The minority president doesn't have enough relatives to staff the State Department and it is getting harder to find people who will serve on his Titanic of an administration but he needn't worry at the rate he's insulting our allies the only embassies that will need staffing are the ones in Moscow, Ryhad, Cairo and Bejing. No one else will want to be associated with the US.
5
What we've got here is failure to communicate. A white man got teased at a comedy roast epically known for that single purpose. Except the teaser was a black man, and the president. Now. Here's a choice. One could go after the presidency, just to show the black guy up. Or, one could go after the presidency to show what he can do - bigger, better, finer. Or one could go after the presidency, and in the winning of it, bluster through because he is egregiously unprepared for such a position. And, rather than learning by listening to the experienced people, digs the deepest holes he is able, and takes many good people wth him. The citizens of this country brought much of this on. So. Now we have to rethink what we need and how to get back to a functioning government. Jenny speaks.
9
As a former FSO, it has pained me greatly to see the career diplomatic service ignored, bypassed and sometimes belittled by this Administration. At the same time, however, I have been reassured to see serving diplomats stand up for what is right in the best tradition of the American Foreign Service.
19
Getting top people to resign, esp. people whose replacements would have to be confirmed by the Senate, is part of a long-term plan. So is 45's not nominating anyone to fill just-below-the-top Cabinet positions. The desire is to dismantle the federal government, to render it a nullity. Until top Republican donors start pressuring the Congress in their pockets that chaos and anarchy are bad for business, the downward spiral will only accelerate.
22
To paraphrase the famous quote from NASA; America you have a problem. Among the many internal and external issues facing the United States, none is more serious or detrimental than the internecine bonfire of inanity which characterizes President Trump's "administration" of the federal executive branch.
11
I have my own test for considering whether or not an American who reveals state secrets involving a sitting president is a traitorous criminal:
Imagine a room with a large conference table, swivel chairs and a big television screen.
Around this conference table are eight past American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
The TV screen plays a chronological and unedited stream of the current president’s public statements to date.
Upon the completion of this presentation, we observe the reactions of our esteemed guests.
Assessment: if all these past presidents react with rage, sobbing and/or vomiting, then alerting the public to crucial information about how our country was attacked and infected is not a crime, but rather a patriotic service to the Republic for which we owe thanks.
The immortal souls of these past presidents, and all those patriots who sacrificed themselves to build and defend what trump is now destroying, are anxiously watching and waiting.
If we do not save the America of our Founder’s, then we are no longer citizens of their America.
Imagine a room with a large conference table, swivel chairs and a big television screen.
Around this conference table are eight past American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt, Dwight Eisenhower, Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.
The TV screen plays a chronological and unedited stream of the current president’s public statements to date.
Upon the completion of this presentation, we observe the reactions of our esteemed guests.
Assessment: if all these past presidents react with rage, sobbing and/or vomiting, then alerting the public to crucial information about how our country was attacked and infected is not a crime, but rather a patriotic service to the Republic for which we owe thanks.
The immortal souls of these past presidents, and all those patriots who sacrificed themselves to build and defend what trump is now destroying, are anxiously watching and waiting.
If we do not save the America of our Founder’s, then we are no longer citizens of their America.
12
Yep. Today Canada pivoted towards the EU and away from the US in a major foreign policy announcement by Minister Freeland.....or rather, it's the US which has pivoted away from the free world. When it copmes time for Trump to negotiate on anything he wants, he'll find a LOT of pushback. If he looks in the mirror he'll see the reason why.
15
“During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology,” Mr. Trump said in a morning tweet. “Leaders pointed to Qatar — look!
Trump loves Saudi Arabia, though bin Laden and 15 of 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudi; and Saudi Arabia funds the fundamentalist Wahabi sect, ISIS Inspiration.
Trump loves Saudi Arabia, though bin Laden and 15 of 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudi; and Saudi Arabia funds the fundamentalist Wahabi sect, ISIS Inspiration.
17
If only the worthless, immoral republicans in Congress had half the courage of these dedicated diplomats!
21
Okay let's be serious. The current obama Hillary crop of state department "professionals" are a disaster. Crimea lost. Ukraine invaded. Syrian in free fall creating mass invasion of Muslims into Europe. China building military sites in South China Sea. Libya and Arab spring disaster. Isis in Africa. Israel left on its own. Huge trade deficits with china Germany India and even Mexico
If Trump replaced the obama team with high school freshman, the high schoolers couldn't do a worse job.
It's a fact.
If Trump replaced the obama team with high school freshman, the high schoolers couldn't do a worse job.
It's a fact.
3
Mr. Rank was not "Obama team" he was US team. He joined the State Department under Bush Sr.
15
You do realize that you have expressed an opinion and not a fact, right?
13
Resigning is the most honorable thing to do.
2
Trump is burning down the House and there hasn't been anyone standing in his way (except the courts). Bannon is taking victory laps as he is witnessing populism rise in the U.S. and democracy choke.
Career diplomats and government employees must decide whether they will stay in the storm and try to rescue essential parts of U.S. government or if they try to find greener pastures from the private sector. Having Trump years in your government CV might be a stain, but it boils down to if they have a dedication to public service.
Career diplomats and government employees must decide whether they will stay in the storm and try to rescue essential parts of U.S. government or if they try to find greener pastures from the private sector. Having Trump years in your government CV might be a stain, but it boils down to if they have a dedication to public service.
1
Kudos to these professionals, with a sense of responsibility to the broader interests of our nation!
But isn't this yet another sign of Trump's unfitness to serve as president?
Security professionals, diplomats, reputable scientists, and many US attorneys are all in some state of "revolt" against an incompetent and corrupt administration, led by a person who seems willfully blind to the interests of our nation!
Causing massive harm to all aspects of our nation...
Isn't this cause alone for impeachment and removal from office?
But isn't this yet another sign of Trump's unfitness to serve as president?
Security professionals, diplomats, reputable scientists, and many US attorneys are all in some state of "revolt" against an incompetent and corrupt administration, led by a person who seems willfully blind to the interests of our nation!
Causing massive harm to all aspects of our nation...
Isn't this cause alone for impeachment and removal from office?
12
I imagine the senior military and embassy personnel stationed around the world who give full-throated approval to the president and his handling of his role as leader of the free world can be numbered on the fingers of but a single hand. These dedicated Americans are in that spot known colloquially as "between a rock and a hard place." Many of them are at a point in their careers where they must decide between following their conscience or gutting it out for a few more months or years until they can retire with full benefits. I suspect the exodus of those who have reached that point will leave America's diplomatic corp with a skeleton crew, leaving those who remain ever more demoralized as their workload becomes more untenable with each new sunrise and the latest batch of presidential verbal hand grenades. I hate to think what the citizens of other nations will think of the US once Trump's extremely vetted-for-loyalty replacements arrive on the scene.
6
TRUMP'S Got it precisely backwards. You're supposed to reward your friends and punish your enemies politically. Trump does precisely the reverse: He punishes his friends and rewards his enemies politically. Which is as much to say that he's utterly incompetent and raises the threat level for Homeland Security to its highest level. Such antagonism, disrupting or destroying friendships to heap praise on leaders who are despotic tyrants, intent upon violence and torture of their peoples. Trump constitutes the greatest clear and present danger to global peace and domestic security.
9
It's a sad day for America when our career diplomats & members of the Foreign Service must decide how to best serve our country; given their only choices are to stay on the job in the face of the chaos directed from the White House or resign their positions rather than sacrifice their ethics.
Each effort to express America's position, only to be undermined by inept declarations & every resignation in the face of morally bankrupt decisions from trump & his minions is a great loss for our nation.
Without coherent & cohesive messages & actions from home, our diplomatic corps are blind & adrift. In the meantime, other nations of the world will look elsewhere for the answers & clarity needed to conduct international affairs.
Each time these countries back away from the US, contributes to making America small & weak again.
Earning respect is tough enough. Earning back lost respect is nearly impossible!
Each effort to express America's position, only to be undermined by inept declarations & every resignation in the face of morally bankrupt decisions from trump & his minions is a great loss for our nation.
Without coherent & cohesive messages & actions from home, our diplomatic corps are blind & adrift. In the meantime, other nations of the world will look elsewhere for the answers & clarity needed to conduct international affairs.
Each time these countries back away from the US, contributes to making America small & weak again.
Earning respect is tough enough. Earning back lost respect is nearly impossible!
7
Trump's utter lack of integrity and moral clarity never ceases to amaze me. In fact, his moral bankruptcy horrifies me on a daily basis. Rise up and Resist. The weaklings in the Republican controlled Congress never will.
14
"[F]or, although town or country, or other contracted influence, may place men in State assemblies, or senates, or courts of justice, or executive departments, yet more general and extensive reputation for talents and other qualifications will be necessary to recommend men to offices under the national government,--especially as it will have the widest field for choice, and never experience that want of proper persons which is not uncommon in some of the States. Hence, it will result that the administration, the political counsels, and the judicial decisions of the national government will be more wise, systematical, and judicious than those of individual States, and consequently more satisfactory with respect to other nations, as well as more SAFE with respect to us."~ Federalist Papers No. 3
One of the foundations behind the federal government was that the sheer enormity of responsibilities and the seriousness with which people viewed international affairs would help prevent the kind of transactional, wink-and-nod, "who's my buddy" staffing decisions the founders were observing in local government. It was beyond contemplation that anyone could so degrade their office that the federal government would be struggling to find competent people with the expertise (not the ideology... the EXPERTISE) to keep our country safe and avoid embarrassing us to the world. But once again, Trump has proven the experts (in this case John Jay) wrong. He really is that bad. #believeme
One of the foundations behind the federal government was that the sheer enormity of responsibilities and the seriousness with which people viewed international affairs would help prevent the kind of transactional, wink-and-nod, "who's my buddy" staffing decisions the founders were observing in local government. It was beyond contemplation that anyone could so degrade their office that the federal government would be struggling to find competent people with the expertise (not the ideology... the EXPERTISE) to keep our country safe and avoid embarrassing us to the world. But once again, Trump has proven the experts (in this case John Jay) wrong. He really is that bad. #believeme
5
Now Trump is going after his own Attorney General. Time get out, boys and girls, they are starting to eat their own young at the White House.
We are watching a President descend into paranoia and recrimination. Mr. Pence, you may have to put together an Article 25 team after all.
We are watching a President descend into paranoia and recrimination. Mr. Pence, you may have to put together an Article 25 team after all.
5
Where were all of these ever so conscientious professionals when Dubya and The Dick were creating their torrent of lies to justify his administration's actions and policies in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Trump is a daily disaster but this current indignation by diplomats is just a little bit much. Saving face at the country club is more like it.
Trump is a daily disaster but this current indignation by diplomats is just a little bit much. Saving face at the country club is more like it.
2
If people are incapable of taking the President's Twitter account away, is it time to consider that, for the public welfare, we buy Twitter and shut it down?
4
Maybe diplomats shouldn't be communicating via Twitter, and for the sake of predictable, meaningless platitudes no less.
I mean really, for whose consumption are these remarks intended? What normal person follows ambassadors on social media? Why even *go* into that minefield in the first place?
For example, shouldn't Mr. Luken had instead offered his token support to London's mayor through official channels -- and even more importantly, taken care not to step on President Trump's toes?
His specialty is *supposed to be* the judicious use of words; and toward that end, endless consultation with the home office -- for *everything*, no matter how trivial.
As for Ms. Smith in Qatar, what's with the melodramatic diary entry about how "increasingly difficult" her life is, broadcast to the entire planet? What is this, the 1990s and My So-Called Life? Disgraceful.
Indeed, instead of worrying about how she'll explain American politics to Qatar -- as if we owe people from that part of the world *any explanation* -- she should be pressing her hosts about their support of terrorism, and why Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and four other Muslim nations have just severed all ties.
Lastly, as for our milquetoast chargé d’affaires in Beijing, who just resigned because he was miffed over our withdrawal from the useless Paris climate accord?
Good. Riddance.
I mean really, for whose consumption are these remarks intended? What normal person follows ambassadors on social media? Why even *go* into that minefield in the first place?
For example, shouldn't Mr. Luken had instead offered his token support to London's mayor through official channels -- and even more importantly, taken care not to step on President Trump's toes?
His specialty is *supposed to be* the judicious use of words; and toward that end, endless consultation with the home office -- for *everything*, no matter how trivial.
As for Ms. Smith in Qatar, what's with the melodramatic diary entry about how "increasingly difficult" her life is, broadcast to the entire planet? What is this, the 1990s and My So-Called Life? Disgraceful.
Indeed, instead of worrying about how she'll explain American politics to Qatar -- as if we owe people from that part of the world *any explanation* -- she should be pressing her hosts about their support of terrorism, and why Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and four other Muslim nations have just severed all ties.
Lastly, as for our milquetoast chargé d’affaires in Beijing, who just resigned because he was miffed over our withdrawal from the useless Paris climate accord?
Good. Riddance.
So should Donald Trump be communicating via Twitter, in your opinion?
4
That Donald Trump is not a professional politician is a given. He's a force of nature; and it's becoming increasingly clear he's going to do what he wants to.
And in this case, no matter how many of us on his side beg him, implore him, scream at him to put that damn phone down.
But he answers to no one. NO ONE. Except the American people.
On the other hand, these diplomats are ostensibly the responsible, measured, career professionals here -- and there's a hierarchy. Ultimately they have to answer to the president. They need to get in line, or get out.
And in this case, no matter how many of us on his side beg him, implore him, scream at him to put that damn phone down.
But he answers to no one. NO ONE. Except the American people.
On the other hand, these diplomats are ostensibly the responsible, measured, career professionals here -- and there's a hierarchy. Ultimately they have to answer to the president. They need to get in line, or get out.
Trump's first foreign trip was remarkable, and the US media is completely oblivious.
He visits Saudi Arabia, and next thing we see is a destabilization of the middle east in Qatar.
He visits Europe, and after meeting with top Allies, it becomes obvious that the rest of the G7 not intends to act not as a supporting element to US policy, but as as a diplomatic counterweight to the Trump administration for the next four years.
Wake up America! You just saw the post war international order end, and you missed it.
He visits Saudi Arabia, and next thing we see is a destabilization of the middle east in Qatar.
He visits Europe, and after meeting with top Allies, it becomes obvious that the rest of the G7 not intends to act not as a supporting element to US policy, but as as a diplomatic counterweight to the Trump administration for the next four years.
Wake up America! You just saw the post war international order end, and you missed it.
5
Americans missed reality long ago. The voters and millions of non-voters are the reason. Trump is the result of Americans who live in la-la land.
Not used to cleaning the SWAMP eh? Trump may be on the right track. The Paris Accord is a scam to rip off consumers. $ 100 billion annually to be paid to China and North Korea, which are considered developing countries, is asinine!
That Paris Accord has NOTHING to do with climate! The polluters need to clean up their act and that is it, we have an oversight department for that, let them do their job. Congress also would have to work for the people. In the meantime quit the poisoning of our skies with chemtrails, quit making plastics which never goes away but use hemp, there is a solution not costing this much. Yep, honesty is required.
That Paris Accord has NOTHING to do with climate! The polluters need to clean up their act and that is it, we have an oversight department for that, let them do their job. Congress also would have to work for the people. In the meantime quit the poisoning of our skies with chemtrails, quit making plastics which never goes away but use hemp, there is a solution not costing this much. Yep, honesty is required.
1
At this point one must wonder if you even know what the Paris Accord is about.
You do realize it's a non-binding treaty, and the U.S. didn't have to pull out completely, don't you? -- And there really is scientific evidence that fossil fuel emmisions are having an adverse effect on the environment.
Plus the U.S. is directly involved by letting other "developing" countries do its dirty manufacturing work (e.g. China, India), thereby adding to those ""chemtrails".
So, yes. Honesty is required.
You do realize it's a non-binding treaty, and the U.S. didn't have to pull out completely, don't you? -- And there really is scientific evidence that fossil fuel emmisions are having an adverse effect on the environment.
Plus the U.S. is directly involved by letting other "developing" countries do its dirty manufacturing work (e.g. China, India), thereby adding to those ""chemtrails".
So, yes. Honesty is required.
11
Intelligence is also required.
Donald Trump's positions are indefensible.
I know these are fiercely loyal Americans who really love our country (unlike Donald Trump).
But I honestly don't know how they can consider working for a president that hates them to their very cores.
I know these are fiercely loyal Americans who really love our country (unlike Donald Trump).
But I honestly don't know how they can consider working for a president that hates them to their very cores.
2
Money-money-money!!!!!
Congratulations to all of them. It is difficult enough to deal sanely with diplomacy without having a buffoon pulling the rug out from under you and lying, constantly. This is no longer about patriotism for workers, it's about dealing with an idiot.
9
Anyone who's ever worked for a difficult boss can understand what it must be like to work for a megalomaniac like Trump. And with alliances and relationships around the world being laid waste by the president, the voicing of opposition would seem to be the only ethical position. Keep it up, diplomats.
5
“During my recent trip to the Middle East I stated that there can no longer be funding of Radical Ideology,” Mr. Trump said in a morning tweet. “Leaders pointed to Qatar — look!
Trump loves Saudi Arabia, though. bin Laden and 15 of 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudi; and Saudi Arabia funds the fundamentalist sect, inspiration of ISIS.
Trump loves Saudi Arabia, though. bin Laden and 15 of 19 9/11 hijackers were Saudi; and Saudi Arabia funds the fundamentalist sect, inspiration of ISIS.
1
From that picture, it's easy to understand why the real unglamorous everyday world most people toil in day in day out is in such a big mess. When the people in charge of it seemingly spend all their time strolling about palatial grounds idly chatting, how could it not be?
Excuse me, but apparently there exists some misunderstanding on the part of come State Department employees and on the part of the left-wing media and its followers as well. Let's turn to some basics.
The Department of State is part of the Executive Branch, and the power of the Executive Branch is vested in the Chief Executive, and that happens to be the POTUS, *not* the DOS folks. The principal function of the DOS people is to implement the President's foreign policy, not to try to make and implement a policy of their own. And if there are those among them who disagree with the President, they should resign. They are no doubt fine people but the DOS is no place for partisan whining and the promotion of internecine political warfare...
The Department of State is part of the Executive Branch, and the power of the Executive Branch is vested in the Chief Executive, and that happens to be the POTUS, *not* the DOS folks. The principal function of the DOS people is to implement the President's foreign policy, not to try to make and implement a policy of their own. And if there are those among them who disagree with the President, they should resign. They are no doubt fine people but the DOS is no place for partisan whining and the promotion of internecine political warfare...
1
Trump isn't their boss, he's their supervisor. We (the public) are their bosses. If you've worked in a big organisation as supervisor, you may have the authority to hire and fire people, but every person in the organisation, including the President or CEO, is bound the rules that benefit the organisation (in a corporate organisation, it's the shareholders, whether public or private). All employees of the federal government serve the Constitution and the public first and foremost, not Trump. It's the duty of every employee to resist tyranical bosses in any publicly owned firm.
4
I am smirking at the email response of "resign if you don't like it" and "easily replaced" from Mr. Trump's supporters. It's clear to me the misguided self proclaimed patriots appear afraid.
2
Extraordinary times. While I can understand, and sympathize with, the desire to resign in the face of presidential insanity, in my opinion the choice that is in the best interests of our country is to stay the course. We need these experienced, and exceptional, men and women to put out a sane explanation (to the world) in the face of erratic behavior from the Russian lap dog. They need to explain/remind that the current state of affairs is not normal and will pass. During Trump's recent meeting with NATO members, for example, he was supposed to endorse and reaffirm our commitment to article 5 and yet he did the total opposite! Either he is blatantly trying to destroy NATO (obeying his Russian masters) or he is so vindictive that he has lost all control of himself. Either way, we need our career diplomats now more than ever. Besides, if they resign it's one more unfilled position in our government, or else a Trump lackey takes their place.
1
I cannot imagine being a civil servant or government official under Donald Trump. He violates just about every principle of public service because the president is motivated by money, power and adulation which have nothing to do with serving your country.
With every passing day the so-called "president" only demonstrates more and more the astonishing degree of his incompetency. His dangerous self-absorption and personal greed stands in stark contrast to those true public servants who put their country before politics and profit. It's small comfort that he will go down as the absolute WORST president in the history of the US.
4
The Trump administration wants to create a vacuum in the foreign diplomatic corps, so that he can make unilateral deals without consulting anyone. The U.S. should be disturbed by the damage he is inflicting on long-standing alliances with other nations. When new threats emerge (regional wars, infectious disease outbreaks, etc.), the U.S. will be more isolated.
Why does this President heap scorn on friendly nations, but admire dictators and authoritarian leaders without question? Isn't this what a bully does?
Why does this President heap scorn on friendly nations, but admire dictators and authoritarian leaders without question? Isn't this what a bully does?
33
This is is what a dictator does.
I'm of two minds here. On the one hand, I appreciate the professionalism and honesty of these professional diplomats, but on the other I worry about too many of them leaving the service because of those traits. It would be nice if they could continue to do the job as it ought to be done, though I'm sure that is a difficult if not impossible task in this administration. If Trump ends up driving off all the competent, ethical people, who's left to mind the country?
4
Civility- formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech
Empathy- the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Honesty- marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression
Candor- the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness
When you read these words you have to ask yourself. “Does our president model or exude any of these qualities?” I am surprised that many more of our diplomatic corps have simply not walked away from their jobs as representing this amoral (lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something) president.
When will those who GOPers who represent us stand up and be counted? When will those family first men and women stand up and say, “Enough is enough?” When will they say “I will not listen to one more untruth, one more issue that is slowly destroying the very fabric of our country and its Constitution? Please Republicans it is time to put our country before your party!
Empathy- the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Honesty- marked by free, forthright, and sincere expression
Candor- the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness
When you read these words you have to ask yourself. “Does our president model or exude any of these qualities?” I am surprised that many more of our diplomatic corps have simply not walked away from their jobs as representing this amoral (lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something) president.
When will those who GOPers who represent us stand up and be counted? When will those family first men and women stand up and say, “Enough is enough?” When will they say “I will not listen to one more untruth, one more issue that is slowly destroying the very fabric of our country and its Constitution? Please Republicans it is time to put our country before your party!
3
The men and women in our diplomatic service are incredibly dedicated and patriotic people. They serve for careers typically longer than people in the military. They serve overseas for just three or four year stints before moving on to another posting, often to hostile places. It's tough for families and often our diplomats labor without much gratitude.
President Trump hasn't staffed the Department up to a level that it should be at this point in the administration. No wonder diplomats are resisting. They do so because they love our country.
President Trump hasn't staffed the Department up to a level that it should be at this point in the administration. No wonder diplomats are resisting. They do so because they love our country.
4
As a foreign service "brat" who grew up in posts around the world, I know that foreign service officers are both fiercely patriotic and intensely devoted to their Service and to each other. To resign at the pinnacle of one's career is an enormous personal sacrifice, and their courage leaves me both pained and proud.
6
The evidence of this man's mental instability, poor judgment, and instability will only keep mounting as the United States' national security interests continue to be heightened by his recklessness. One doesn't have to be a mental health professional to spot real disturbance here, which is destined to worsen and God only knows what the end result will be. I can only foresee catastrophic consequences, many of which we are already experiencing. The unwillingness/inability of the Republican Party to act to stop this man leaves me speechless, since the country is in danger. This man is the equivalent of someone with three times the legal drinking limit and driving a car at 90 mph. Beside the 25th amendment, which would require significant congressional action that is clearly out of the realm of possibility, how can he be stopped? I have never been one to be apocalyptic, but this situation simply cannot be sustained without devastating results. We are already seeing them.
2
Trying to explain Trump abroad is not a task to be envied. To a considerable degree, it may well be impossible. I don't know how one can portray the irrational as rational, flip-flopping as consistent, the clearly wrong as right, or the false as true.
Those in the diplomatic corp who face this dilemma appear to have two choices. One is to resign, the other to hang on in the hope of minimizing the damage in the short run, and, in the longer term, of righting the ship.
Those in the diplomatic corp who face this dilemma appear to have two choices. One is to resign, the other to hang on in the hope of minimizing the damage in the short run, and, in the longer term, of righting the ship.
1
Any Senior Diplomat who is "revolting" against the President should be shown the door and have their pension taken away and salary clawed back from Jan. 20th.
3
John - a Government Service job in the State Department is not beholden to any particular political party or President. Rather their job is to represent the USA in its dealing with foreign countries.
Certainly POTUS can request the resignations of the political appointees if their behavior is not in alignment with the country's interests or even the political interests of the then current POTUS. Outside of the nation's ambassadors, very few positions are political appointees.
Certainly POTUS can request the resignations of the political appointees if their behavior is not in alignment with the country's interests or even the political interests of the then current POTUS. Outside of the nation's ambassadors, very few positions are political appointees.
2
Having had the opportunity to work with some impressive members of our diplomatic corps, it cheers my heart to hear that many are not letting their intellectual, ethical and moral standards be compromised. My hope is that these examples will not be taken as attempts to moderate the US position or soothe tensions, but rather will be seen as a distress call for our strategic and economic alliances world-wide. The worst message that could be sent is that things will eventually be alright once Trump and his fascist, predatory regime get their act together when it is becoming abundantly clear that they will not.
111
Very mature. When you cannot work with your boss, resign. The President said from the get go that he would withdraw from the accord. The explanation at this point is not the absurd denier of climate change, but what is in America's best financial interest. He stated he would renegotiate. This seems like a reasonable position official position to "defend." If you feel differently personally, resign.
8
Frank Rao, just because Trump said he`do withdraw, does not make the withdrawal. His decision cedes many good-paying jobs to China which decided not to go forward with hundreds of coal-fired power plants and announced a 10-year $450 billion investment in green and renewable technologies. We will have far fewer jobs during the next decade as a result and we may pay more for example energy, Plus he misrepresented what the agreement does and how large our per capita contribution to the Green Climate Fund. How can any self-respecting diplomat stay silent in the face of such destructive mendacity?
5
Actually it IS the mature thing to do in this case.
When your boss is acting like a childish imbecile, is out of touch with societies and cultures, then it's time to move on whilst making a clear statement. I'd say anyone continuing to work under him doesn't understand the situation. We'll dump him soon in favor of a mature adult who has some sense of our government, it's peoples and has just a wee bit of class. It's past time to extract ourselves from the ditch (and to drain the swamp).
When your boss is acting like a childish imbecile, is out of touch with societies and cultures, then it's time to move on whilst making a clear statement. I'd say anyone continuing to work under him doesn't understand the situation. We'll dump him soon in favor of a mature adult who has some sense of our government, it's peoples and has just a wee bit of class. It's past time to extract ourselves from the ditch (and to drain the swamp).
1
Sorry. But giving Carte Blanche to fossil fuel conglomerates, especially in face of uncontested scientific FACTS regarding its effect on the environment, is hardly in the country's best interest, financial, or otherwise.
1
I feel vexed for the highly trained and dedicated cadre of diplomats headquartered at the State Department in Foggy Bottom. Bad luck.
At the West Wing of the White House, Foggy Bottom is perceived either as an obstacle or worst, a bureaucratic adversary of Trump's foreign policy vision.
Jared/Ivanka want to make sure the president has total control of foreign policy. The reasons are becoming clear after the first Middle East tour of Trump's presidency.
No competition from the swamp's oldest bureaucracy will be allowed by the White House. For senior diplomats, now is time for a sabbatical year at Ivy League Learning Centres of Excellence to teach and write books about halcyon days when America was the leader of the free world.
At the West Wing of the White House, Foggy Bottom is perceived either as an obstacle or worst, a bureaucratic adversary of Trump's foreign policy vision.
Jared/Ivanka want to make sure the president has total control of foreign policy. The reasons are becoming clear after the first Middle East tour of Trump's presidency.
No competition from the swamp's oldest bureaucracy will be allowed by the White House. For senior diplomats, now is time for a sabbatical year at Ivy League Learning Centres of Excellence to teach and write books about halcyon days when America was the leader of the free world.
24
Good comment. May I elaborate on a point?
"a bureaucratic adversary of trump's foreign policy vision." That is the problem. Does anybody know if trump and his family have a foreign policy vision or what it is? So far his policy has been based on spite. Anything that President Obama did, trump wants to undue. Having trump in charge is like taking some kid from the kindergarten and put him in charge of the government. Unfortunately, when governments make mistakes in foreign/defense policy it can result in war and death.
Saudi Arabia (the birth place of Wahabism) has funded more terrorists and supported more Islamist extremists than anyone yet trump loves the Saudis and hates Iran. Remember the 9/11 attack, at least 15 of the 19 high jackers were from Saudi Arabia.
So let trump have his foreign policy. When it goes bad who will he blame? Does anyone think Obama? Remember trump never takes responsibility for anything unless it can be called a success. One thing is for sure, Tillerson, Mattis, McMaster better get out the brooms and compost wagons because they are going to spend a lot of time cleaning up after trump. Any self respecting diplomat better get out of the state department now.
"a bureaucratic adversary of trump's foreign policy vision." That is the problem. Does anybody know if trump and his family have a foreign policy vision or what it is? So far his policy has been based on spite. Anything that President Obama did, trump wants to undue. Having trump in charge is like taking some kid from the kindergarten and put him in charge of the government. Unfortunately, when governments make mistakes in foreign/defense policy it can result in war and death.
Saudi Arabia (the birth place of Wahabism) has funded more terrorists and supported more Islamist extremists than anyone yet trump loves the Saudis and hates Iran. Remember the 9/11 attack, at least 15 of the 19 high jackers were from Saudi Arabia.
So let trump have his foreign policy. When it goes bad who will he blame? Does anyone think Obama? Remember trump never takes responsibility for anything unless it can be called a success. One thing is for sure, Tillerson, Mattis, McMaster better get out the brooms and compost wagons because they are going to spend a lot of time cleaning up after trump. Any self respecting diplomat better get out of the state department now.
2
Quite to the contrary, Mr. Nogueira, constitutionally speaking the State Department is *not* an institution onto itself, serving to "compete with the White House".
And the president *should* have "total control of foreign policy". Or do you imagine the management of our relationship with the rest of the world the private domain of unelected bureaucrats? What, is it a secret society? Some kind of religious order?
Indeed, where were these stalwart guardians of America's long-term interests at State when the previous administration rammed through that outrageously dangerous Iran nuke deal and before that, fanned the flames of the disastrous Arab Spring?
That at the time of my post your comment garnered ten up-votes from this paper's readership surprises not in the least.
And the president *should* have "total control of foreign policy". Or do you imagine the management of our relationship with the rest of the world the private domain of unelected bureaucrats? What, is it a secret society? Some kind of religious order?
Indeed, where were these stalwart guardians of America's long-term interests at State when the previous administration rammed through that outrageously dangerous Iran nuke deal and before that, fanned the flames of the disastrous Arab Spring?
That at the time of my post your comment garnered ten up-votes from this paper's readership surprises not in the least.
It is about time that people of character started showing the courage to act. We The People will have to "make America great again," because -- beyond all doubt -- Mr. Trump is incapable or, worse, unwilling to act like the leader of the free world.
Mr. Trump, see a therapist, and then resign.
Mr. Trump, see a therapist, and then resign.
49
We need to save America first, the man is a danger to the world, he is in control of a mighty nuclear military power. That is scary.
1
No amount of soap could wash the filth of the Trump Administration off your resume.
70
They can easily be replaced.
9
Correct: they CAN be replaced. But so can U.S. attorneys, and he has yet to replace them. I think the positions the diplomats are leaving will be vacant until another President is elected. Would YOU want to be appointed by Trump? Would YOUR job be secure?
2
I wouldn't be so sure of that. These foreign service members are fluent in many languages, have served for both Republican and Democratic governments for almost 30 years. Face it, the cream of the crop have been leaving in droves because they do not want their distinguished reputations tarnished by the unfit, corrupt, immoral, intellectually challenged, so called POTUS that is unfortunately occupying the WH. God help us all.
Actually, they can't. These career State Dept. officials have years of experience and knowledge, speak more than one foreign language fluently, and actually understand not only our government, but governments around the world. Our current Administration is proving that they don't even understand OUR Constitution and how our government works!
Such a pity that the experts and informed must be insulted and humiliated by those too ignorant to know how ignorant and uninformed they are. Or who don't care!
32
My respect toward the "silent soldiers" who work in diplomacy, justice and intelligence only grows. I understand that people of integrity feel obliged to resign when there is a clear disconnect between the person who is president and the knowledge, responsibilities and dignities appropriate to that office. Sometimes, such gestures do important work of calling attention to heinous states of affairs. Still, I do hope that many will find their commitment to the American public to outweigh their instinct to resign. Resigning leaves a void in which nonsense echoes even more loudly and can do even more damage. History will respect you if you decide to resign, but will appreciate you deeply if you decide to stay and continue to represent the best of America to a wondering world. And it will be no shame to be fired by this "president."
Bravo!!!! Your duty is to our country, and its' people. This, and HE, shall pass. Don't be a collaborator. The cockroaches will scurry and attempt to hide, they will be crushed. Bigly.
32
It is abundantly clear that SNL's skit about Steve Bannon as the "Grim Reaper" is eerily accurate. Slowly, but all too surely, our government institutions, and the people who have dedicated their lives to its service, are being dismantled. This is not beneficial change; rather, it is deliberate, controlled anarchy.
Lest we forget, Bannon is the person who stated that he wants to blow up government but never followed up with what, if anything, the resurrection might look like - nor does he care. So, what we are seeing at State and across the breadth of our democracy, is Bannon's nihilism hard at work.
Trump is just along for the ride but the guy sitting at the big desk, as SNL has pointed out, is the Grim Reaper himself.
Lest we forget, Bannon is the person who stated that he wants to blow up government but never followed up with what, if anything, the resurrection might look like - nor does he care. So, what we are seeing at State and across the breadth of our democracy, is Bannon's nihilism hard at work.
Trump is just along for the ride but the guy sitting at the big desk, as SNL has pointed out, is the Grim Reaper himself.
35
That there is any controversy in this country about Mr. Lukens' remarks shows how far from normal our domestic politics have become.
Diplomats are not personal servants of the President. They represent the interests of the U.S. overseas -- the whole country, not the President. If the President undercuts them by lying about and insulting an elected official of an allied nation, I personally am grateful that our diplomatic corps can demonstrate that there are still Americans who know how to treat others with decency, humaneness and respect.
The sooner Trump and his most ardent supporters recognize that the nation is not the President's fiefdom and that he is not king, the better.
Diplomats are not personal servants of the President. They represent the interests of the U.S. overseas -- the whole country, not the President. If the President undercuts them by lying about and insulting an elected official of an allied nation, I personally am grateful that our diplomatic corps can demonstrate that there are still Americans who know how to treat others with decency, humaneness and respect.
The sooner Trump and his most ardent supporters recognize that the nation is not the President's fiefdom and that he is not king, the better.
64
Regardless of this principled and necessary push-back from career professionals, I doubt if this is even a blip on the radar of Tump's low-information/intellect acolytes.
After all, "Who cares what a bunch of pointy-head intellectuals think. Let 'em all quit. They're part of the deep state that Bannon warned us about."
After all, "Who cares what a bunch of pointy-head intellectuals think. Let 'em all quit. They're part of the deep state that Bannon warned us about."
25
There have been many instances in our diplomatic history when State Department officials bucked the system over specific policy issues, such as those involving Vietnam, Pakistan, Bosnia and Iraq, and in some cases diplomats have resigned in protest. In other cases, there have been purges of diplomats for ideological reasons, notably during the McCarthy era. The current controversy is different, however. People are protesting and resigning not over a single issue, but over the incompetent and ignorant behavior of our own President. Foreign Service Officers are in a very difficult position, and face an important question: should they continue to slog along and try to do the best they can for their country, or is the behavior of this President just too much to stomach? Specifically, what should they do if the President is acting against the best interests of his own country? It's an individual decision that more and more of my former colleagues will face as Donald Trump's behavior on the world stage becomes increasingly erratic and hard to explain. I have no universally applicable answer. Luckily for me, I retired long before the current controversy. My colleagues who are still in the Service, however, have my sympathy.
54
Since no American citizen nor U.S. Senator ever voted for the Trump staff occupying our White House nor for any ambassador to the United Kingdom a quiet revolt by career U.S. diplomats is tilting at windmills. When American U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks louder, more openly and frequently than either Secretary of State Rex Tillerson or First Son-in-Law Jared Kushner we are destined for doom.
7
No diplomat can convincingly represent Mr. Trump's emotional outbursts as coherent policy.
I hope most will stay on and attempt to conserve the human capital of the State Department during this chaotic and destructive time. They will be needed to pick up the pieces.
I hope most will stay on and attempt to conserve the human capital of the State Department during this chaotic and destructive time. They will be needed to pick up the pieces.
11
And where is Tillerson in this charade that passes for governance? Fiddling while Washington burns? Doing Trump's business while the State Department is threatened with moral, budgetary and staffing dismemberment? Can he fill the growing leadership vacuum if the highly professional cadre at State disdain the Trump agenda out of concern for the country? So what if he defended the Paris Accord after his Exxon Mobile successes in opposing and obfuscating Climate Change, making the world profitable for petroleum products and promoting closer Exxon-Russia relations?
So where is Tillerson in this charade that passes for governance?
So where is Tillerson in this charade that passes for governance?
59
He's in Australia doing damage control.
You have forgotten that none of his top appointments in State, Defense, and Security have any governing experience, that being a requirement so that you don't throw shade on the imbecile in chief.
My teeth ache from all this winning.
3
Over the years, I've worked with many career international State Department officials. Their patriotism, hard work, personal sacrifices, and intelligence are admirable. Please, you're all that's left in our international relations that is positive, keep up the quiet revolt! As for the Vichy Republicans, please take off your flag pins. Your greed, your ability to be bought off, and your power mongering are destroying our nation.
17
I support America and it's President. I support the employed Americans who elected him. If those in Government cannot see the Obama years were a terrible mistake on virtually every diplomatic front and cannot support the Americans who voted for Trump (and against Hillary the Thug) then they should quit or be summarily dismissed. Trump is doing what the Majority of working Americans voted in office to do... push a giant reset button on the world taking advantage of us and we paying for the privilege.
2
Frank, the Obama administration restored international confidence in our country. The Iran nuclear deal - which cost us nothing contrary to lies advanced by Republicans - ensures that future presidents will not have to worry about a nuclear Iran for at least 15 years. The Paris accord, if fully realized, may save the planet. The opening to Cuba ended a policy that failed us for decades.
As for your claim that a majority of working people voted for him, that is false. First, he got three million less votes than Clinton who has hundreds of times more integrity than Trump who is the real criminal. Second, many of the White people ( I am white by the way) are unemployed opiate addicts in Midwestern states. It is very possible that Clinton's margin of victory among employed people was greater than her overall percentage margin.
As for your claim that a majority of working people voted for him, that is false. First, he got three million less votes than Clinton who has hundreds of times more integrity than Trump who is the real criminal. Second, many of the White people ( I am white by the way) are unemployed opiate addicts in Midwestern states. It is very possible that Clinton's margin of victory among employed people was greater than her overall percentage margin.
Trump lost the popular vote by millions. You have no way to prove that the majority of working Americans voted for him. There's no evidence for that, at all.
Actually, the majority of working class people didn't elect him. His support largely came from middle- and upper-income people. And he lost the popular vote. But none of that matters to you Trump fans, living in your universe of "alternative facts."
On the one hand, I applaud these professionals' willingness to stand up against Trump's misguided presidency. On the other hand, I wish resignation wasn't the only way they can find to express their opposition. We need these people in government -- we need them now as a buttress against Trump's incompetence, and we'll need them in the future when hopefully someone more qualified to lead the nation is in the White House.
13
In a way we are all independent US diplomats when we travel abroad.
I for one am tired of having to discuss Trump and his insanity with the people of where ever I am at in the world, especially while on vacation to escape the asylum.
Tough job these diplomats have today. Must be demoralizing and tiresome.
Must remember to take Canadian hat on next trip/tour.
I for one am tired of having to discuss Trump and his insanity with the people of where ever I am at in the world, especially while on vacation to escape the asylum.
Tough job these diplomats have today. Must be demoralizing and tiresome.
Must remember to take Canadian hat on next trip/tour.
18
While it is morally proper to resist Trump from within, resigning helps facilitate Trump's destruction of the US. This is happening at more than just State. EPA, FDA, NASA to name a few. The Russians are doing more damage from within using Trump than they ever did externally. It will decades if ever to recover from the damage this lunatic is doing to a once world leading democracy.
20
Diplomats who cannot publicly support a presdent's policies should do what Rank did: resign. It is the honorable course of action, it is what our British cousins would do, and it makes a strong statement of principle. Those that publicly break from administration policy ought to be fired. A diplomat was not elected to anything, and they do not have any rights to make their own policies.
5
Who's making policy here? Sure isn't trump. Lukens just sent a note of support - it's what diplomats do. No policy there, either. Relax
Our foreign service professionals serve to protect American interests and personal abroad. My main concern is not employment numbers but the security and safety of Americans abroad. Our incoherent President is not only putting State Department people at risk but also the thousands of Americans who travel to foreign lands every day. That is part of the mission of our State Department that many may not know. It is clear Trump doesn't know!
These so called 'tensions' show Trump's willingness to place greater risk upon our fellow citizens working or visiting abroad.
So far Trump has shown himself incapable of foreign policy on any level.
These so called 'tensions' show Trump's willingness to place greater risk upon our fellow citizens working or visiting abroad.
So far Trump has shown himself incapable of foreign policy on any level.
13
When a political maverick like Trump comes on the scene, feathers get ruffled and that's a reality of elections having consequences. New blood in American foreign policy isn't necessarily a bad thing, but an obvious lack of strategy is a major problem.
Potus seems completely in over his head and obsessive with his big bad hombre persona. Hardly the best trait of a President to lead with in a dangerous and complex world.
Potus seems completely in over his head and obsessive with his big bad hombre persona. Hardly the best trait of a President to lead with in a dangerous and complex world.
8
I totally disagree with the first part of your post. Foreign policy is carefully managed through years of tactful, strategic, diplomatic approaches in order to have a cohesive, well run foreign affairs. Upsetting the apple cart is not good policy when it comes to diplomacy. You are totally correct in stating that Trump is over his head, is most unfit and acts like a big bully on the international stage.
The vast majority of people who spend their lives in public service as diplomats are not in it for the glory, fame or money, they do it too make whatever their version of America is, great, not themselves. Trump is totally clueless and dangerous out in the real world because he's being spurred on by the ugly, little man in the mirror.
23
Absolutely. Gay pride flag flying from the front of American Embassy in Rome this morning!
6
Can we not get away from the identity politics' symbols for awhile? The Embassy is marked as U.S. property by one flag, the Stars and Stripes...
Like all government professionals, military and civilian, Foreign Service Officers are committed to carrying out the policy decisions made by those the American people have elected. They expect, however, that those decisions will be reached through a rational process in which their expertise and policy recommendations will have been sought and considered. This clearly is not how the Trump Administration or Secretary Tillerson's State Department is operating.
My heart goes out to my friends and former colleagues who are forced to chose between their desire to serve their country and the demands of their personal and professional integrity. The reality is not that everyone can easily make the decision to resign. They may not have the requisite years of service or currently have children in college. For those who have no option but to soldier on, my hope is that they can, through the personal relationships they have built, continue to present another American face to the world. We will need the good will of our friends and allies around the globe when the time comes to rebuild the institutions that the current Administration seems intent on destroying.
My heart goes out to my friends and former colleagues who are forced to chose between their desire to serve their country and the demands of their personal and professional integrity. The reality is not that everyone can easily make the decision to resign. They may not have the requisite years of service or currently have children in college. For those who have no option but to soldier on, my hope is that they can, through the personal relationships they have built, continue to present another American face to the world. We will need the good will of our friends and allies around the globe when the time comes to rebuild the institutions that the current Administration seems intent on destroying.
63
Dear Foreign Service Officers,
You are the best and the brightest and have worked SO HARD to get where you are.
You are multi-lingual; brilliant; trained in diplomatic protocol; superbly educated - the polar opposite of the man the Electoral College somehow foisted on us.
Please do not despair (I know - it's hard.)
Continue with your characteristic dignity and grace.
Accept no lies (there are a lot of them). But expect stupidity (there's a lot of it) .
Explain to the rest of the world, in your nuanced, diplomatic way, that Donald Trump is most definitely NOT who we are.
Have faith.
He is old and tired and angry. He appears to be mentally unstable, and by any standard,he is he is grossly ill-equipped for the august job the EC handed to him.
This too shall pass.
We need you .
Do not forsake us.
Love,
Your Uncle Sam,
You are the best and the brightest and have worked SO HARD to get where you are.
You are multi-lingual; brilliant; trained in diplomatic protocol; superbly educated - the polar opposite of the man the Electoral College somehow foisted on us.
Please do not despair (I know - it's hard.)
Continue with your characteristic dignity and grace.
Accept no lies (there are a lot of them). But expect stupidity (there's a lot of it) .
Explain to the rest of the world, in your nuanced, diplomatic way, that Donald Trump is most definitely NOT who we are.
Have faith.
He is old and tired and angry. He appears to be mentally unstable, and by any standard,he is he is grossly ill-equipped for the august job the EC handed to him.
This too shall pass.
We need you .
Do not forsake us.
Love,
Your Uncle Sam,
25
In this case, America is not the issue, DJT is. State visits have lost their usefulness because there is nothing to gain by establishing a personal relationship with an unstable weather vane. World capitals would indeed be better served in their understanding of America to rely on the diplomatic corps.
People who matter usually have little time for unproductive meetings. If the queen were to diplomatically plead a full calendar, it would be a good start.
People who matter usually have little time for unproductive meetings. If the queen were to diplomatically plead a full calendar, it would be a good start.
6
This is one of the hopeful things going on in this time of Trump. Trump himself is a fascist, unintelligent, bigoted, horrible person. But our government is made up of over 22 million people, and many of them are good Americans who want to do their jobs right, and do the right thing according to American values.
So it warms my heart every time I see judges rule against Trump's outrageous orders, and diplomats refusing to defend his idiocies, and the FBI investigating him, and cities vowing to hold to the Paris accord despite him, and every occasion where Americans stand up for what is right. These things make me think we might get through Trump's misadministration safely.
So it warms my heart every time I see judges rule against Trump's outrageous orders, and diplomats refusing to defend his idiocies, and the FBI investigating him, and cities vowing to hold to the Paris accord despite him, and every occasion where Americans stand up for what is right. These things make me think we might get through Trump's misadministration safely.
24
How very sad for our senior diplomats and their families. This is what a crazy president does to America's dedicated public servants and its reputation in the civilized world.
13
No wonder about this, as U.S. Diplomats and the Foreign Serivce are well-versed in the protocols that have long served the interests, and the reputation of this country.
Something that couldn't be more underscored than when
Donald Trump instigated a tweet-war against London's Mayor, Sadiq Kahn, in the darkest hours after the recent terrorist attack on his city.
If anything, U.S. Diplomats are now the only ones standing between our nation and the rest of the world which Trump is trying so hard to isolate us from.
They deserve a round of thanks, for who knows how much longer they'll be there?
Something that couldn't be more underscored than when
Donald Trump instigated a tweet-war against London's Mayor, Sadiq Kahn, in the darkest hours after the recent terrorist attack on his city.
If anything, U.S. Diplomats are now the only ones standing between our nation and the rest of the world which Trump is trying so hard to isolate us from.
They deserve a round of thanks, for who knows how much longer they'll be there?
12
Oh for goodness sakes. If they can't faithfully execute the policies of our democratically elected leadership, then they should resign.
What kind of precedent are we creating here?
What kind of precedent are we creating here?
3
Mayor Khan showed reassuring, confident and poised leadership which automatically makes him a target for Trump's derision. Like President Obama. And Angela Merkel. Trump hates them for what he is not. More over any event which commands the attention of the world without his inclusion is simply not acceptable. Trump is a sociopath. With armies and loyalists at his command, he presents a danger to the world which makes him a psychopath.
12
One thing I find so dangerous about Trump is that our Allies now see how easy it is for a dangerous authoritarian lying con man to steal our Presidential election and have Congress do nothing about it. How can they make any low term plans with us on a global scale? They can't. This will unfortunately have term bad effects on the US and the globe.
13
I'm continuously appalled by the silence of the Republican members of Congress who are apparently incapable of offense and show no integrity whatsoever in the face of the impulsive, ignorant, and insulting Tweets of Trump.
Trump is an international catastrophe and embarrassment, but let's not forget for a moment that every single Republican in Congress appears to be just fine with this. They are all mute, obedient, and sitting on their hands.
At least some members of our government have integrity and respect for their country.
Trump is an international catastrophe and embarrassment, but let's not forget for a moment that every single Republican in Congress appears to be just fine with this. They are all mute, obedient, and sitting on their hands.
At least some members of our government have integrity and respect for their country.
141
It would appear that the Republican members don't respect themselves. How could they when they site mute and on their hands as the orange one daily defiles the principles your nation was built on
Over and over again this ridiculous man who is pretending to be our president has insulted everyone within his purview. Highly respected ambassadors from our country who have done nothing but serve as our spokespeople are leaving in droves. Or to use Dumb Donald's phrase flooding over the border to get out of positions they have held, for some decades. Where are the republicans? This man is acting like a teen age boy who didn't get the allowance he thinks he deserves. Unfortunately these are real problems and real people he's messing with! I think it's time for the grown ups to take away his phone and give him a time out!!
8
The stability of US relations with foreign countries depends not on Rex Tillerson, but on the career diplomats with degrees from SAIS, Fletcher, Walsh and other outstanding master's programs in foreign affairs as well as those with long service records abroad. The relations they maintain last beyond the person in The White House, whether a genius or an idiot. Tillerson has the ability to make every effort to keep these invaluable career diplomats in place and the public should hold him responsible for doing so. Good diplomacy from time to time requires saying one thing and communicating another. Better to go that route than leave for a think tank.
8
Donald J Trump = Loser.
9
I was a foreign service officer with State and 90% of my colleaguess were democrats so all this "angst" is no surprise. Rank was going to retire anyway so why not some showboating? Lukens worked for HRC at State.
2
I heard that Steve Bannon is more concerned about retaining Trump's voters than worrying about what the world thinks of Trump. He has a strange mistaken notion that white Christians everywhere would support a nationalist America First concept, everyone else be dammed.
7
Well, of course they’re beginning to break ranks. It seems more evident by the day that a hell of a lot of Americans have absolutely no idea how their country – and more pertinently, its leadership – is now regarded by the vast majority of the rest of the world.
Frankly, it now seems beyond a circus, with America’s representatives expected to go out as the political equivalent of The Clown Car, to back a president, and an administration, that they clearly dislike as much as the countries and political systems that they’ve been posted to.
After all, most of America’s old political hands (as with any country) have spent decades working rooms, building alliances, dealing with serious issues – and now they’re expected to honk horns and do somersaults at the whim of that odious, racist, idiotic, belligerent, spiteful, petty ringmaster?
Rebellion is easier (and truer to serving their country, and the American People) than following a fool into the abyss.
If anything, we expect America’s diplomatic corps (whether at home or on the international scene) to rankle and become ever more hostile and rebellious, considering the Idiot In Chief (and his henchmen) who’s proving to be much, much, much more damaging to America’s image, alliances and interests than her increasingly fractious, mutinous diplomats.
Vive la resistance, ambassadors - the World is with You, not Him...
Frankly, it now seems beyond a circus, with America’s representatives expected to go out as the political equivalent of The Clown Car, to back a president, and an administration, that they clearly dislike as much as the countries and political systems that they’ve been posted to.
After all, most of America’s old political hands (as with any country) have spent decades working rooms, building alliances, dealing with serious issues – and now they’re expected to honk horns and do somersaults at the whim of that odious, racist, idiotic, belligerent, spiteful, petty ringmaster?
Rebellion is easier (and truer to serving their country, and the American People) than following a fool into the abyss.
If anything, we expect America’s diplomatic corps (whether at home or on the international scene) to rankle and become ever more hostile and rebellious, considering the Idiot In Chief (and his henchmen) who’s proving to be much, much, much more damaging to America’s image, alliances and interests than her increasingly fractious, mutinous diplomats.
Vive la resistance, ambassadors - the World is with You, not Him...
7
A lot of people have said that ambassadors and senior appointees like the FBI director "serve at the President's pleasure."
This does not mean that they are his personal servants whom he can order about to pick his trash and groom his dog. I believe one of the founding fathers actually used the phrase "obsequious pleasure" to exclude the kind of relationship so many right-wing apologists seem to have in mind.
Kudos to the civil servants for standing up for democratic principles!
This does not mean that they are his personal servants whom he can order about to pick his trash and groom his dog. I believe one of the founding fathers actually used the phrase "obsequious pleasure" to exclude the kind of relationship so many right-wing apologists seem to have in mind.
Kudos to the civil servants for standing up for democratic principles!
10
Our President is an out-of-control bull(y) in an increasingly china-shop world. At best, he is a disgrace.
Many of us -- diplomats and non-diplomats -- wish he weren't our President, not so much because we disagree with his policies as because we find his whole "style" -- walk, talk, hairdo, tweets, -- classless to the point of being repugnant.
Some people excuse his bombast and temper-tantrums on the grounds that he's a businessman. He's not much of one, as compared with Tillerson. He's second-class, all the way -- unthinking, unprofessional, unethical.
Our diplomats who are distancing themselves from him are entirely right to do so, on behalf of the country they serve.
Many of us -- diplomats and non-diplomats -- wish he weren't our President, not so much because we disagree with his policies as because we find his whole "style" -- walk, talk, hairdo, tweets, -- classless to the point of being repugnant.
Some people excuse his bombast and temper-tantrums on the grounds that he's a businessman. He's not much of one, as compared with Tillerson. He's second-class, all the way -- unthinking, unprofessional, unethical.
Our diplomats who are distancing themselves from him are entirely right to do so, on behalf of the country they serve.
11
Last night on Twitter, there were several tweets discussing the protest of Rex Tillerson's arrival in New Zealand. Notably, he was greeted with the middle finger for the decision to withdraw from the Paris accord. Welcome to Trump's America!
5
He'll most likely be shopping for real estate while he is there so that he and his family can move there after the revolution hits the fan in the US.
2
It's extremely encouraging to know that there are some very high-profile Americans, around-the-world, who really do exemplify "America First!" But, unlike Mr. Donald Trump, they do not do so in a demagogic way--shades of Germany in the 1930s. Rather, they have come out to stand for all that Really Does Make America Great (not "Again")--and Always Has!
Donald Trump is an embarrassment to all rational Americans--Everyday, and in Every Way! But his ignorance is never more embarrassing than When the Whole World is Watching.
I remain particularly frustrated, and disheartened, as I wonder when will those Trump Republicans--albeit most of the GOP Rank-and-File--going to reach the same conclusion as these Career Diplomats? Are they truly that brain-dead not to perceive the Danger for America, which Donald Trump Represents--day in, day out?
But, I still have hope for America, based on today's revelation, that these career diplomats have joined the ranks of many other Retired Diplomats and Generals, who have placed Country first, and foremost, before Party, Ideology or Personal Gain!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
Donald Trump is an embarrassment to all rational Americans--Everyday, and in Every Way! But his ignorance is never more embarrassing than When the Whole World is Watching.
I remain particularly frustrated, and disheartened, as I wonder when will those Trump Republicans--albeit most of the GOP Rank-and-File--going to reach the same conclusion as these Career Diplomats? Are they truly that brain-dead not to perceive the Danger for America, which Donald Trump Represents--day in, day out?
But, I still have hope for America, based on today's revelation, that these career diplomats have joined the ranks of many other Retired Diplomats and Generals, who have placed Country first, and foremost, before Party, Ideology or Personal Gain!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
If a foreign nation wanted to upend the US, could they have chosen better than Trump? Oh wait, with a little help from their friends, the Russiapublican Party did chose Trump.
To be in the Trump administration is to be soiled with an indelible stain, even with the best of intentions.
To be in the Trump administration is to be soiled with an indelible stain, even with the best of intentions.
6
I can't wrap my head around what anyone thinks Lukens did wrong. Our President is devoid of empathy, but our country does not have to be.
32
Lukens is a solid compassionate human being, who I have known for 30 years. He's not about to abandon those human traits just because we have a psychopath in the White House.
In February of this year I had an opportunity to speak in a private setting with the ambassador to the US of one of the most populous countries in the world. I asked him what the hardest part of his job was, and his answer, to my great shock and surprise was: "Lying."
When you are representing your country in the diplomatic sphere, lying becomes a necessary part of your job. But that hardly makes it easy. Can any of us imagine what it must be like for our State Department representatives overseas to have to lie on a minute-by-minute basis because the US president is changing course so often and careening dangerously off the walls?
It's remarkable that there hasn't been - at least so far - a massive walkout of employees at the State Department.
When you are representing your country in the diplomatic sphere, lying becomes a necessary part of your job. But that hardly makes it easy. Can any of us imagine what it must be like for our State Department representatives overseas to have to lie on a minute-by-minute basis because the US president is changing course so often and careening dangerously off the walls?
It's remarkable that there hasn't been - at least so far - a massive walkout of employees at the State Department.
69
There are people out there who are putting our country before politics?
Be still my heart! There is still hope. Why haven't we heard their voices loud and clear before this? Why has the media not stressed such important news because it seems to be the last vestige of American sanity.
Be still my heart! There is still hope. Why haven't we heard their voices loud and clear before this? Why has the media not stressed such important news because it seems to be the last vestige of American sanity.
19
I have found that I never regretted leaving job, especially under circumstances of professional disagreement.
5
I applaud those who represent this country abroad for serving the best interests of this country by refusing to support the embarrassing mutterings of the person occupying the White House. Those diplomats have integrity. Trump's remarks about the Mayor of London only serve to further injure the reputation of this country. His pulling out of the Paris accord was humiliating. Trump's refusal to Article 5 at the NATO meeting, mortifying. The career diplomats are doing what they can to mitigate the damage, but I fear the damage done by Trump in the past couple of weeks is permanent, so that resignations from State Department jobs are a futile, noble gesture, because there is probably worse to come from Trump.
The government won't have to be "(drowned) in a bathtub" it is shrinking incredibly quickly. If departmental jobs remain vacant and career diplomats and government officials continue the exodus from government positions, the government will eventually start to crash, which probably will suit Trump's puppet master Bannon just fine. It will be a dream come true for ultra conservative Republicans, who have found that you can wrest power from the people by gerrymandering and winning the electoral college vote, along with a boost from an October surprise, coupled with a foreign power interfering in an election.
The government won't have to be "(drowned) in a bathtub" it is shrinking incredibly quickly. If departmental jobs remain vacant and career diplomats and government officials continue the exodus from government positions, the government will eventually start to crash, which probably will suit Trump's puppet master Bannon just fine. It will be a dream come true for ultra conservative Republicans, who have found that you can wrest power from the people by gerrymandering and winning the electoral college vote, along with a boost from an October surprise, coupled with a foreign power interfering in an election.
They should resign.
That would be the honorable thing to do. Honor.
That would be the honorable thing to do. Honor.
6
Why? "Honor"? Clearly the Trump administration neither knows nor cares a scrap about honor - how else to explain Trump's awful disrespect for John McCain's service (and willingness to undergo torture until his North Vietnamese captors released his fellow prisoners) or the Khan family's loss? No need to worry about honor in this administration!
Nor do they seem to comprehend the common human decency of standing with your fellow humans when they are under attack.
Nor do they seem to comprehend the common human decency of standing with your fellow humans when they are under attack.
4
It is not honorable to abandon your country or citizens in a time of need. Nor is it honorable to offer indefensible positions that change daily or hourly. In short, we put our diplomatic corps in an impossible position--to the detriment of the United States and its citizens. So far, or diplomatic corps has chosen to be honorable patriots, performing their duties to the extent possible in a sea of chaos.
Tellingly, Trump is not able to find people to serve as ambassadors for many countries, leaving the acting ambassadors in the hands of State Department employees. Trump officially hates these knowledgeable, worldly, careful, honest people because they are so very different from him.
Perhaps Trump and Bannon are taking great joy in their ability to make the lives of the diplomatic corps miserable. Perhaps the only thing motivating Trump these days is the opportunity to irritate those who do not support him unquestioningly. Welcome to the spite and revenge presidency.
Tellingly, Trump is not able to find people to serve as ambassadors for many countries, leaving the acting ambassadors in the hands of State Department employees. Trump officially hates these knowledgeable, worldly, careful, honest people because they are so very different from him.
Perhaps Trump and Bannon are taking great joy in their ability to make the lives of the diplomatic corps miserable. Perhaps the only thing motivating Trump these days is the opportunity to irritate those who do not support him unquestioningly. Welcome to the spite and revenge presidency.
Good to hear that there are those that are not 'yes men' and 'yes women' in the diplomat force.
17
At least the diplomatic corps has some backbone and dignity -- unlike that of McConnell, Ryan, and the Republicans at large.
Thank you for standing up for the US in the world. You are the only ones who have done so.
Thank you for standing up for the US in the world. You are the only ones who have done so.
27
Trump has demonstrated that he cares little for diplomacy. His speech, actions and ignorance of American and world history continue to damage our relationships with our allies, and endanger those that call for delicate negotiations. He has shown support for dictatorial leaders, countries that have little concern for human rights, and he is isolating the US from the countries who's support we need the most. And to top it off, his proposed "budget" calls for a massive increase in military spending and a significant decrease in funding for the State Department.
But hey, who needs diplomacy when you have lots of guns, tanks and nuclear weapons to play with? Somebody needs tell him that this isn't a game.
But hey, who needs diplomacy when you have lots of guns, tanks and nuclear weapons to play with? Somebody needs tell him that this isn't a game.
19
Anything associated with the USA is going to be a source of embarrassment. Let's all get used to it.
30
Believe it or not it's been that way since George w Bush. My family has to fend off enough taunts and verbal abuse when we traveled abroad during Bush days. They called us imperialists.
3
I get it but to be dismissed by this President would be more of an honor than to resign.
37
Remember the Benghazi attack on the Consulate Office and the multitude of investigations by Congress? And all the rhetoric pointing fingers at Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Obama. With all that, can anyone remember any of our diplomats resigning in protest or leaking negative comments to the press?
No, because they had confidence in the Administration that they were doing their best, demonstrating every day to the world that the we are the leaders of Democracy.
No, because they had confidence in the Administration that they were doing their best, demonstrating every day to the world that the we are the leaders of Democracy.
81
Eventually any member of the administration, without distinction, is there to serve the whole country not just the Trumps.
22
I sure hope our military has the sense to follow these honorable public servant's lead. The State Department should not participate in this insanity. Unfortunately I would hate to see what will happen if our military is stacked top to bottom with Trumpists.
22
Alliance is always a mutual relationship. Our diplomats on the front line understand this better than our know-nothing president. You do not enter into an alliance with anyone who cannot possibly help you in any circumstance, or cause you harm in some way by failing to help you. For example, they may allow, or disallow overflight for your warplanes. They may allow your planes to land and refuel, or not. They may allow you to station nuclear missiles on their territory, making them a legitimate target in the eyes of Russia, for example, or they may refuse to do that. If you refuse to commit yourself absolutely to their defense, they may demand the removal of your missiles.
Our blustering fool of a president hasn't thought of that, because he believes that even after losing the the popular vote, he has become a law unto himself, and not a political leader subject to the laws of the land, or even to common sense, and the lessons of history--which he doesn't know or care about. No wonder his parents sent him to military school. Unfortunately, that was only a temporary solution for his behavior problems.
Our blustering fool of a president hasn't thought of that, because he believes that even after losing the the popular vote, he has become a law unto himself, and not a political leader subject to the laws of the land, or even to common sense, and the lessons of history--which he doesn't know or care about. No wonder his parents sent him to military school. Unfortunately, that was only a temporary solution for his behavior problems.
42
Now if only all of his appointees, cabinet and the GOP will revolt against Trump, he may just quit. Good riddance to a most disgusting and destructive human being.
26
I am conflicted by this article. While the decision to leave state department service is understandable and principled, those who do stay and carry on with standard operating practices and refusal to support the erratic Mr. Trump can provide some hope for normal relationships. At the rate Trump is going it would not surprise me if some former allies distance themselves from the US while our relationships with dictatorial governments grow closer.
At the same time the electoral college put Trump in power. If he blows up our strategic alliances, it is on the voters who put him in power and the Republican party who stands idly by. There are consequences to be paid for electing someone so ill-suited and incompetent to lead the country. How will voters learn to avoid candidates such as Trump if there are no adverse effects from their incredibly bad choice?
At the same time the electoral college put Trump in power. If he blows up our strategic alliances, it is on the voters who put him in power and the Republican party who stands idly by. There are consequences to be paid for electing someone so ill-suited and incompetent to lead the country. How will voters learn to avoid candidates such as Trump if there are no adverse effects from their incredibly bad choice?
25
Good points!
1
It is almost impossible to work for a boss who will undercut his own people. Loyalty is a two way street if you want it, you must show it. The problem now facing our professional government workers is that serving this administration might be a career killer. If you don't get dumped on by your own boss, you may find yourself unemployable in your field due to your association with the Trump Administration. Best to get out now, while you still can.
11
News stories of the importance of career civil servants is lost on the majority of Trump Supporters. Government is an important part of the functionality of this country, Career Civil Servants serve no matter the Party. Their advice and expertise is vital. What will replace them? Trump business yes men, or his idiot sons? This country and the world will suffer especially if there is a world crisis. As General Mattis has said, if you don't have enough Diplomats I'm going to need more bullets.
32
There is nothing surprising about disgruntled diplomats when dealing with Trump's erratic and irresponsible positions in leading the country. These diplomats are used to a certain way of doing business and Trump's scattershot, uneven approach must be very dis-connecting to them. This dissolution of the diplomatic corp, if it continues to evolve, will destroy Trump's government over time. Hurrah!
9
While it may hasten the demise of the present administration, the damage will be long lasting. Just the effort and money required to rebuild what was destroyed will be a huge undertaking, with no guarantee of success.
As former Speaker Sam Rayburn said, "Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one."
As former Speaker Sam Rayburn said, "Any jackass can kick down a barn, but it takes a good carpenter to build one."
3
Must be hard to go to work everyday. On one hand, working for an idiot, on the other well, America, your country. I see the dilemma our public servants face. Stay and eventually get fired, go to jail or be tainted forever or go and leave the fate of America in an idiots hands. This should put to rest the Ryan/ McConnell republican encouragement for small government and anti regulatory fervor that they have drummed up against public servants and government employees. Now they can't get any qualified people. Can't get much smaller than nobody.
23
What a spectacle at just how fast the so-called “successful businessman” in the oval office is proving unfit for the job, and how spineless and feckless a group of cowards McConnell, Ryan and the rest of the GOP are in coming to terms with this reality. It’s a shameful national embarrassment now on full display for all the world to see.
41
Well, at least for the time being there still seems to be some gravitas, sapience, and civility existing within some of the upper reaches of government.
I only hope those involved can get others to emulate them!
I only hope those involved can get others to emulate them!
58
Many career diplomats are professionals, with the ability to converse in foreign languages without causing diplomatic dustups. Trump is an amateur who has never mastered English, and speaks with a third grade vocabulary. It's a shame that circumstances are forcing the wrong people to leave their jobs.
67
Given that the GOP has forfeited its leadership and credibility by being Trump's lapdog, it is immensely encouraging to know that there are Americans in public service who dare show the best of U.S., not the worst, as Trump and the GOP has been doing. Kudos to them!
35
This is how to kill an agency. Don't fill appointments, put everyone on 'temporary' assignments, and then make their lives miserable with contradictory and confusing directives that are so hopelessly stupid that no one with dignity and intelligence would obey. Then castigate those who don't 'bow down' to trump as leftists and non-supporters. Demand loyalty but never give it in return. And put 'truth squads' in at senior levels to have visible tattletales around to report on even a raised eyebrow at meetings.
45
I wonder how our foreign service professionals will react when it becomes clear to all that Trump is angling for war against Iran, and he's not going to waste any time. What do you think all the latest Qatar shakeup is about? Expect some kind of Bay of Tonkin or USS Maine incident to kick things off. It could happen as soon as Thursday. Think I'm crazy? Watch!
30
I retired a couple of years ago from the Foreign Service, and I had no notion at the time that the Department of State would ever fall victim to someone like Trump, who obviously has no respect for it. My heart goes out to all my former colleagues who are still providing for American citizen services overseas, and those toiling on the visa lines. FS officers spend a lot of effort worried about their careers and their next job evaluations (you have to be an Egyptologist to figure it out). The last thing they need is the extra pressure of working for an idiot who loathes them.
42
Just another sign that though our President's base of loyal supporters may be sticking by him hell or high water, it's those who oppose him that will have the greatest impact. This is all evidenced by the leaks from within, those he fires, the number who withdraw their names for considered positions, and all the dissent from occurring with his aides in the WH. With Bannon back at the helm, all this will only increase. The final down slide will occur when Donald's family.....the last of the loyals, throw in the towel. It wouldn't surprise me to see his daughter and son-in-law rethink their new positions/lives in Washington and decide to return their family to New York. Finally, I'm not sure we'll be seeing Melania and Barron making this move to the crazy house anytime too soon. I'll believe it when it happens.
15
I have already written it in these pages & I'll say it again. As a Brit I am enormously grateful to Mr. Lukens for his message of support for Sadiq Khan and the people of the UK. Both are honorable men doing their job properly, in direct contrast with DT.
60
I fully respect the diplomats resigning because they cannot defend the policies and actions of the current administration. However, I hope some choose to stay as a means of smoothening the effects of actions that seem destructive to US allies. We know that the current administration will not last forever, and the more smoothening is made, the easier it will be for the next administration to restore the trust of the World.
11
The exodus of highly regarded, competent, senior State Department professionals should be a warning sign to this buffoon of a president that his foreign policy -- or lack thereof -- is taking us off a cliff. But of course he's too hung up in his own narcissistic bubble to pay attention to warning signs. And replacing a fluent Mandarin-speaking ambassador in Beijing with a former Iowa governor isn't going to improve relations with China. What a disaster Trump is turning out to be.
32
I think it has been reported that the former Governor of Iowa who Trump appointed as the new ambassador to China is a long-time friend of China's leader......not that this makes him qualified.
3
Although it's hard to select which outrageous Trump tweet takes the prize, to me, the most alarming aspect of the Khan/Lukens/Trump imbroglio has to be that rabid Trump supporters were calling for Lukens' firing, following his principled, consolation tweet to the citizens of London.
Trump's deplorables called for Lukens' dismissal for what? Not going along with Trump's deliberately misleading, slanderous Twitter emesis?
NOT my president
Trump's deplorables called for Lukens' dismissal for what? Not going along with Trump's deliberately misleading, slanderous Twitter emesis?
NOT my president
34
It's nice when people finally come to understand what their consciences are for and apply it. Up to that point it's probably viewed as just one more obstacle to have to go around on the drive to work each day. As far as Trump, he can now just easily call either Lyft or Uber to get him to work quicker and cheaper.
7
Kudos to the diplomats clear enough about their own ethics that they resign rather than represent an unqualified and very likely illegitimate president!
The sad part is that the country loses those diplomats' years of experience and knowledge. Hopefully they will come back on board once Don the Con is impeached, if not in prison, for his treasonous crimes.
The sad part is that the country loses those diplomats' years of experience and knowledge. Hopefully they will come back on board once Don the Con is impeached, if not in prison, for his treasonous crimes.
17
Mr. Trump's attacks on the Mayor of London in the middle of a terror crisis shows, more than any other act to date, how completely inept and unqualified and dangerous he is. He needs to go. This is not sustainable.
32
It's a brain drain. WAKE UP AMERICA. He likes stupid people.
31
This is not surprising. But it is their duty, any appointed official who believes President (gag, gag) Trump is acting in a manner not in the best interest of our country. His go it alone, my way or the highway will only hurt us, put our citizens in harm's way, whether it be the threat of a nuclear conflict or damaging our planet. And generally, any members of his own party need to put it all on the line and drop their support as well. History, as does 'Natura'-- the Natural World, ultimately 'bats last', 'ad infinitum', and will decry their names and reputations for all time. Fifty years later and the ugly stain of Watergate is as fresh as ever. The current members of the Republcan Congress need to think about their enabling ways.
9
Now if only the republican "party" would distance themselves from Trump. Has there ever been a more spineless crew as a congressional republican?
15
It must be frustrating serving as a accredited representative of the United States of America when the president is a fool.
15
As a reality TV character Mr. Trump was best known for "YOU'RE FIRED". That reflex must be very strong now for him as an UNreality Twitter personality. Only Flynn and Comey got axed so far but can Sessions. Perry and the generals be far behind. When he smacks down Mattis he might have gone 'a bridge too far'.
8
Yes yes yes. We must all resist, in all ways, large and small. We must stand up to harmful despots, including our own.
Thank you diplomats.
Thank you diplomats.
16
So Rank, a career diplomat, a consummate professional, who speaks fluent Mandarin is expected to be replaced by the former governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, who has no experience in international diplomacy. How much Chinese does Mr. Branstad speak? Oh wait............the qualifications for the job only listed being able to demonstrate Trumpspeak.
20
In spite of Steve Bannon's attempt to make us an island alone in the world, with few friends that trust us, I hope that career diplomats can stay the course and preserve the relationships or at the very least, sane communication channels with other nations. I can only imagine how difficult that will be, but eventually Steve Bannon and Trump will be out of the White House. This nightmare will end, someday.
120
JW, in Colorado: "... but eventually Steve Bannon and Trump will be out of the White House. This nightmare will end, someday"
Well thank gawd that is still true here, and makes me feel sad for good Russian people stuck with Putin indefinitely... may as well be forever as their lives go. And without voice, meaning without hope.
However, what if the nightmare does not end, snowballs, rolls past a point of no return. Some stains are impossible to ever fully remove. And by now, most everyone knows the irreversible consequences of ignoring Cancer activity for too long.
There ARE some mistakes that cannot be corrected, And mistakes, flaw, are practically never corrected without first acknowledgement, not by default, not by disregarding and arguing flaw and error into happyland. If we don't work smart, if we continue to make political mistakes to cover the last ones, this nightmare could actually continue far into the future.
That should seem unlikely and unreasonable but today it is not. If the truth and facts concerning our issues continue to be treated with casual disregard for the sake of a false "fair balance", then an end may not be near. This 'could', just be the beginning, the good old days.
Well thank gawd that is still true here, and makes me feel sad for good Russian people stuck with Putin indefinitely... may as well be forever as their lives go. And without voice, meaning without hope.
However, what if the nightmare does not end, snowballs, rolls past a point of no return. Some stains are impossible to ever fully remove. And by now, most everyone knows the irreversible consequences of ignoring Cancer activity for too long.
There ARE some mistakes that cannot be corrected, And mistakes, flaw, are practically never corrected without first acknowledgement, not by default, not by disregarding and arguing flaw and error into happyland. If we don't work smart, if we continue to make political mistakes to cover the last ones, this nightmare could actually continue far into the future.
That should seem unlikely and unreasonable but today it is not. If the truth and facts concerning our issues continue to be treated with casual disregard for the sake of a false "fair balance", then an end may not be near. This 'could', just be the beginning, the good old days.
And Trump won't understand why they leave--he can't understand--and doesn't believe in-- anyone who values facts or truth. He will just assume they are his enemies.
11
i travel to Asia often for business. And in my conservations with business partners, Trump has become synonymous with hypocrisy and the decline of the West. That's a quite. It would be funny if it wasn't so tragic.
12
This is the conundrum. If the head of the American government does not represent historically American values, then how can American diplomats defend these intensely personal values? Do they stay and make hypocritical statements or talk around the issues while offering only passive expressions of their frustrations? Or, do they leave to uphold their own honor? Yet, these are the very people needed in those positions at a time like this.
Do the people in government service serve us, the people, or do they serve the President, whoever he may be?
Do the people in government service serve us, the people, or do they serve the President, whoever he may be?
8
Diplomats are potentially some of our greatest peacemakers. They have the possibility to keep relations, personal, before they might turn military. With our Diplomats is the possibility that relationships can retain a harmony, can have a "good" status, lest they fall into discord.
9
It must be really difficult working for an impulsive boss who does not know at 5 PM what he said at 3 AM and whose constant need for attention requires the entire nation to provide him with a backscratcher. A schoolyard bully with a severe case of ADHD is the only way to describe this man.
What a fall from the Obama days. It was only really a half year earlier that we had a sagacious person as our leader but it feels like it was a half century ago.
What a fall from the Obama days. It was only really a half year earlier that we had a sagacious person as our leader but it feels like it was a half century ago.
26
Please don't blame Trump's behavior on ADHD. Many people who suffer from this disorder are not uncouth, petty, meanspirited, shallow, intellectually stunted, lecherous, egotistical, arrogant, boorish, and vain.
5
Of course they are not and you are very correct. Impressive list you have there. I would have added the following to your list : misogynist, high bigoted and borderline demented.
1
If Rank could not get onboard with adieu Paris, both in spirit and action, he was correct in quitting. Otherwise he would have been pushed out. Ditto for yes you Khan Lukens and sleepless Dana in Doha, Shell Smith. All hanging-on far too long, should have gone months ago. For what? One more tweet, one more memo, book deal, and talk-fest with the Senate, cameras rolling. And yes, the obligatory NYT attaboy full of sympathy.
Listen, Ambassadors are appointed for bring loyal servants first, civil service optional. That these folk clearly are not. Goodbye.
Listen, Ambassadors are appointed for bring loyal servants first, civil service optional. That these folk clearly are not. Goodbye.
5
Career diplomats represent the US, not the president du jour.
13
Many are political appointees who got their jobs from Obama, others are liberal progressive Democrats that supported Hillary Clinton and fully expected to be serving under her, who until recently was their boss as Secretary of State.
It is their right to quit but shows clearly that their loyalty is to two-party politics or ideologies rather than to their country. When that is the case, they should quit.
Resigning one's state department post over Trump's Paris Agreement decision is childish -- placing one's personal opinion about a single national policy over one's dedication to one's responsibilities and Nation.
It is not a revolt -- it is revolting.
It is their right to quit but shows clearly that their loyalty is to two-party politics or ideologies rather than to their country. When that is the case, they should quit.
Resigning one's state department post over Trump's Paris Agreement decision is childish -- placing one's personal opinion about a single national policy over one's dedication to one's responsibilities and Nation.
It is not a revolt -- it is revolting.
3
Mr Hansen: it is not revolting, it is a display of principle and having character in the face of a boss who has none. It is an act of courage to follow one's conscience when one can no longer countenance the destructive words and behavior of a spoiled brat of a tyrant.
2
All the Foreign Service folks I knew were excellent about towing the administration foreign policy line, whether they liked it or not. The people you are referring to are ambassadors, not the foot soldiers in mid-management and non-glamorous upper management who passed examinations to get their jobs.
1
Yawn, they were there before Obama, geez, what a partisan comment.
3
The Party of Stupid's Derrière-In-Chief continues America's downward spiral into comprehensive asininity.
"My ignorance is just as good as your knowledge" is a difficult message for any diplomat or serious person to have to deliver to another human being.
Dump Trump, America.
He's Making America Hated Again
"My ignorance is just as good as your knowledge" is a difficult message for any diplomat or serious person to have to deliver to another human being.
Dump Trump, America.
He's Making America Hated Again
80
Again? It's been hated since George W Bush led America into two unfounded wars for his personal selfish reasons (to show his dad he had guts).
4
Speaking of diplomacy, has anyone else noticed Trump incredible direct assault on Qatar this morning? I truly cannot believe what I'm reading: "So good to see the Saudi Arabia visit with the King and 50 countries already paying off. They said they would take a hard line on funding......extremism, and all reference was pointing to Qatar. Perhaps this will be the beginning of the end to the horror of terrorism!"
It's unfathomable...first of all, we all know the Saudis are deeply involved in funding extremism, but more importantly, ISIS and Al Qaeda have plenty of funding sources, and surely not all that reliant on little Qatar, home to the LARGEST U.S. MILITARY BASE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!
Hello? Why is Trump daring if not inviting terrorists to attack US interests? I thought there were supposed to be a few adults in this admin? Tillerson, McMaster, Mattis, Haley? Do something now, TODAY, or resign in protest for the good of this nation and the globe!
It's unfathomable...first of all, we all know the Saudis are deeply involved in funding extremism, but more importantly, ISIS and Al Qaeda have plenty of funding sources, and surely not all that reliant on little Qatar, home to the LARGEST U.S. MILITARY BASE IN THE MIDDLE EAST!
Hello? Why is Trump daring if not inviting terrorists to attack US interests? I thought there were supposed to be a few adults in this admin? Tillerson, McMaster, Mattis, Haley? Do something now, TODAY, or resign in protest for the good of this nation and the globe!
88
Apparently defending the Country and defending the President are nearly opposites at present. Perhaps those that see things this way should defend the Country and force Trump to conspicuously fire them, thereby offering an opportunity to publicly underscore this conflict?
7
If one were inclined to assign actual agency to the Trump Administration, it would be worthwhile to note that one of the President's chief advisors takes as his mission the 'destruction of the administrative state'. It would also be worthwhile to note that the President's proposed budget called for drastic cuts in the State Department budget. And, that Secretary Tillerson seems to be in no rush to finish his reorganization of his department. And, that the Trump Administration recalled all politically appointed ambassadors and has replaced very few of them. Finally, the President has withdrawn the US from the Trans Pacific Partnership and the Paris Climate Agreement. His UN Ambassador is talking about pulling the US out of the UN Human Rights Commission.
Perhaps what we are witnessing is not the incompetence of a President who is easy to cast in the role of buffoon. Rather, perhaps we are witnessing the opening salvos of the destruction of the administrative state. After all, what better way to destroy the State Department than to keep key positions open and demoralize its professional diplomats with policies that seem to shift by the second?
It is perhaps time to focus less on the impeachment fantasy and more on protecting the world order that has kept the peace since the end of the last world war. It's time to demand that Congress take concrete steps such as funding the State Department so as to protect our leadership role in the world.
Perhaps what we are witnessing is not the incompetence of a President who is easy to cast in the role of buffoon. Rather, perhaps we are witnessing the opening salvos of the destruction of the administrative state. After all, what better way to destroy the State Department than to keep key positions open and demoralize its professional diplomats with policies that seem to shift by the second?
It is perhaps time to focus less on the impeachment fantasy and more on protecting the world order that has kept the peace since the end of the last world war. It's time to demand that Congress take concrete steps such as funding the State Department so as to protect our leadership role in the world.
Trump certainly doesn't care about the resignation of diplomats like Rank. He would likely not be upset if the Foreign Service (and the rest of the Federal Civil Service) was reduced to a bare bones operation. He sees himself as a turn-around artist, weeding out the bureaucracy and tearing down established norms. With the certainty that comes from massive wealth, he knows that his views pertaining to overhaul of the government are the right ones.
If allowed, he will destroy the Foreign Service. No matter the expertise, the time and resources spent to bring it to its current high level. Chain Saw Don doesn't care.
He is like a destructive and badly mannered child locked in an upscale jewelry store over a weekend. Imagine what the store will look like when the doors are opened on Monday morning.
If allowed, he will destroy the Foreign Service. No matter the expertise, the time and resources spent to bring it to its current high level. Chain Saw Don doesn't care.
He is like a destructive and badly mannered child locked in an upscale jewelry store over a weekend. Imagine what the store will look like when the doors are opened on Monday morning.
I did not know Trump has been elected the president of London.
19
Seems like our two top leaders are on a blind date there in Sydney. And why not, Trump is running the show.
4
I used to think shutting down our government by not raising the debt limit was a horrible act by people in disagreement with our spending priorities. I do think when we get leadership that professionals in the government are uncomfortable following they should resign. If enough of them resign our government will effectively shut down. With Trump as President, I'm very comfortable with the US government shuttered and unable to carry out his agenda.
8
Let's see how you feel about a showdown with Congress, over funding for the border wall. Trump has hinted at it for the next budget negotiation.
I fervently hope he does it; but progressives like you will scream bloody murder. Watch.
I fervently hope he does it; but progressives like you will scream bloody murder. Watch.
Crosswicks is right, but an employee cannot and is not required to defend lies, and cannot defend policies for which there is no rational. It is perfectly all right to say: This is what the President has said, I'm sorry if it is contradictory, and we have received no guidance from the State Department."
6
The scary thing is that Trump cannot find replacements. After all, what intelligent person with the skills needed for sensitive diplomatic posts would ever be willing to work for Trump? He can't fill other posts for the same reason. I wonder how long the GOP will let this go? Career diplomats can not be replaced very easily as there is a very small pool and once you lose them, they are gone.
I would also be concerned about the people Trump might try to appoint. His tweets clearly come from a person who is not sane or connected with reality. They have done huge damage to our international relations, so finding people of the same ilk that can double down will be devastating. Will the GOP allow it to happen?
I would also be concerned about the people Trump might try to appoint. His tweets clearly come from a person who is not sane or connected with reality. They have done huge damage to our international relations, so finding people of the same ilk that can double down will be devastating. Will the GOP allow it to happen?
21
You can't use the word Trump and Diplomacy in the same sentence.
24
As a retired Foreign Service officer, I am grateful that I no longer find myself in the position of trying to explain to foreign audiences the current madness in Washington. My colleagues who are still on the job and working to advance U.S. national interests abroad will probably have a guaranteed job for the next quarter-century as they try to pick up the pieces and clean the mess left by the current Administration.
183
Thank you for your service, Rich.
Trump is not worthy of the title of President of the United States, or of anything else, except maybe a latrine with broken seats that are meant fail when people sit on them. How could anyone with any integrity represent this degenerate liar? Better that these diplomats stay where they are, as long as they can, and let the world know that the American people, at least most of them do not approve of the current occupant of the Oval Office. They should attack until fired.and
12
Trump is not worthy of the title of the title of President, or of anything, except maybe a latrine with broken seats that are meant fail when people sit on them. How could anyone with any integrity represent this degenerate liar? Better that these diplomats stay where they are, as long as they can, and let the world know that the American people, at least most of them do not approve of the current occupant of the Oval Office. They should attack until fired.
11
The administration is breaking down. For every diplomat that speaks out publicly against Trump, there are probably 10 more holding their tongue. The exodus has begun. The vacant positions will not be filled. These people are highly skilled and knowledgeable in foreign relations. They can make much more money working for multinational corporations.
Trump promised to take down government and he is succeeding. He has big problems with State and now Justice. It's all coming apart at the seams. The floundering has just begun.
Trump promised to take down government and he is succeeding. He has big problems with State and now Justice. It's all coming apart at the seams. The floundering has just begun.
90
My recommendation to career diplomats who oppose Trump is to stay in and call him and his administration out until they get fired. This would truly represent the majority of the American people, rather than these degenerates with souls of cockroaches.
47
When your views are different then your boss you only have two options: (1) you can work within the system attempting to bring about a change that is more in line with your views or, (2) resign. There is no middle ground or do you have a right to use a public disagreement to accomplish your goals. Resistance is not an option. Government or Business, same problem same options.
6
Might not be quite so simple if in fact the "boss" is the primary problem. The Foreign Service does not serve merely to do what the president wants done (and who can figure that out with this president?--who seems to come across as more than a little too 'bossy'). Rather, it serves to represent the interests of our whole country in relation to the (both agreeable and conflictual) interests of other countries. Yes, inevitably there are political overtones; but these do not trump the higher ideal of impartially serving and representing our nation.
12
Since when has it been wrong to try to peacefully change the system from within - at least without sabotage or workplace violence?
12
"(1) you can work within the system attempting to bring about a change that is more in line with your views or, (2) resign. "
Crosswicks, what part of the article did you not understand? Rank *did* resign, and it states Lukens was following "standard State Department practice to express support and condolences to a host country after a terrorist attack." Until if and when Trump ever explains to anyone in the State Department how their policies should change in a coherent way they can use (ha!), he *Is* dong his job exactly as he should!
Crosswicks, what part of the article did you not understand? Rank *did* resign, and it states Lukens was following "standard State Department practice to express support and condolences to a host country after a terrorist attack." Until if and when Trump ever explains to anyone in the State Department how their policies should change in a coherent way they can use (ha!), he *Is* dong his job exactly as he should!
5
White House spokespeople with daily access to Trump cannot seem to accurately guess his position or policy at any given time. How on earth can a diplomat half the world away be expected to defend those positions.
95
Its also strange to see the UN ambassador Niki Haley constantly defending Trump. She obviously does not have a thinking mind of her own.
2
Trump wants to make America great again? I write this with a question mark because his conduct towards the people who have serves this country for years in various departments is atrocious. He is undermining this country and himself. He is digging a hole so deep that we may take decades to climb out of it. In the meantime other countries will attract the best and brightest minds, make the breakthroughs we could have made or assisted in, will laugh at us for electing an inept clown as president.
While many Americans, particularly those who voted for Trump, do not want to admit it, America First is not a wise policy. Nor is isolationism, building a wall, dismantling our deeply inadequate social safety net, or allowing the president, his family, and his associates to be above the law. We are a democratic republic, not a monarchy, not yet.
While many Americans, particularly those who voted for Trump, do not want to admit it, America First is not a wise policy. Nor is isolationism, building a wall, dismantling our deeply inadequate social safety net, or allowing the president, his family, and his associates to be above the law. We are a democratic republic, not a monarchy, not yet.
144
Trump seems to think he ought to become Dear Dictator by popular vote, since he assume his actions and decisions should be unfettered by anything resembling rational thought, good sense or a United States constitution,
9
Trump and his allies and the GOP don't need no stinking Constitution except to crush those unpatriotic fools who dare to point out to them what they are doing wrong. In fact the entire Constitution should be rewritten to favor Trump Enterprises, his family and friends, and the economic elites who support him. All bow to Tyrant Trump.
4
Granted most of Trump's decisions seem gratuitously stupid, but unless they are unconstitutional, State Department employees are required to support them. Stupid as he is, Trump is the duly elected President. I admire the men and women who leave Federal service rather than support policies with which they cannot agree. Better that, than engage in malicious subordination or standing around the leaky faucet. It is also important to keep in mind that the people of the United States do not elect presidents to please the Departments of State and Justice, or the EPA. Not yet. But it's on the way.
14
No we don't elect presidents to please the various agencies in the country, However, we don't elect presidents to do what Trump is doing either. We elect them to represent us, to work on our behalf, to obey the Constitution, to improve the country for us. We don't elect presidents to enrich their friends, excuse them from being ethical, to put the country into a crisis that they cause, to be so dishonest that no one trusts them.
If Trump and his gang aren't careful they will create a rebellion. It will be internal, destructive to presidential authority for all time, and could lead to another civil war.
If Trump and his gang aren't careful they will create a rebellion. It will be internal, destructive to presidential authority for all time, and could lead to another civil war.
117
Let them act in accord with their consciences. If that's unacceptable to the WH, then they can be fired. People who work for the government shouldn't be expected to leave their consciences and their sense of morality at the office door. Especially when the occupant of the Oval Office is betraying the American people and our allies, which is what I see going on.
27
All it takes are good people to do nothing.... "I'm just following orders."
14
I wrote a comment to the New York Times early on Sunday pleading with Donald Trump NOT to tweet or Twitter regarding the London atrocity and the New York Times did not publish it.
Not that it would have stopped Trump, but it could have had a voice for the citizens of the United States who find Trump's twitters and tweets treacherous in the world today.
This is a platform for so many of us that are horrified at the insults of Trump's recent twitters and tweets aimed at the United Kingdom, mayor and people.
He should have expressed condolences. Period.
We so hope he does not go to London as he has expressed interest in. He has caused us enough embarrassment over this.
Not that it would have stopped Trump, but it could have had a voice for the citizens of the United States who find Trump's twitters and tweets treacherous in the world today.
This is a platform for so many of us that are horrified at the insults of Trump's recent twitters and tweets aimed at the United Kingdom, mayor and people.
He should have expressed condolences. Period.
We so hope he does not go to London as he has expressed interest in. He has caused us enough embarrassment over this.
90
Time for England to openly show that he's not welcome. Trump seems to assume that he's the only one who can be boorish while everyone else in the world should stand aside while America grabs the lion's share on any trade deals.
5
Hopefully the British public, rightfully outraged and revolted, will be able to insist on the UK's government cancelling Trump's state visit. But I'm not optimistic PM May has the guts to do it...
2
Defending Trump and his ignorant post would be an unenviable spot to be in. Those diplomats remaining will have to employ tremendous imagination and patience. I wish them luck.
68
If i can remember correctly, every federal employee took an outh to uphold our constitution against all enemies foriegn and dominstic. What are you going to do now that the Soviet Union put thier agent in the White House and turned it into a den of tratiors and Soviet spies.?Mitch Mcconnel did you see your wife body langauge standing behind the orange nutcase? How can you let a wonderful person like her destroy the respect she has earned by aligning herself with a gang of traitors.Tel her to resign immediatly.You will be thrown out of office along with the other repurs who sold out the American people. Mitch, you should tell your wife to tell the Soviet manchild how to spell treason.You can bet with his fifth grade education, he would not be able to spell it himself.
2
Thank god for them. Most of us (the intelligent ones) don't support what's-his-name's decisions or policies.
82
In my opinion, DJT will go down as the worst President in the history of the Country, but even worse than his record, is his lack of compassion, empathy and grace as evident in his tweets concerning the Mayor of London! Thank G_d we still live in a democracy and have a professional diplomatic State Department that can intelligently distance itself from DJF and his fascist agenda.
258
If DJT has his way, the State Department will virtually be running on empty He has left many positions unfilled, diplomats are jumping ship, and he is asking for a massive increase in military spending offset by huge cuts to the State Department.
Let's hope we still live in a democracy 4 years from now.
trump may bring about the end of the Republic.
Why would anyone believe anything Trump says?
Why would anyone work for a person with no sense of ethics or morality?
Why would anyone work for a person with no sense of ethics or morality?
174
If this exodus does nothing else, it should come as a wake-up call to America. These diplomats understand the world political scene much better than our mentally-crippled, narrow minded President... Our Ship of State is sinking, America, and the best swimmers are leaving. It is too bad our Congress is also incapable and is sitting on their collective "hands"........I am not sure we can yet be saved..........
217
It is difficult waking up each morning to idiotic tweeting from the POTUS that continues to diminish the USA's place as a world leader. These people have taken a stand and are showing leadership in the current vacuum. The President continues to act like a tiny, tiny man.
318
@Samuel ... correction ... tweeting has already diminished the US's place as world leader. It is Germany and France now, next US president can try to reclaim .. but it will be a difficult one
He isn't acting...
The central question for any career diplomat is how can one serve a president whose position on anything is subject to change at a moment's notice, and then the new position being sent to the world via Tweet? What is happening in Washington is a joke, and the chief jokester is trump.
106
Several people I know, quit their jobs when they were unable to adjust to a new boss. Unemployment is very low so it is a good time for them to find a new, better employer.
23
We're talking about America and what it represents, not some corporation that sells hamburgers or shoes.
7
I just keep wondering how many of these stories about 45's outrageous behavior and his intolerance for any sort of "push back" from anyone will it take before impeachment is sought? Under this administration, the United States of America is not the same country in which I was born and raised. This is like living in a fictional Hollywood movie about a situation that "could never happen in America."
131
Unfortunately impeachment is more of a political process than anything else. With the GOP in control, unless Trump committed treason in public, they will not make a move against him. It leads one to wonder what sort of deal they made with him before or after he won.
48
The republicans have sold their soul to the devil for a conservative Supreme Court!
2
What truly worries me is what this White House will be capable of once it fills State Department positions with unscrupulous myrmidons willing to say and do anything with zero ethical dillemas getting in the way.
I applaud these foreign service professionals for doing what they think is correct but wonder what rock bottom will look like.
I applaud these foreign service professionals for doing what they think is correct but wonder what rock bottom will look like.
285
AGREED!
4
great word usage..kudos
2
If Americans are uncaring about the future position of the United States in diplomatic circles and in the international community in general, then Americans will get what they deserve.
Prices will rise, due to a poor position at negotiating contracts and trade. Less intelligence sharing with former allies. Our country as a whole will be a weak country until someone else takes the helm and repositions America in its global responsibilities. This could take years convincing allies we are no longer running from the center stage of international affairs. That our isolationism is a thing of the past. That it was a harsh temporary set back, which we have learned from.
Here's hoping.
Prices will rise, due to a poor position at negotiating contracts and trade. Less intelligence sharing with former allies. Our country as a whole will be a weak country until someone else takes the helm and repositions America in its global responsibilities. This could take years convincing allies we are no longer running from the center stage of international affairs. That our isolationism is a thing of the past. That it was a harsh temporary set back, which we have learned from.
Here's hoping.
Thank goodness these foreign service professionals have the integrity to resist Trump's attempts to undermine America's image and reputation overseas. It's important for foreign govenments to remember, in the wake of Trump's Twitter tirades and provocative speeches, that America still remains a friend and ally. Trump is working very hard to turn the world against the US, and he's succeeding. It's good to know that behind the scenes, these diplomats are smoothing the waters as best they can.
171
And yet, we need these diplomats there. Those who have the strength of character to exemplify the true American character.
17