Comment – Opinion. In my article “Obama Screws Up Again - Insults Japan,” I stated that contrary to diplomatic norms Obama had appointed one of his big campaign fund-raisers, John Roos, to the post of Ambassador to Japan, despite the fact he had no diplomatic experience and did not speak Japanese. Additionally I reported that the Japanese were insulted by this appointment…..Fast Forward.
EXCUSIVE: Career diplomats protest Obama appointments. (Washington Times, Friday, July 10, 2009, by Nicholas Kralev.) ” The White House unaware of historic norms had been on track to give more than the usual 30 percent, (actually 13 of the 18 posts available – 70 percent), to political appointees….until objections from career diplomats forced it to reconsider, according to administration officials….Senior political appointees at both the White House and State Department apparently were not aware of past political practice, (30 percent political appointees and 70 percent career foreign service officers as being the acceptable ratio for ambassadorial appointments.) What this little affair shows is that Obama is not even, (once again), aware of simple protocol in the area of political appointments, ( I am thinking that perhaps that the reason he takes so many trips abroad after making fau pas policy screwups is to dodge criticism over his apparent confusion at the labyrinth of of accepted protocols that governs political decision making in the beltway.)
The only positive thing I can say about all the lack of attention to detail by this administration, is that it provides almost too much good “stuff” to write about – and lets face it, for writers like me, there is nothing more fun than reporting on the incompetence of politicians. Have a great day!
Beaudreaux
