1/Steve Biegun, the deputy secretary of State, just sent an email out to the State Department to take stock of the profound moment right now in the United States. A few lines from it:
2/”As Americans, it is a difficult moment for all of us…Each of us should take the opportunity to reflect upon that tragedy (George Floyd death) and what we can do in our lives to both bring about healing and to address its underlying conditions and causes.”
3/He then encourages department leaders (including, presumably, ambassadors) to take some time to help their staffs reflect on the situation. Biegun points to Charles Rangel & Thomas Pickering as 2 men whose lives US diplomats should reflect upon. (Both championed diplomacy.)
4/He encourages staffers to take an online course in ways to mitigate unconscious bias and stresses the department’s commitment to diversity. He acknowledges the strain the coronavirus pandemic has caused and praises staffers’ professionalism.
5/”Together, we will continue to evolve our institution to reflect what is best about America.”
Overall, a somber note. One question I know State Department officials have: Why didn’t Secretary Pompeo write this?
Overall, a somber note. One question I know State Department officials have: Why didn’t Secretary Pompeo write this?
6/In the interest of fairness, it’s worth pointing out that Biegun does write at one point: “The Secretary and I recognize this has been an extraordinary time in history, and a challenging time for you and your families.”
Still, why didn’t Pompeo write the note?
Still, why didn’t Pompeo write the note?
