, but it also seems that the boss doesn't want him to have what he needs.
2
Senior executives generally have their own, trusted advisors. people who have shown the executive that they are intelligent, thorough, and imaginative.
I agree with the above comment that incoming executives take the time to evaluate the existing staff before establishing his pool of advisors lieutenants.
I am pleased that Tillerson is taking his time. It is an indication that he is more interested in getting it right than getting it done just to say that it is done.
That"s smart management as having to correct the errors made through haste may be far more costly than having waited to come to the proper conclusions.
I agree with the above comment that incoming executives take the time to evaluate the existing staff before establishing his pool of advisors lieutenants.
I am pleased that Tillerson is taking his time. It is an indication that he is more interested in getting it right than getting it done just to say that it is done.
That"s smart management as having to correct the errors made through haste may be far more costly than having waited to come to the proper conclusions.
1
Of course what you are saying makes perfect sense. Except that nothing this president does makes any sense. Unless you call dismantling 241 years of democracy sensible. So yes, yes, yes, you are absolutely right. But how do we convince those who think the president is doing a great job that destroying the country and all the institutions that have kept us safe is a sensible idea?
12
Have you lost your right to vote, Mr. Priester?
Have you lost your rights to freedom of speech and religion>
It would appear to me, just a casual observer, that the rights to religion, speech, and culture are under threat at our liberal colleges and universities with opposing voices being silenced and violently attacked regularly.
Think carefully about your remarks about democracy in American and look carefully at those that are ACTUALLY the threat.
Do I need to remind you that the legacy of Barack Obama was, and continues to be, on shaky ground because he and his administration far preferred to act by executive fiat rather than establish it through legislative review and action.
Those actions were not only a threat to democracy, but a bold-faced rejection of the basic tenets of our Constitution and rule of law.
Have you lost your rights to freedom of speech and religion>
It would appear to me, just a casual observer, that the rights to religion, speech, and culture are under threat at our liberal colleges and universities with opposing voices being silenced and violently attacked regularly.
Think carefully about your remarks about democracy in American and look carefully at those that are ACTUALLY the threat.
Do I need to remind you that the legacy of Barack Obama was, and continues to be, on shaky ground because he and his administration far preferred to act by executive fiat rather than establish it through legislative review and action.
Those actions were not only a threat to democracy, but a bold-faced rejection of the basic tenets of our Constitution and rule of law.
1
Owl: The ones demeaning our constitution were the republicans in congress, who vowed from day one to obstruct President Obama at ever opportunity. They alone are responsible for any obstruction in our country moving forward on many issues. Racism is alive and well, especially in the repubican party and its base.
3
That was the Reupblican's right as per the Rules of the Senate.
We do have to mention, though that Harry Reid was clever in his use of parliamentary tricks to achieve that of the liberal agenda was passed.
That was Harry Reid's right under the Rules of the Senate.
I will not criticize the clever use of the Rules to achieve goals, and am a full supporter of congressional gridlock at times when there is no broad consensus for the measure being considered.
And, isn't it better for the nation to have gridlock in Congress when there are deep divisions in the body politic?
It's up to The People with their votes for senators and representatives to do something to break the jam.
Unfortunately for the liberal, The People have expressed their will in the election of a Republican president, as Republican as he may or may not be, and the retention of Republican control of the House, the Senate, the majority of the governorships, and a good majority of the state legislatures.
I am aware that it may be tough for you Norma to come to grips with the political irrelevancy that you feel. But, ask yourself whether or not YOU and your liberal colleagues have a great deal of responsibility for the position in which you now find yourselves.
We do have to mention, though that Harry Reid was clever in his use of parliamentary tricks to achieve that of the liberal agenda was passed.
That was Harry Reid's right under the Rules of the Senate.
I will not criticize the clever use of the Rules to achieve goals, and am a full supporter of congressional gridlock at times when there is no broad consensus for the measure being considered.
And, isn't it better for the nation to have gridlock in Congress when there are deep divisions in the body politic?
It's up to The People with their votes for senators and representatives to do something to break the jam.
Unfortunately for the liberal, The People have expressed their will in the election of a Republican president, as Republican as he may or may not be, and the retention of Republican control of the House, the Senate, the majority of the governorships, and a good majority of the state legislatures.
I am aware that it may be tough for you Norma to come to grips with the political irrelevancy that you feel. But, ask yourself whether or not YOU and your liberal colleagues have a great deal of responsibility for the position in which you now find yourselves.
Let's not forget Mr. Trump's business skills -- declaring bankruptcy 4 times and using taxpayer's money to repay himself (his deductions in later years meant everyone else had to pay more). That said, the State Department is suffering from the lack of intelligence and respect for our values that the rest of the nation is going through. Filling positions may be important, but when there is no plan, it matters not whether those positions are vacant. Congress must recognize this administration for what it is and then deal with it.
6
Tillerson's shortcomings as the head of the State Department through lack of knowledge or ability are right in keeping with exalted leader who randomly calls up people such as Putin or the leader of the Philippines to "make deals" or attempt powwows without any input from his cabinet or any experts to guide him in what are obviously unknown waters.
It sounds like that recent movie "Dumb and Dumber."
It sounds like that recent movie "Dumb and Dumber."
10
I wonder why Mr. Tillerson decided to attend the Arctic council summit?
wild guess has to do with one of your headlines today - Oil drilling and new shipping lanes. No accident that the phrase climate change is no longer used by state department officials- by decree.
Everything, absolutely everything is transactional with this administration. I watched Tillerson's confirmation hearing- the man is no dope, it is possible that he was hoodwinked by Trump the way Romney was. Trump is suspicious of smart people, If Tillerson doesn't act soon he will be remembered as another one of Trump's stooges. that will be true of anyone in this administration- they should start leaving soon or they will start stinking to high heaven and will lose all credibility in the real world, not the imaginary one filled with unicorns and jobs for coal miners
wild guess has to do with one of your headlines today - Oil drilling and new shipping lanes. No accident that the phrase climate change is no longer used by state department officials- by decree.
Everything, absolutely everything is transactional with this administration. I watched Tillerson's confirmation hearing- the man is no dope, it is possible that he was hoodwinked by Trump the way Romney was. Trump is suspicious of smart people, If Tillerson doesn't act soon he will be remembered as another one of Trump's stooges. that will be true of anyone in this administration- they should start leaving soon or they will start stinking to high heaven and will lose all credibility in the real world, not the imaginary one filled with unicorns and jobs for coal miners
7
ALL of us deserve better than this Administration.
I actually thought Tillerson could have turned out to be a choice. Maybe he will be, but so far I'm very much unimpressed. Looks like it may not be as hard as I thought to rise in the Exxon-Mobil organization.
I actually thought Tillerson could have turned out to be a choice. Maybe he will be, but so far I'm very much unimpressed. Looks like it may not be as hard as I thought to rise in the Exxon-Mobil organization.
The ignorance of Donald Trump and Rex Tillerson, in the arena of diplomacy, is nothing more than a train wreck in the making. Confidence based on experience and knowledge is vital for diplomats, and presidents. Inflated egos, ignorance and hubris, traits of the dynamic duo Trump and Tillerson, are the norm. This country is sputtering and floundering because of these two totally unqualified men. We tolerate this travesty at our own risk and peril.
The real problem is one of role and expectations.
It should not be the role of the US to be "managing the chaos" in the world - especially given that through our "diplomacy" we seem to create most of it.
It should not be the role of the US to be "leading the free world in an era of multiple, complex crises" - especially given that based on experience the "in" in that phrase really has been into.
If you expect the State Department to fix Afghanistan, you've been sampling a little too much of Afghanistan's largest export, which has increased exponentially with all of our help.
There is a clear role for State in helping expand trade and other relationships between the US and other countries, but fixing the world's problems is not something they should do or for which there is any evidence that they actually can do.
It should not be the role of the US to be "managing the chaos" in the world - especially given that through our "diplomacy" we seem to create most of it.
It should not be the role of the US to be "leading the free world in an era of multiple, complex crises" - especially given that based on experience the "in" in that phrase really has been into.
If you expect the State Department to fix Afghanistan, you've been sampling a little too much of Afghanistan's largest export, which has increased exponentially with all of our help.
There is a clear role for State in helping expand trade and other relationships between the US and other countries, but fixing the world's problems is not something they should do or for which there is any evidence that they actually can do.
4
Just from a quick look at the picture, it looks like there are more than two men for every one woman here. Maybe that is another thing that needs to be changed, along with ousting Trump's lackey.
5
Since Tillerson had only been Secretary of State for a few days, the skewed dichotomy had a lot more to do with John Kerry (D-MA) and his hiring practices than with Tillerson's.
Just noting where the responsibility would really rest.
Just noting where the responsibility would really rest.
Tillerson the Taciturn. A fitting moniker for a character on "Game of Thrones", ill-suited for a Secretary of State.
Why did we expect a former engineer and Eagle Scout to also have diplomatic and managerial skills? He knows how to build oil wells and now we expect him to build bridges.
Why did we expect a former engineer and Eagle Scout to also have diplomatic and managerial skills? He knows how to build oil wells and now we expect him to build bridges.
6
Long, Long ago, I worked for a guy who was hired to "fix things." Instead of leading, he sat in his office talking to who knows whom, and calling in our managers one at a time to explain to them he was doing this slowly and deliberately and would share his "vision" as it evolved.
Well, turns out there was never a vision. Talent left. LOTS of talent went out the door, leaving us with the worst of the worst. I was one of the ones who finally left. That company's face to the public was damaged beyond repair. What had been a respected organization became a joke, and eventually was folded into another division where it never recovered. Turned out, it was all intentional. If they let us go, there was unemployment. They _wanted_ us to leave on our own. They wanted to be rid of us.
Our government has become a global joke. Tillerson, whatever his intention, is as unqualified for the job as his boss. The damage being done to our place in the world is incalculable.
What if this is not an unexpected by-product of our current leadership?
When you start to look at the administration's trail of mismanagement, one can only wonder if this isn't what is supposed to happen.
Follow the money, folks. Follow the money.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
Well, turns out there was never a vision. Talent left. LOTS of talent went out the door, leaving us with the worst of the worst. I was one of the ones who finally left. That company's face to the public was damaged beyond repair. What had been a respected organization became a joke, and eventually was folded into another division where it never recovered. Turned out, it was all intentional. If they let us go, there was unemployment. They _wanted_ us to leave on our own. They wanted to be rid of us.
Our government has become a global joke. Tillerson, whatever his intention, is as unqualified for the job as his boss. The damage being done to our place in the world is incalculable.
What if this is not an unexpected by-product of our current leadership?
When you start to look at the administration's trail of mismanagement, one can only wonder if this isn't what is supposed to happen.
Follow the money, folks. Follow the money.
http://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
25
Tillerson is a joke. All this thoughtful chin stroking and posturing is smoke. He has no idea what he's doing. Don't be surprised when he resigns in two years claiming victory and yammers about wanting to spend more time with his grandkids.
28
So what's the worst that can happen if we can't manage our international conflicts?
Probably the worst case imaginable is a nuclear conflict involving thousands of warheads which vaporize cities, populations, and continents and creating clouds of debris which block sunlight, turning the earth into a barren wasteland devoid of all life for millions of years.
So why worry?
Probably the worst case imaginable is a nuclear conflict involving thousands of warheads which vaporize cities, populations, and continents and creating clouds of debris which block sunlight, turning the earth into a barren wasteland devoid of all life for millions of years.
So why worry?
7
Maybe Tillerson is as arrogant as Trump and he thinks he knows better than the professionals at State because he was a business giant. Just think of the chaos this department will suffer for many years due to this bad beginning. Will there be anybody to tell the next administration how things used to work?
5
Those of us old enough to remember Vietnam, also remember the weeping and wailing and mea culpa breast beating of one Robert McNamara, who admitted much, much later, after 56,000+ Americans had died in Vietnam, that we got into the war on a slogan, the domino theory, and that we lost the war because we didn't understand the culture and the political realities on the ground, nor the tenacity of the nationalist ideology and the true grit of the Vietcong to keep fighting our war colossus, although outnumbered and mismatched.
Now we're back at it again with a bunch of old white guys who don't believe in asking experts what they know about the in situ, OWGs who are teetering once again on warmongering around the world. We haven't "won" in Afghanistan (14 years and counting) nor in Iraq, but that doesn't seem to stop our bullying leaders from wanting to send in more troops in the hollow hope of "winning."
Only diplomacy ends sectarian wars. Sects keep at it forever and can't be stopped with MOABs and even drones. We make martyrs, new foot soldiers spring up out of scorched earth.
So much losing, yes, Donald, a people does tire of so much losing.
Now we're back at it again with a bunch of old white guys who don't believe in asking experts what they know about the in situ, OWGs who are teetering once again on warmongering around the world. We haven't "won" in Afghanistan (14 years and counting) nor in Iraq, but that doesn't seem to stop our bullying leaders from wanting to send in more troops in the hollow hope of "winning."
Only diplomacy ends sectarian wars. Sects keep at it forever and can't be stopped with MOABs and even drones. We make martyrs, new foot soldiers spring up out of scorched earth.
So much losing, yes, Donald, a people does tire of so much losing.
5
Trump is his own SecState, his son in law is his deputy and his daughter is chief adviser. Tillerson is window dressing . Trump thinks he can run the federal government like a mom and pop shop for his own profit/.
6
Since Tillerson is Trump's lap dog, and since Trump shot down Tillerson's pick for his own deputy, it seems to me that the longer we rely on experienced, non-political appointees to run the day-to-day operations for the State Department (and necessarily set some policy in the process), the better off the State Department will be.
1
Every comment comes from the perspective that neither Mr. Trump nor Mr. Tillerson realize the damage that they are doing. If they will open listen to reason, they could better serve America.
But maybe this isn't an accident. Maybe this is an effort to damage America's reputation around the world. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Tillerson are "cozy" with Vladimir Putin. And diminishing America's reputation around the world would benefit Mr. Putin above all others.
Or maybe it's deliberate neglect, in the hopes that an international crisis will develop, permitting Mr. Trump to declare a national emergency as an excuse to seize authority, since only he can "protect" America.
Mr. Tillerson is not a stupid man. He can plan ahead.
I wonder what that plan is.
But maybe this isn't an accident. Maybe this is an effort to damage America's reputation around the world. Both Mr. Trump and Mr. Tillerson are "cozy" with Vladimir Putin. And diminishing America's reputation around the world would benefit Mr. Putin above all others.
Or maybe it's deliberate neglect, in the hopes that an international crisis will develop, permitting Mr. Trump to declare a national emergency as an excuse to seize authority, since only he can "protect" America.
Mr. Tillerson is not a stupid man. He can plan ahead.
I wonder what that plan is.
8
The big difference between the public and private sector is "listening." CEO's don't listen they tell---and the structure of these organizations permits that type of communication. But, in the public sector, and that includes foreign policy, you are dealing with extreme diversity in culture, language, politics, economics. Tillerson is poorly equipped to "listen," as is his boss. The last administration that was also composed of businessmen and women did not listen well to experts who told them repeatedly that interventions in the Middle East was a big mistake---and we all know how those listening tours ended.
4
It's not the State Department that deserves better, we deserve better. We have an unqualified President and an unqualified Secretary of State. Where does that leave us? I don't even want to think about all the damage that will be done. We will pay dearly for the last election mistake. I hope it's just us and not the world.
6
Because the Obama State Department did so well managing conflicts across the globe? Libya-broken. Syria-broken. Iran-deal to acquire nukes. Yemen-broken. Saudi-breaking. Afghanistan-broken. All broken by the Obama State Department. And the list goes on.
For reasons beyond my comprehension, President Trump's Secretary of State, and so many others in his cabinet, have no sense that they have positions which require enormous amounts of work. There is no quick fix in government. The best Republican hopes are to dismantle the agencies or use less staff, but the job remains. This is the essential difference between business and government. The public is your accountable watchdog, 24 hours, each day. In the State Department, world scrutiny is your constant; nothing sexy, nothing glorious, and without profit. Imagine Tillerson's entire State Department of men and women, serving in very dangerous situations, being led by a man who thinks twice about their work. Tillerson lacks the searing brilliance and soul of diplomacy. He ambles from one meeting to the other, without press, and without staff. He seems disinterested and keeps turning a blind eye. There are hundreds of fires in the world that the US puts out with diplomacy, and, State Department employees. Now, these employees, and us, are on our own. While Tillerson conducts a staff survey to satisfy his manager's experience, the world clearly sees human rights atrocities, war, and dictators thrive and flourish; no listening tours required.
Trump is reconstituting the old War Department and putting it in charge of foreign affairs as well. Prepare for war; bigly war
3
There is also an American, boots on the ground, agency which has sent about 200,000 Americans to live and work in around 140 countries since 1961 and has won praise almost everywhere these American men and women have gone. They do not carry guns and do not have guards, but they do have something at least as important - the ability to speak the language of the places where they live and work AND the desire to show that America wants to help.
A vibrant and fully staffed State Department is vital , but so are the Peace Corps Volunteers who have been our boots on the ground Ambassadors of Peace and Friendship since JFK started the Corps more than 50 years ago. With the largest and strongest military in the history of the world and almost 7000 atomic bombs, it's not more of the same that we need. We need to show people in other countries that we want to live and work with them in peace.
The world needs the Peace Corps more than ever in these Trumpian days.!
A vibrant and fully staffed State Department is vital , but so are the Peace Corps Volunteers who have been our boots on the ground Ambassadors of Peace and Friendship since JFK started the Corps more than 50 years ago. With the largest and strongest military in the history of the world and almost 7000 atomic bombs, it's not more of the same that we need. We need to show people in other countries that we want to live and work with them in peace.
The world needs the Peace Corps more than ever in these Trumpian days.!
7
Shhhh... if Trump finds out about the Peace Corps, he'll defund it.
1
I agree with your posting. It is also important to know that many returned PCV's joined the Department of State or USAID.
1
I wonder if the people currently advising Mr Trump and even Mr Tillersn could pass a geography exam about the world much less a history of our foreign relations with other countries and regions. That knowledge and advice is in largest part the purview of the State Department. When you know almost nothing about governing you need to rely on the judgment and knowledge of those who have. The presidency of this country is not an on the job training job and it is one where you must be willing to listen to those who have succeeded and not a palace coterie of syncophants.
Mr Trump does this at all our peril.
Mr Trump does this at all our peril.
6
Progressives: Only in twisted liberal philosophy, is there virtue in creating a government that can not be financed.
Give smaller, pay-as-you-go government a chance.
Give smaller, pay-as-you-go government a chance.
If you were working to advance the interests of Russia - which has long desired a weakening of the U.S.'s role in the world - what better way than to gut the U.S. State Department.
Readers should remember that Hillary Clinton's bloated losing campaign mirrored her bloated ineffective State Department. Her claim to fame was having flown more miles than any other Secretary of State. Given her paucity of accomplishments, her lasting contributions were wasting jet fuel and contributing to climate change.
I say this because it's obvious that increased headcount doesn't automatically lead to better results. I don't know if these unfilled positions are needed or not. To criticize Tillerson because he is not overstaffing like his two ineffective predecessors, is premature. Let's wait six months and see what's needed. The State Department is filled with angry Obama appointees so it's not difficult for The NY Times to construct yet another critical narrative about Trump.
Tillerson and Trump come from the business world where headcount efficiency is crucial. This is a lesson that should be applied to government and I hope it happens soon.
I say this because it's obvious that increased headcount doesn't automatically lead to better results. I don't know if these unfilled positions are needed or not. To criticize Tillerson because he is not overstaffing like his two ineffective predecessors, is premature. Let's wait six months and see what's needed. The State Department is filled with angry Obama appointees so it's not difficult for The NY Times to construct yet another critical narrative about Trump.
Tillerson and Trump come from the business world where headcount efficiency is crucial. This is a lesson that should be applied to government and I hope it happens soon.
4
The State Department situation is so bad that one hardly knows where to begin. Trump never knew Tillerson before he appointed him. Was Tillerson recommended by Putin? Tillerson was close professionally from oil deals with Russia. Is his mission to emasculate what was once an effective State Department that helped keep the Russians at bay and began to make Putin an enemy of Hillary Clinton? Tillerson's handling of his office begs those questions. Only a Democratic majority Congress can be relied on to try and get the answers.
7
Rex Tillerson has more life and business experience than John Kerry or HRC could imagine. Negotiation and understanding is part of the job description along with other characteristics cookie cut gov't people just do not understand. The obstructionist democrats have taken their time to eliminate any progress with confirmations and many people are waiting. I suggest the TIMES view Meet the Press and other political programs which show the bias and fake news of this paper.
3
Government is not run like a business. John Kerry and HRC were respected worldwide. "Cookie-cutter" DOS employees, home and abroad, spend a lot of their time writing, negotiating and understanding agreements that represent the interests of the USA. They meet with their foreign counterparts, either at embassies in the U.S. or while on postings overseas.
The world is too entertwined to carelessly dismiss the need for a strong Department of State.
The world is too entertwined to carelessly dismiss the need for a strong Department of State.
1
And yet you provide not a single concrete example of what harm has been caused by having an "understaffed" State Department. All you can write without citing sources is that it has cost Tillerson "credibility among his troops".
2
200 positions are unfilled? How are the remaining 24,000 Foreign Service and Civil Service employees (and the 45,000 local employees) managing to handle the workload?
29
Yes, Philip – why don't we get rid of all the top tier people across not just the government but also business, since evidently you don't think those top positions are necessary or useful. In fact, why don't we get rid of the top tier of the whole federal government, including and especially this "president," so everybody can be free to do what they want? Brilliant!
2
All State employees are members of the Civil Service. Foreign Service positions are part of the Excepted Service (Foreign Service Act). The Civil Service consists of the Competitive Service and the Excepted Service (US Code Title V)
The misunderstanding is due to lobbying efforts by AFSA, a labor organization that represents members of the Foreign Service. It is important to remember that not all diplomats are "foreign service" employees. Increasingly, to save money, the Department is assigning employees abroad under alternate systems, so as to avoid the need for expensive benefits and bonuses authorized under the Foreign Service Act
The misunderstanding is due to lobbying efforts by AFSA, a labor organization that represents members of the Foreign Service. It is important to remember that not all diplomats are "foreign service" employees. Increasingly, to save money, the Department is assigning employees abroad under alternate systems, so as to avoid the need for expensive benefits and bonuses authorized under the Foreign Service Act
How would the nation do without a President, VP and a Cabinet? That's how well the State Dept. will do without the 200 top people who direct what the rest of the 24,000 do every day.
1
How can a State Department function with Trump as president? State must project calm, even-handedness and vision while trying to be a move or two ahead in a complex chess game. Trump has proven incapable of consistency from one day to the next. If Tillerson were to actually articulate a policy, Trump would contradict it in short order, either from ignorance or to regain the spotlight, relegating State to full-time damage control. Look at the expressions on the faces of staff in the attached photo. One faint wry smile amid a sea of dejection and scowls.
130
Yes, our new Secretary of State does need the best possible team to help him. He is afloat alone on an iceberg without any good bears and seals to help him fill top management positions to respond to current challenges in North Korea, Russia, China, the Balkans, the Middle East. Tillerson told NPR he will start department-wide "listening missions" today to hear what his State Dept. employees have to say. May he be more effective in his work than President Trump was in the Rose Garden yesterday, praising the USAF Academy for winning the armed forces football title. Trump remarked to the assembled football team yesterday - "how's health care coming, folks?, how's it doing - all right?"
74
Tillerson was appointed months ago. Now he is going on a listening tour?
What, he was too busy doing nothing?
What, he was too busy doing nothing?
1
Tillerson should have started "listening" on day one. A bit of humility concerning a position for which you have no qualifications would have been a good start. Instead, he circled the wagons and avoided the career staff. Isolation in that office is not a promising start.
Maybe he is too busy fighting for stature in the cabinet to do the job to which he was appointed. Nice going, GOP. You had to approve his appointment, so this one is on you, too.
Maybe he is too busy fighting for stature in the cabinet to do the job to which he was appointed. Nice going, GOP. You had to approve his appointment, so this one is on you, too.
The key phrase here is "professional diplomats and civil servants." Sure, government bureaucracies can balloon beyond what's necessary, but this country still needs employees to continue forward with their duties and responsibilities in a reliable way as administrations change. What I find disturbing is this constant assault on "the administrative state." It's a policy so stupid it's hard to put into words how stupid a policy it is. The reason we are, (correction, were) well regarded and respected internationally is because we are not a mercurial country. Stuff changes glacially here. Countries understand our actors and our intentions. Part of that is because we have over four million people working for our federal government who continue on with day to day business regardless of who is president. That's how a giant democracy like ours works.
When Tillerson became CEO of Exxon/Mobil, I wonder if he fired every department head and then never replaced them leaving the personnel at lower levels to flounder around. Doubtful. This tells me that he doesn't think our diplomats do any sort of important work. Our diplomatic corps is not a profit center so whatever work they do in foreign relations is worthless, right?
Running a business and making gobs of money is not the only thing a person can do on this earth that has value. Any crisis that results from Tillerson's being asleep at the wheel is on his head.
When Tillerson became CEO of Exxon/Mobil, I wonder if he fired every department head and then never replaced them leaving the personnel at lower levels to flounder around. Doubtful. This tells me that he doesn't think our diplomats do any sort of important work. Our diplomatic corps is not a profit center so whatever work they do in foreign relations is worthless, right?
Running a business and making gobs of money is not the only thing a person can do on this earth that has value. Any crisis that results from Tillerson's being asleep at the wheel is on his head.
194
In TRUMP-World Inc. Tillerson actually seemed like a reasonable choice to lead the State Department. In any other world it would seem like a corporate-fascist coup. But at least, you might posit, Tillerson knows how to behave at a state dinner and how to negotiate large complicated deals.
On the other hand, it's hard not to be extremely wary of a man who knowingly accepted a position from a game-show-host, 3-Card-Monte dealer, who can't even make a profit from a casino. A man who clearly has absolutely no idea what his foreign policy is and hasn't a clue about the history of anything. Either Tillerson is making the ultimate sacrifice by acting as the only adult in the room and accepting the responsibility for any failures that TRUMP will clearly put on his doorstep or he is just another delusional, megalomaniacal CEO who likes the smell of his own natural gas.
Given the fact that he is already behind the 8-ball in several places, and that he hasn't even gotten his staff together, it does not bode well for him or for America.
On the other hand, it's hard not to be extremely wary of a man who knowingly accepted a position from a game-show-host, 3-Card-Monte dealer, who can't even make a profit from a casino. A man who clearly has absolutely no idea what his foreign policy is and hasn't a clue about the history of anything. Either Tillerson is making the ultimate sacrifice by acting as the only adult in the room and accepting the responsibility for any failures that TRUMP will clearly put on his doorstep or he is just another delusional, megalomaniacal CEO who likes the smell of his own natural gas.
Given the fact that he is already behind the 8-ball in several places, and that he hasn't even gotten his staff together, it does not bode well for him or for America.
92
For the last 8 years the US has shown the world what happens when an entire nation wallows in self doubt and self effacing behaviour. The whole world approaches suicide. Thank God for Rex Tillerson
Tillerson gives the impression that he does not want to work very hard.
Like yin and yang, there are stabilizing and destabilizing forces in the world. The destabilizing ones were ascendant during the Middle Ages when kings, princes and potentates of all stripe washed across Europe and the Middle East in the Crusades, a period of at least 200 years. Stabilizers include the alliances, treaties and increased inter-dependency as we saw in the last half of the 20th century. During this latter period the Department of State in the US provided a network for gathering information and exerting soft power.
Now the pendulum shifts again as "Prince" Trump who has told us "I alone can fix it" seeks to dominate the decisions of government and shrink the power and reach of all the other arms of the government including the State Department.
A most interesting test will come when a terrorist seeks to blow up Trump Tower Manila or Trump Tower Istanbul. Until then, the non-military external arms of our country and its government will remain neutered and in the doldrums.
Thank you, Mr. Trump.
Now the pendulum shifts again as "Prince" Trump who has told us "I alone can fix it" seeks to dominate the decisions of government and shrink the power and reach of all the other arms of the government including the State Department.
A most interesting test will come when a terrorist seeks to blow up Trump Tower Manila or Trump Tower Istanbul. Until then, the non-military external arms of our country and its government will remain neutered and in the doldrums.
Thank you, Mr. Trump.
Please Mr. Tillerson, take one for the team, and step aside. We simply cannot afford you.
78
it appears that Tillerson is applying what it regarded as good business management when becoming the head. namely... don't take action for a year. learn the organization before messing with it.
and like the president who nominated him for the job, he seems unwilling to learn that the entire world does not match to the same time as his former employer..
I would have expected more from a smart. capable person which I think he is..
and like the president who nominated him for the job, he seems unwilling to learn that the entire world does not match to the same time as his former employer..
I would have expected more from a smart. capable person which I think he is..
5
Rachel Maddow's explanation for what trump has done to our government is the best I've heard: That he has done this, destroying and destroyed America's standing in the world by hiring incompetents to run major departments, in the service of Putin, who got him elected. As to what hold Putin has on him, no one knows (yet). But I cannot think of a better explanation. (Even trump's amazing incompetence and bizarre state of mind do not explain this as well.)
71
Trump is a would-be autocrat running a plutocracy. That is why he must be resisted. This is much bigger than trans rights, abortion, or even police brutality. I do not minimize those things, but we have to face the facts. Trump and company are causing major disruptions and distractions, just as he did during the primary, while in the background he works in stealth to undo democracy.
Turn away from this train-wreck and all that will be left of the USA we once knew will be a sham of democracy in which we have campaigns (so very, very good for the media's cash flow that even the NYT participates in it) and voting. The voting machines will be rigged. The outcome predetermined, as in Russia and other authoritarian-led faux "democracies", and we will be little more than serfs.
Turn away from this train-wreck and all that will be left of the USA we once knew will be a sham of democracy in which we have campaigns (so very, very good for the media's cash flow that even the NYT participates in it) and voting. The voting machines will be rigged. The outcome predetermined, as in Russia and other authoritarian-led faux "democracies", and we will be little more than serfs.
Are "political appointments" people who have experience, or people who are owed favors for donating? It seems that over and over again I hear the names of people who are just socially connected in some manner being given these appointments, a huge part of "the swamp".
How do you drain a swamp without making changes? Give the man some time, Rome was not built in a day, there are plenty of non political appointments still working there. People who actually took tests and know the procedures. The "political appointments" can be made as necessary, I give Tillerson some credit for going slowly and thoughtfully.
How do you drain a swamp without making changes? Give the man some time, Rome was not built in a day, there are plenty of non political appointments still working there. People who actually took tests and know the procedures. The "political appointments" can be made as necessary, I give Tillerson some credit for going slowly and thoughtfully.
3
The main problem with this is that important positions have been vacated without a replacement in sight. A smart move might have been to wait to remove senior personnel when he had replacements ready. He would have benefited greatly to have waited until he or his new staff had been adequately briefed. Government cannot be run like a business.
1
Please stop with the "government experience". It's an oxymoron.
"Skilled incompetence" would be a better label. So yes, Rex Tillerson definitely lacks "skilled incompetence".
"Skilled incompetence" would be a better label. So yes, Rex Tillerson definitely lacks "skilled incompetence".
6
How DARE you demean an entire category of workers because they choose government jobs over the private sector. Do you even have a mind capable of understanding all the jobs that MUST be done to ensure we are a united, smoothly-operating country?
When did you clowns start believing that business is perfect? Ever hear of Enron, Greg Einstein?
When did you clowns start believing that business is perfect? Ever hear of Enron, Greg Einstein?
12
This is the kind of thinking that got Trump elected. He doesn't know what he's doing and is making a hash out of the Presidency.
Based on tillerson's performance so far, you are wrong. He's more in the realm of UNSKILLED incompetence.
2
Reading this column reminds me of the old saying,
"Be careful what you wish for as you may get it".
Mr. Tillerson was selected by Mr. Trump for one of 3 reasons:
a. He's really, really qualified for the job
b. He really, really likes Mr. Trump
c. He really, really contributed lots of money to the Republican cause.
As we can derive from the column, a. is not even in the running leaving b. or c. as the logical choices.
Following this through, if Mr. Tillerson is in no way fit to be the Secretary of State then how on earth could he make 'good' choices for the 200 vacancies that need filling? Even in the ranks of the 1%, he'd be hard pressed to find 200 of them who want to, chuckle, chuckle, 'serve their country'.
Having one well groomed, wealthy bozo leading the Department is quite enough; let's just hope this 'clown' doesn't start to pick people for those positions but, perhaps, let's some of the experienced 'staffers' do the picking.
At any rate, it doesn't seem to matter to 'Twitler' as he takes nobody's advice on anything much less the 'swamp like' State Department!
"Be careful what you wish for as you may get it".
Mr. Tillerson was selected by Mr. Trump for one of 3 reasons:
a. He's really, really qualified for the job
b. He really, really likes Mr. Trump
c. He really, really contributed lots of money to the Republican cause.
As we can derive from the column, a. is not even in the running leaving b. or c. as the logical choices.
Following this through, if Mr. Tillerson is in no way fit to be the Secretary of State then how on earth could he make 'good' choices for the 200 vacancies that need filling? Even in the ranks of the 1%, he'd be hard pressed to find 200 of them who want to, chuckle, chuckle, 'serve their country'.
Having one well groomed, wealthy bozo leading the Department is quite enough; let's just hope this 'clown' doesn't start to pick people for those positions but, perhaps, let's some of the experienced 'staffers' do the picking.
At any rate, it doesn't seem to matter to 'Twitler' as he takes nobody's advice on anything much less the 'swamp like' State Department!
The truly frighting aspect of all this is the wholesale removal of Sr. career staff that held the institutional memory at state. Those people were literally priceless regardless of what you think of the Dept.
The reactionarys, which include the Neo-Con's, have ragged on State for years so that the public does not really know what to think. George W's isolation to Colin Powell and the low profile Condi Rice helped to tarnish the State Dept. at the time and of course the reactionarys were enraged regarding HIllary and Sec. John Kerry. All in all it just shows incompetence and their inability to govern at any level.
Also keep in mind that the lions share of the reactionary foreign policy establishment were mostly 'Never Trump' guys and as such will never be offered a job. We are probably doomed to second raters, of which I judge Tillerson as one, for the duration. Just hope that they don't hire John Bolton; a real disaster and embarrassment.
The reactionarys, which include the Neo-Con's, have ragged on State for years so that the public does not really know what to think. George W's isolation to Colin Powell and the low profile Condi Rice helped to tarnish the State Dept. at the time and of course the reactionarys were enraged regarding HIllary and Sec. John Kerry. All in all it just shows incompetence and their inability to govern at any level.
Also keep in mind that the lions share of the reactionary foreign policy establishment were mostly 'Never Trump' guys and as such will never be offered a job. We are probably doomed to second raters, of which I judge Tillerson as one, for the duration. Just hope that they don't hire John Bolton; a real disaster and embarrassment.
29
The best US Sec. of State was James Monroe's Secretary for his entire eight years, John Quincy Adams: The Monroe Doctrine and Florida obtained for not one cent or one shot. Our most recent two, Clinton and Kerry, were among our worst.
In 2008, the Cold War had been over for 2 decades. Russia was a failed state and Putin was an ex-KGB clown. Turkey was a strong NATO ally. Neither North Korea nor Iran had the A-bomb. China was trying to make her one old, ex-Russian aircraft carrier work. There was no ISIS.
Now, Russia is strong enough again to re-start the Cold War. She, with naval and air bases on the Med for the first time ever, is the military leader in the Middle East. Turkey has become a radical Islamic state. North Korea is close to threatening the world with her nuclear missiles. So is Iran. China has air and naval bases on islands she has made hundreds of miles from her shores. From just one American murdered on US soil by Islamic terrorists in the 7 years post 9/11, more than 200 were murdered here in the past 8 years. US Ambassador Stevens was murdered in his own burning consulate in Libya. And in all this, our State Department and leadership did nothing.
It may take our State Department more than just 100 days to re-build itself after such a nightmarish 8 years.
In 2008, the Cold War had been over for 2 decades. Russia was a failed state and Putin was an ex-KGB clown. Turkey was a strong NATO ally. Neither North Korea nor Iran had the A-bomb. China was trying to make her one old, ex-Russian aircraft carrier work. There was no ISIS.
Now, Russia is strong enough again to re-start the Cold War. She, with naval and air bases on the Med for the first time ever, is the military leader in the Middle East. Turkey has become a radical Islamic state. North Korea is close to threatening the world with her nuclear missiles. So is Iran. China has air and naval bases on islands she has made hundreds of miles from her shores. From just one American murdered on US soil by Islamic terrorists in the 7 years post 9/11, more than 200 were murdered here in the past 8 years. US Ambassador Stevens was murdered in his own burning consulate in Libya. And in all this, our State Department and leadership did nothing.
It may take our State Department more than just 100 days to re-build itself after such a nightmarish 8 years.
3
Tillerson should go back to Exon. Maybe Trump will do better next time--he did ok, maybe better than ok, when Flynn left.
2
Serving an inexperienced and inept president perhaps . . .
5
Perhaps he is unaware that he is 5th in line to the presidency, the "primus inter pares" of cabinet officials, and, as such, has a responsibility to do his job well, a task which greatly depends on the abilities and knowledge and connections of Foreign Service Officers and Specialists in the Department and around the world, and the Civil Service experts who have poured their hearts into serving our country in so many ways and fields. Simple human pride and a proper sense of place should be adequate stimulation for getting his act together.
25
Let's not mince words here, the problem is not with Tillerson's staff, it's with Tillerson. He is not qualified for the job. I don't doubt that he's smart, he wouldn't have held his previous position without being a very capable administrator. But negotiating contracts for drilling rights, P&L balance sheets and managing return-on-investment within a conglomerate are not useful skills for the nation's top diplomat. I wonder about his familiarity with all the intertwined relationships between nation states. The political allegiances, historical alliances. This is all too much knowledge to acquire though a few briefings. The skills for this job are acquired through experience. The most accomplished diplomats have been promoted though the ranks with a proven track record. However Trump's antithesis for knowledge and experience drives his every decision.
512
Oh, please. Tillerson traveled around the world making deals and is on a first name basis with many of these leaders. That's way, way more experience than Hillary had before assuming the post (of course her performance is not something to strive for).
I honestly believe that this long-serving head of oil giant Exxon Mobil has had to negotiate with many governments, their military leaders, world banks, treasurers, scientists, engineers and every type and level of manager over his 40 years of leadership? This guy is a player with a capital "P". On the other hand, it's amazing that we haven't really been told his personal story by the press. Maybe something is rotten with this Texas bigshot. I don't like the fact that he's a friend of Putin's, but every U.S. leader has to deal with tyrants to try to get what we need. Rex has probably done a lot of things we'll never be privvy to, just like Trump. But then, that's also true for some of the dealings most Presidents and their chiefs have had to do. It's all very worrisome. I say let's have more transparency. I believe we CAN handle the truth!
Mr. Tillerson has always seemed an odd, almost inexplicable, choice to be our nation's chief diplomat. His only important credential is an award from Vladimir Putin, the "Order of Friendship," as well as a long working history with Rosneft, the Russian state oil company. And that, and that alone, may explain his choice. He is more an ambassador to Russia with a major part of his portfolio now in the hands of Trump family member, Jared Kushner, and the President himself. So, what you have are two CEOs, Trump and Tillerson, with absolutely no government experience believing that "they alone" can handle the nation's diplomacy. Meanwhile there are hundreds of countries being neglected with no ambassadors or in-house State Department staff. But, it seems in Trump world there is only "America First" and just a few outsiders like China and Russia really worth your attention.
240
The choice of Tillerson and the termination of professionals in the State Department is another reflection of TeamTrump treason.
1
I have it on good authority that it wasn't Trump who appointed Tillerson. It was God. If you doubt it, ask Tillerson's wife!
Trump is NOT a CEO. He is an owner of his bisines. BIG difference. He has never been responsible to other people. He still isn't.
1
America deserves and needs a State Department with statesmen and stateswomen with diplomatic talent and experience to represent the values and interests of our divided limited power diverse democratic republic.
There are no military solutions to the ethnic sectarian civil wars facing America nor to the consequences of climate change and infectious disease.
A President who inherited a tiny closely held New York City real estate empire is poorly equipped to run a nation state with the biggest military and economy on Earth. A Secretary of State who worked at one fossil fuel company all of his life does not know domestic government nor politics nor foreign affairs.
It is really bad day for America when the 32/33 year old leader of North Korea has vastly more experience running a nation state than the Trump White House and Cabinet combined. It is even worse when he has the 4th largest military in a modern Sparta bent on guaranteeing his political survival.
Real tough experienced government politicians like Putin, Xi, Merkel, Salman, Netanyahu, Erdogan, Sisi, Abe, Trudeau and May will rock and roll our Presidential Apprentice. Jared, Ivanka, Bannon,Pence and Priebus don't know any more than Jack and Jill about diplomacy.
There are no military solutions to the ethnic sectarian civil wars facing America nor to the consequences of climate change and infectious disease.
A President who inherited a tiny closely held New York City real estate empire is poorly equipped to run a nation state with the biggest military and economy on Earth. A Secretary of State who worked at one fossil fuel company all of his life does not know domestic government nor politics nor foreign affairs.
It is really bad day for America when the 32/33 year old leader of North Korea has vastly more experience running a nation state than the Trump White House and Cabinet combined. It is even worse when he has the 4th largest military in a modern Sparta bent on guaranteeing his political survival.
Real tough experienced government politicians like Putin, Xi, Merkel, Salman, Netanyahu, Erdogan, Sisi, Abe, Trudeau and May will rock and roll our Presidential Apprentice. Jared, Ivanka, Bannon,Pence and Priebus don't know any more than Jack and Jill about diplomacy.
411
If America desired a State Department filled with statesmen and stateswomen of talent and experience why did they elect as President an ignorant, crude and oafish knucklehead?
Quite a conundrum.
Quite a conundrum.
1
It's beyond me how the buffons-in-charge can eviscerate the one department responsible for preventing our careening into global conflagration! DJT says he wants to boost DoD spending by 54bil, yet neither he nor Tillerson seem to realize that State occupies the very front-line of the military -- AND of commerce. Boost State, save $ and lives, all while earning respect across the planet. State markets the US to the world, while cooling hot spots and negotiating trade deals in the US's interest. There is no way possible that DJT will "Make America Great" "again" by demeaning this group of our very best, brightest, (alas) elite diplomatic corps. Just look how dejected they appear in the photo; anyone can see in it that the future does not bode well. So depressing!
I keep hoping that the buffoons will wake up and let the US (continue to) be the leader of the free world, or I will wake up, and see that this was really all just a very, very bad dream.
I keep hoping that the buffoons will wake up and let the US (continue to) be the leader of the free world, or I will wake up, and see that this was really all just a very, very bad dream.
321
They do indeed look very dejected.
This is the effect Trump has on people .
We sit up here in Canada getting on with life when all of a sudden,the Trump Image will slip into our minds.
And we think," Oh God! Forgot about HIM ! He's down there to the South, below the border! He's THERE ,he's always there ."
And our hearts sink.
And we all look like Mr.Tillerson and those people in the picture......gritting our teeth; trying still to be "The True North Strong And Free".
And all the time,Trump is THERE, just over the border.
And we are really fed up with all of this Trump fiasco.
Aren't YOU too, dear neighbours ?
This is the effect Trump has on people .
We sit up here in Canada getting on with life when all of a sudden,the Trump Image will slip into our minds.
And we think," Oh God! Forgot about HIM ! He's down there to the South, below the border! He's THERE ,he's always there ."
And our hearts sink.
And we all look like Mr.Tillerson and those people in the picture......gritting our teeth; trying still to be "The True North Strong And Free".
And all the time,Trump is THERE, just over the border.
And we are really fed up with all of this Trump fiasco.
Aren't YOU too, dear neighbours ?
After the donald`s statement about the government needing a pull the plug/complete re-boot it`s time to examine his thinking,again. donald would bring an axe into a lifeboat and start chopping when it wasn`t going where he wanted it to go. Tillerson is failing bigly because he can`t figure out a profit he can put in his pocket. He will never understand long term health of the world over short term profits.
228
What makes you think DoS isn't about ensuring profitability for American corporations?
What do you think an Economic Officer does?
Tillerson will fit into the culture just fine once he realizes that the goals pursued by DoS and Exxon aren't so widely divergent.
What do you think an Economic Officer does?
Tillerson will fit into the culture just fine once he realizes that the goals pursued by DoS and Exxon aren't so widely divergent.
DD: All countries that have an interest in international business have someone in their embassies who report on business issues. It is not a nefarious assist as you seem to imply.
1
Many people think that a person will make a great leader because they have been a successful business man. America's religion today is capitalism and it looks to CEOs as a priesthood which will put the country on a sound footing. What a sad delusion and also dangerous thinking.
1
An inexperienced and fickle minded President and the authority deprived marginalised Secretary of State with skeletal staff under him do constitute a fatal mix in so far as the conduct of modern statecraft and international diplomacy is concerned.
90
"However valuable these skills are, running a business is not the same as leading the free world in an era of multiple, complex crises."
There seems to be a common denominator to CEOs and company founders that is a huge drawback in government: arrogance. Business success can't be compared to diplomatic, or any governmental, measures of success, because the problems are infinitely more delicate and require far more nuanced solutions.
Moreover, CEOs aren't used to being crossed, usually travel in small circles, and unless blessed with a genuine concern for underlings below, quite insulated from the people doing the actual work.
In a world as on edge as ours, having an understaffed State Department led by a detached executive makes me very nervous. When the inevitable crisis occurs, Tillerson is going to need an army of civil servants to help him separate fact from fiction--people on the ground, ambassadors in every consulate, and the right people with good research skills.
Of all departments in government, State is our most important. Especially now. I hope Tillerson reads this editorial and takes it to heart, unlike his boss who refuses criticism, turning it to attacks on the press.
There seems to be a common denominator to CEOs and company founders that is a huge drawback in government: arrogance. Business success can't be compared to diplomatic, or any governmental, measures of success, because the problems are infinitely more delicate and require far more nuanced solutions.
Moreover, CEOs aren't used to being crossed, usually travel in small circles, and unless blessed with a genuine concern for underlings below, quite insulated from the people doing the actual work.
In a world as on edge as ours, having an understaffed State Department led by a detached executive makes me very nervous. When the inevitable crisis occurs, Tillerson is going to need an army of civil servants to help him separate fact from fiction--people on the ground, ambassadors in every consulate, and the right people with good research skills.
Of all departments in government, State is our most important. Especially now. I hope Tillerson reads this editorial and takes it to heart, unlike his boss who refuses criticism, turning it to attacks on the press.
269
After Trump's claims for a different foreign policy during his campaign I would have expected him to hire academics from all over the country. Unlike those employed by the many "think tanks" in Washington these people people tend to be independent thinkers.
Unfortunately both Tillerson and Trump have neglected to do some serious searching for people who could support them designing new policies.
Unfortunately both Tillerson and Trump have neglected to do some serious searching for people who could support them designing new policies.
4
The fewer people there are at the State Department, the fewer people there are to stop the lifting of sanctions on drilling for oil.
27
Trump made clear from the early days of his campaign that he regarded the federal bureaucracy as an obstacle to effective government. His personal style of leadership required subordinates wholly dependent on him, not independent professionals whose training and experience encouraged them to question policies with which they disagreed. Trump's frustration with this tendency of the civil service, of course, mirrored that of virtually every other president, but he adopted the unique solution of limiting the number of political appointees through whom the permanent staff could channel their views and opposition.
Trump probably plans to serve as his own Secretary of State, so an eviscerated staff structure at Foggy Bottom would reduce interference from the professionals. FDR adopted a somewhat similar approach (although with a fully staffed bureaucracy) and made it work effectively, but Trump lacks the knowledge, experience or mental discipline to imitate Roosevelt.
When the voters chose Trump, however, they knew they were opting for a caudillo over a chief executive in the democratic mold. The results were wholly predictable.
Trump probably plans to serve as his own Secretary of State, so an eviscerated staff structure at Foggy Bottom would reduce interference from the professionals. FDR adopted a somewhat similar approach (although with a fully staffed bureaucracy) and made it work effectively, but Trump lacks the knowledge, experience or mental discipline to imitate Roosevelt.
When the voters chose Trump, however, they knew they were opting for a caudillo over a chief executive in the democratic mold. The results were wholly predictable.
28
The voters did not choose trump. most of us voted for HRC. He won the presidency because of our preposterous devotion to the very undemocratic EC-- and then only by a relatively few votes in a handful of depressed and/or far right wing states.
2
Anyone who is jaded about government is probably republican and should just move along. Government is only as good as the people who are running it...if you believe in good governance you're probably a democrat.
Yet another reason to vote the rascals out.
Yet another reason to vote the rascals out.
37
One would think Mr. Tillerson would have transitioned with ease to Secretary of State. He was CEO of a behemoth of a company with over 73,000 employees. But when one reviews his resume you see the fatal flaw. His entire career was with ExxonMobil and when he joined in 1975 it was one of the largest energy companies worldwide. Companies of this type (Petroleum) and size essentially move forward on their own inertia and need caretakers only to keep them on course. And that is what Mr Tillerson was doing as CEO. A caretaker.
Tillerson to succeed required a solid experienced diplomat as Deputy and he named Elliott Abrams. A good choice, but then Trump nixed it. So just imagine how a very proud former CEO handled that. Not well I suppose. So Tillerson is on a wait and see, try and understand what Trump is up to next. No sense trying to fill positions at State if you're going to be second guessed at every appointment.
What Tillerson should have done is insisted on Abrams but he didn’t and now is just floundering.
Tillerson to succeed required a solid experienced diplomat as Deputy and he named Elliott Abrams. A good choice, but then Trump nixed it. So just imagine how a very proud former CEO handled that. Not well I suppose. So Tillerson is on a wait and see, try and understand what Trump is up to next. No sense trying to fill positions at State if you're going to be second guessed at every appointment.
What Tillerson should have done is insisted on Abrams but he didn’t and now is just floundering.
61
If Tillerson had any integrity, he never would have accepted the job. I just hope he won't take the rest of with him while he flounders.
3
Some of the Trumpian animus for the DoS is deserved.
They can be arrogant, willfully oblivious, and rather too enamored of themselves and their allegedly superior intellects.
But, having said that, the answer isn't to defund them and enfeeble them.
If America wants to be a leader in the world, and if you ever want to see the world move towards a more unified condition to tackle truly global problems, you will need people out there engaging with thought leaders in other countries on a day-to-day basis. Sacrificing the whole edifice to the US culture wars is a ham-fisted strategy that undermines America's global outreach cadre at a time when it is needed more than ever.
If you truly want a better, more American, Department of State, the key is getting a more regionally, economically and philosophically diverse cadre of officers into senior management positions. People that represent the values and viewpoints of average Americans, rather than the usual privileged, self-aggrandizing ditto-heads pushed out by Georgetown, George Mason and other elite feeder schools clustered around the capital.
The rank and file, generally speaking, are hard-working, dedicated people. Some of the most ethical and idealistic people our country produces. Help them by cleaning house at the top.
They can be arrogant, willfully oblivious, and rather too enamored of themselves and their allegedly superior intellects.
But, having said that, the answer isn't to defund them and enfeeble them.
If America wants to be a leader in the world, and if you ever want to see the world move towards a more unified condition to tackle truly global problems, you will need people out there engaging with thought leaders in other countries on a day-to-day basis. Sacrificing the whole edifice to the US culture wars is a ham-fisted strategy that undermines America's global outreach cadre at a time when it is needed more than ever.
If you truly want a better, more American, Department of State, the key is getting a more regionally, economically and philosophically diverse cadre of officers into senior management positions. People that represent the values and viewpoints of average Americans, rather than the usual privileged, self-aggrandizing ditto-heads pushed out by Georgetown, George Mason and other elite feeder schools clustered around the capital.
The rank and file, generally speaking, are hard-working, dedicated people. Some of the most ethical and idealistic people our country produces. Help them by cleaning house at the top.
3
And, some of them have been there so long that they think that the ARE the Secretary of State.
And, when you have layer-after-layer of such "diplomats", it is difficult to achieve the objectives and policies of those whose right it is to set them.
And, when you have layer-after-layer of such "diplomats", it is difficult to achieve the objectives and policies of those whose right it is to set them.
1
Owl: What is too long? Government workers retire and are replaced. The stateside Civil Service personnel work long and hard, and support the work of those in the Foreign Service. It does, in fact, require above average intellect to know how to read, write and speak in more than one language. Believe it or not, but not many foreign leaders and their staff speak English.
1
As noted by others, having a larger bureaucracy doesn't mean better outcomes. That said, Tillerson does need more folks around him and there is a dispute about whether he or the White House political staff is the cause of the delay. In any event, since the "resistance" democrats are determined to slow walk all nominations in an effort to hinder the operations of the Trump administration there is no quick solution.
2
Ross is correct in assuming that corporate leadership doesn't translate well to government. CEOs tend to view the staff as "Human resources" not as people. They are expenses, not assets. CEOs believe they can get it all done with an administrative assistant and maybe a VP or two. Everyone else is just overhead.
So is it surprising that Tillerson has made few moves to staff the State Department? He doesn't know what they do. He could be his own episode of "Undercover Boss."
Trump has attacked the wrong people in his sideshow efforts to prove he is draining the swamp. Like any CEO he thinks the problem is with all the employees wasting time at the water cooler. But it is the leadership that is failing us, not the everyday people grinding through the real work of governance.
Staff the government. Fire the lobbyists, and all of the people in the White Hoses who stand to personally profit from decisions and influence peddling.
So is it surprising that Tillerson has made few moves to staff the State Department? He doesn't know what they do. He could be his own episode of "Undercover Boss."
Trump has attacked the wrong people in his sideshow efforts to prove he is draining the swamp. Like any CEO he thinks the problem is with all the employees wasting time at the water cooler. But it is the leadership that is failing us, not the everyday people grinding through the real work of governance.
Staff the government. Fire the lobbyists, and all of the people in the White Hoses who stand to personally profit from decisions and influence peddling.
83
Yeah, if there is any part of government I would like to see understaffed, it is the White House, which is now a family-run business, and no one in the family has any relevant experience.
If you are angry, stay that way. If you are not angry, get informed and you will be. The one thing you must not do is become cynical and turn away. Our patriots are the ones who oppose this destruction of our government and our democracy. Yes, it really, really is that serious.
If you are angry, stay that way. If you are not angry, get informed and you will be. The one thing you must not do is become cynical and turn away. Our patriots are the ones who oppose this destruction of our government and our democracy. Yes, it really, really is that serious.
The situation at the State Department is scary for those of us who believe in the value of diplomacy - both for selling the "American Brand" overseas as well as negotiating with hostile governments to find common ground and try to move peace and stability forward. It also further shows the hypocrisy of the Trump-speak "Make American Great." Without diplomacy abroad the only thing America will be first in is steady decline. I know Trump's insular base would like to pretend it's 1900 again and isolationism could work - but it's not and no amount of soothing rhetoric will make it so. And where is the outcry of his base for the hundreds of positions that the Tillerson State Department are trying to leave unfilled - while seeking to force diplomats to resign or retire. I guess the only jobs they really cared about were their own.
27
If Russia is described as a gas station masquerading as a state, then what is the state department described as, considering it has a gas executive masquerading as Secretary of State ?
It is a basic human fact , that when we interact with one another, we come to learn that we have more in common, than all of our differences. When we retreat into our little bubbles, then we get the result we did in the last election. Not a good thing.
What will happen if the entire U.S. retreats into a little bubble from the entire world ?
Not good.
It is a basic human fact , that when we interact with one another, we come to learn that we have more in common, than all of our differences. When we retreat into our little bubbles, then we get the result we did in the last election. Not a good thing.
What will happen if the entire U.S. retreats into a little bubble from the entire world ?
Not good.
49
Tillerson is behaving exactly like a businessman. When an outside company takes over another they immediately implement a hiring freeze. Then they start looking for ways to downsize by consolidating positions, expecting people to take on multiple roles, and then they start to cut people and departments. Generally those who have seniority go first to save labor costs.
Hopefully nothing tragic happens as a result of his ignorance and arrogance. We need more pieces educating the public about what the state department does. Some pieces on meaningful diplomatic solutions that they are responsible for such as the recent non military solution to nuclear weapons in Iran would help the public become defenders of the state department.
The next president is going to have to jump right in and rebuild a lot of government agencies. A lot of talent is going to be lost to the private sector because of this president and his useless cabinet picks.
Hopefully nothing tragic happens as a result of his ignorance and arrogance. We need more pieces educating the public about what the state department does. Some pieces on meaningful diplomatic solutions that they are responsible for such as the recent non military solution to nuclear weapons in Iran would help the public become defenders of the state department.
The next president is going to have to jump right in and rebuild a lot of government agencies. A lot of talent is going to be lost to the private sector because of this president and his useless cabinet picks.
140
It's quite premature, Amy, to assume that any government agency is going to need rebuilding after four or eight years of a Trump administration.
It is axiomatic that every government agency needs a housecleaning when the other party takes control of the executive. All presidents should be, and generally are, given that right.
Three months to houseclean a bureaucracy is a blink of the eye in bureaucratic terms...the tempos of those bureaucracies generally make it impossible for six, eight, ten months, even a year or more.
We'll see what shape they are in a couple of years.
But one thing is for certain. Obama allowed the agencies to stray from their mission of regulation into the arena of making of the laws.
Obama's use of this extra-legal/illegal authority over-reach is why the Obama legacy is crumbling as each day passes.
It is axiomatic that every government agency needs a housecleaning when the other party takes control of the executive. All presidents should be, and generally are, given that right.
Three months to houseclean a bureaucracy is a blink of the eye in bureaucratic terms...the tempos of those bureaucracies generally make it impossible for six, eight, ten months, even a year or more.
We'll see what shape they are in a couple of years.
But one thing is for certain. Obama allowed the agencies to stray from their mission of regulation into the arena of making of the laws.
Obama's use of this extra-legal/illegal authority over-reach is why the Obama legacy is crumbling as each day passes.
1
Tragedies have already happened on Tillerson's watch, starting with the astoundingly cruel and stupid cuts to overseas health clinics.
Driving poverty and ill health in poor countries is the number one way to increase migration. Duh. So much for reducing illegal immigration.
Tillerson does not have one iota of qualification for his job. He got the job to remove sanctions from Russia so he could make even more obscene amounts of money from Arctic drilling. He is simply biding his time until he thinks we are too distracted to notice him trying to lift the sanctions.
Psychopaths are notorious for looking smart but being in reality incredibly stupid in their wanton destructiveness.
Nothing but tragedy will come fromTillerson's tenure as Secretary of State. The sooner we can get rid of Trump the sooner we can get rid of his Cabinet of Horror.
Driving poverty and ill health in poor countries is the number one way to increase migration. Duh. So much for reducing illegal immigration.
Tillerson does not have one iota of qualification for his job. He got the job to remove sanctions from Russia so he could make even more obscene amounts of money from Arctic drilling. He is simply biding his time until he thinks we are too distracted to notice him trying to lift the sanctions.
Psychopaths are notorious for looking smart but being in reality incredibly stupid in their wanton destructiveness.
Nothing but tragedy will come fromTillerson's tenure as Secretary of State. The sooner we can get rid of Trump the sooner we can get rid of his Cabinet of Horror.
4
TheOwl writes: "But one thing is for certain. Obama allowed the agencies to stray from their mission of regulation into the arena of making of the laws."
How so, TheOwl? Be specific. Including credible, verifiable data would be a plus in your being taken seriously.
Also, you write, "Obama's use of this extra-legal/illegal authority over-reach is why the Obama legacy is crumbling as each day passes."
I'm curious about your charge of cause and effect here, i.e. "...is why..."
Can you elaborate? How do you know that Obama used illegal authority - couldn't find where he'd been convicted of such - and that said authority is duly responsible for his legacy "crumbling"?
It really is useless to make the charge without providing evidence.
But then, conservatives don't ever demand data points.
Ever.
How so, TheOwl? Be specific. Including credible, verifiable data would be a plus in your being taken seriously.
Also, you write, "Obama's use of this extra-legal/illegal authority over-reach is why the Obama legacy is crumbling as each day passes."
I'm curious about your charge of cause and effect here, i.e. "...is why..."
Can you elaborate? How do you know that Obama used illegal authority - couldn't find where he'd been convicted of such - and that said authority is duly responsible for his legacy "crumbling"?
It really is useless to make the charge without providing evidence.
But then, conservatives don't ever demand data points.
Ever.
3
On the bright side, his listening mission won't take too long given the paucity of employees in strategic roles. It's time to face the reality - the White House will be running foreign policy for the US for the duration of this administration and it will be devised on the hoof. Tillerson is the US equivalent of a constitutional monarch - visiting officials will pay a courtesy call but will focus on trying to get to meet Kushner to get any real work done.
10
And you don't think Obama or Clinton ran the Department of State from the White House?
Silly you, Mr. Murray. What do you think that Susan Rice was doing in the White House? Serving doughnuts and danish?
Silly you, Mr. Murray. What do you think that Susan Rice was doing in the White House? Serving doughnuts and danish?
Not to the same extent as this President. It's always a question of degree. The world hasn't gotten any smaller but Tillerson can cope with less staff because he's not allowed do anything.
"Mr. Tillerson has done almost nothing to select nominees for the White House to consider for nearly 200 State Department jobs that require Senate confirmation"
This constitutes a real security risk for the United States. Rex may take his time but time waits for no man. With each tick of the clock our adversaries will begin to probe and poke, looking for weaknesses to exploit. There are many.
This constitutes a real security risk for the United States. Rex may take his time but time waits for no man. With each tick of the clock our adversaries will begin to probe and poke, looking for weaknesses to exploit. There are many.
84
It would have been nice if Tillerson had embarked on his "listening tour" of State Department employees to find out what they're doing and what they need BEFORE proposing to cut 2,300 of their jobs.
85
Yes, and also Libya, sub-Saharan Africa where civil wars and terrorist acts are not uncommon (also genocide, famine etc.), Turkey, Cuba, and all of the rest of Europe, S. America... it's a big world. Mr. Tillerson has some international experience as an oil executive, but not as a diplomat. Re-structuring is fine, but many more people, both regional experts (who can advise him, but also deal with representatives from their areas) are badly needed. The world will not wait until he creates a shiny, sleek new State Department.
69
The argument, of course, is that a fully staffed State Dept. didn’t do notably well at “managing” global chaos during the eight years of the Obama Administration. Perhaps it’s because old methods don’t work anymore. Perhaps Trump and Tillerson believe that a more personal diplomacy might be more effective than a careerist machine that might not be as solution-oriented as it is status quo oriented.
Maybe they’re right. But, in the end, the editors probably are right, too: Trump and Tillerson may be able to cut deals on a broad scale globally that couldn’t be cut with a machine, but they will need the machine to hammer out the details and manage their successful implementation.
We’ve grown to rely, perhaps excessively, on that machine in the same way that Europe has come to depend, perhaps excessively, on an army of bureaucrats to guide a questionably viable kluge of nations. But making a world work is more than big ideas: it’s myriad small details, and for that you need the bureaucrats, as well.
Maybe they’re right. But, in the end, the editors probably are right, too: Trump and Tillerson may be able to cut deals on a broad scale globally that couldn’t be cut with a machine, but they will need the machine to hammer out the details and manage their successful implementation.
We’ve grown to rely, perhaps excessively, on that machine in the same way that Europe has come to depend, perhaps excessively, on an army of bureaucrats to guide a questionably viable kluge of nations. But making a world work is more than big ideas: it’s myriad small details, and for that you need the bureaucrats, as well.
5
Your idea relies on Trump having actually thought this thru...or that Tillerson had the idea and Trump bought in. Neither seems very likely looking at the 100 days lack of planning. It would be amazing that Trump had such a plan for State, but no others, even for his own office.
It seems more like Trumps dislike of everything he doesnt understand, so he lets it waste away on the vine. Plus he probably thinks that since he likes chaos, so does everyone he hired.
It seems more like Trumps dislike of everything he doesnt understand, so he lets it waste away on the vine. Plus he probably thinks that since he likes chaos, so does everyone he hired.
21
Is it true that the State Department didn't do notably well at "managing" global chaos during the eight years of the Obama administration? I think that begs the question of what is possible in a world where change is undermining the relationships that sustained a kind of peace since World War II.
During the Cold War, we had an enemy in international communism that brought together threats from military and economic attacks, but also presented an opposing ideology. That era is gone. Capitalism "won," but what does that winning mean?
It's a new ball game. You're right about that, but it seems that our president is still playing an old game where the US was dominant and, sometimes, could impose its will on the other players. I suspect that workers in that "machine" understand the changes better than our new leaders.
When I call Verizon's telephone tree, I always think that this is what happens when underlings have no authority to do anything except follow their script. It isn't even a person who "tries" to answer my question; it's just a cheap way to manage complaints.
The way to counter that trend is to drill down into the bureaucracy until we can trust those underlings to do the right things. They need to understand policy and have enough authority to interpret it. They also need to know when it's necessary to go up the chain of command. There are organizations that attempt to do that, but they rely on positive leadership to be successful.
During the Cold War, we had an enemy in international communism that brought together threats from military and economic attacks, but also presented an opposing ideology. That era is gone. Capitalism "won," but what does that winning mean?
It's a new ball game. You're right about that, but it seems that our president is still playing an old game where the US was dominant and, sometimes, could impose its will on the other players. I suspect that workers in that "machine" understand the changes better than our new leaders.
When I call Verizon's telephone tree, I always think that this is what happens when underlings have no authority to do anything except follow their script. It isn't even a person who "tries" to answer my question; it's just a cheap way to manage complaints.
The way to counter that trend is to drill down into the bureaucracy until we can trust those underlings to do the right things. They need to understand policy and have enough authority to interpret it. They also need to know when it's necessary to go up the chain of command. There are organizations that attempt to do that, but they rely on positive leadership to be successful.
2
Drilling down is certainly integral. State leaders can shake hands, smile and claim friendships all the live long day. A president can claim a "tremendous connection" - but without a dedicated professional diplomatic core, nothing of substance will ever get done.
1
Another great choice by the Don
Creating inverse Erewhon,
Dystopia prevails
All logic assails
The State Department? A huge Con.
There's nobody running the Store,
Deep problems we simply ignore,
Don backtracks each day
On yesterday's say,
On Healthcare, a Tax bill or War!
Creating inverse Erewhon,
Dystopia prevails
All logic assails
The State Department? A huge Con.
There's nobody running the Store,
Deep problems we simply ignore,
Don backtracks each day
On yesterday's say,
On Healthcare, a Tax bill or War!
117