Particularly after this morning's news on the state of the world, I feel compelled to write. Shock, Sadness, Disgust, Anger, Fear, Pride...all emotions I experienced this week after hearing the bad news. This has been a difficult week for the foreign service community. On Tuesday, the anniversary of 09/11 we lost four incredible men carrying out the work of diplomacy in Libya. Today the violence has spread and 65 embassies and consulates have issued emergency messages about violence. When the news first came about Ambassador Stevens (before I had even heard that we had lost 4 men) I felt personally very saddened. It's a hard feeling to describe, but there is a closeness that comes with joining foreign service. I think it's partially because from the outside our lifestyles seem so strange that we instantly bond with one another sharing in the commonalities we have without having to explain a thing. My parents both called the morning of the 12th to check in and express their sadness and anger at the news. My dad even mentioned to me how it felt different having such a personal connection the state department than if he had heard the same news without that. It is a strange feeling. You feel like you've lost a family member and probably in the backs of our minds we are all thinking about those we know serving overseas right now and those who are here who will be overseas again at some point. That danger is always there, although we're not always as aware of it. This week has certainly highlighted that.
There have been several op-eds and articles written in light of these events that have highlighted the work of US diplomats overseas. I think it is important for people to see these to grasp that one small opportunity that can come with this terrible tragedy and highlight the importance of the work these public servants do. I have heard people say that diplomats just attend parties or that it's a glamorous lifestyle, but that's simply not the case and while it's unfortunate that it takes a terrible tragedy for people to grasp this, I think this is an opportunity to share about the work they do. I could attempt to write it in my own words, but there are so many good articles floating around I am just going to repost two recent favorites:
NY Times Op-Ed: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/14/opinion/in-libya-and-elsewhere-our-diplomats-deserve-better.html?ref=opinion
Foreign Policy Article: http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2012/09/13/americas_other_army?page=0%2C0
I am proud of the work that my husband and his colleagues carry out on a daily basis. They too often forget that it is extraordinary work. Even with the danger, I know we all believe (families and diplomats alike) that the work is extremely important and it must continue. Thank you to anyone reading this who is in public service and to those of you who don't know exactly what diplomats do and are taking the time to learn. My heart goes out to the families of Ambassador Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty.
"So we will wipe away our tears, stiffen our spines, and face the future undaunted. And we will do it together, protecting and helping one another, just like Sean, Tyrone, Glen, and Chris always did. May God bless them and grant their families peace and solace, and may God continue to bless the United States of America."-Secretary Clinton, Sep. 14, 2012
