American Foreign Service Association

Who knew? The some 16,000 present and retired United States diplomats are members of a Union, the American Foreign Service Association. And that particular union is not happy. Why, you ask? They are concerned about the qualifications of campaign donors who have become Presidential appointees. They want to see the "Certificates of Demonstrated Competence". What a novel idea, that our diplomats be competent.

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They want our diplomats to have skills that include: leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills and have a high knowledge of the area where they would be sent. That would seem to me a minimum requirement for a peaceful, stable, ally of the US. The objection to the practice of appointing political supporters would impact President Obama, whose political appointee average is higher than the historical average. While I'm not sure why diplomats need a union, I'm glad that someone sees the problem with paying off large supporters with diplomatic jobs. Diplomacy should be handled by those well versed in the customs, political landscape and nuances of the host country as well as respected here at home. Gerald Manegold North Port, FL

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