I don’t blame them for being a tad upset at possibly being forced to serve in Iraq, and they made those views known:
“It was an hourlong event, and for a brief period one or two speakers expressed very strongly held views,” the State Department spokesman, Sean McCormack, said. “It’s a pretty sensitive topic and, understandably, some people are going to have some pretty strong feelings about it.”
During the meeting, one Foreign Service officer likened the Iraq order to a “potential death sentence,” The Associated Press reported. “It’s one thing if someone believes in what’s going on over there and volunteers, but it’s another thing to send someone over there on a forced assignment,” said the officer, who identified himself as Jack Croddy and once worked as a political adviser with NATO forces, The Associated Press reported. “I’m sorry, but basically that’s a potential death sentence, and you know it.”
The comments were directed at Harry Thomas, the Foreign Service director general.
I have a solution for those at State who have a problem with this: Resign or be fired. You are in the Foreign Service. That’s what you signed up for.
I work as an adult learning specialist. I know, in general, how adults learn. My boss may decide that something is to be done a certain way – a way I may not think is appropriate. I will voice my opinion, and if she still wants me to do it her way, I do it. And if I don’t, I can expect to be disciplined in some way.
Now, I know sitting in a cushy office chair in my Atlanta office is a lot different than being in the Green Zone in Baghdad; however, we all sign on the dotted line, and we all know what we’re in for. When you work in the foreign service as a diplomat, you know that there’s always a chance you’re going somewhere dangerous. If you can’t do that job, you should find another line of employment.