well, I think people would....IF it's for the right reasons. But many people lose trust when the leaders are doing it for the wrong reasons. Read the letter below:
The following is the text of John Brady Kiesling's letter of resignation to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell. Mr. Kiesling is a career diplomat who has served in United States embassies from Tel Aviv to Casablanca to Yerevan.
Dear Mr. Secretary:
I am writing you to submit my resignation from the Foreign Service of the United States and from my position as Political Counselor in U.S. Embassy Athens, effective March 7. I do so with a heavy heart. The baggage of my upbringing included a felt obligation to give something back to my country. Service as a U.S. diplomat was a dream job. I was paid to understand foreign languages and cultures, to seek out diplomats, politicians, scholars and journalists, and to persuade them that U.S. interests and theirs fundamentally coincided. My faith in my country and its values was the most powerful weapon in my diplomatic arsenal.
It is inevitable that during twenty years with the State Department I would become more sophisticated and cynical about the narrow and selfish bureaucratic motives that sometimes shaped our policies. Human nature is what it is, and I was rewarded and promoted for understanding human nature. But until this Administration it had been possible to believe that by upholding the policies of my president I was also upholding the interests of the American people and the world. I believe it no longer.
The policies we are now asked to advance are incompatible not only with American values but also with American interests. Our fervent pursuit of war with Iraq is driving us to squander the international legitimacy that has been America’s most potent weapon of both offense and defense since the days of Woodrow Wilson. We have begun to dismantle the largest and most effective web of international relationships the world has ever known. Our current course will bring instability and danger, not security.
The sacrifice of global interests to domestic politics and to bureaucratic self-interest is nothing new, and it is certainly not a uniquely American problem. Still, we have not seen such systematic distortion of intelligence, such systematic manipulation of American opinion, since the war in Vietnam. The September 11 tragedy left us stronger than before, rallying around us a vast international coalition to cooperate for the first time in a systematic way against the threat of terrorism. But rather than take credit for those successes and build on them, this Administration has chosen to make terrorism a domestic political tool, enlisting a scattered and largely defeated Al Qaeda as its bureaucratic ally. We spread disproportionate terror and confusion in the public mind, arbitrarily linking the unrelated problems of terrorism and Iraq. The result, and perhaps the motive, is to justify a vast misallocation of shrinking public wealth to the military and to weaken the safeguards that protect American citizens from the heavy hand of government. September 11 did not do as much damage to the fabric of American society as we seem determined to so to ourselves. Is the Russia of the late Romanovs really our model, a selfish, superstitious empire thrashing toward self-destruction in the name of a doomed status quo?
We should ask ourselves why we have failed to persuade more of the world that a war with Iraq is necessary. We have over the past two years done too much to assert to our world partners that narrow and mercenary U.S. interests override the cherished values of our partners. Even where our aims were not in question, our consistency is at issue. The model of Afghanistan is little comfort to allies wondering on what basis we plan to rebuild the Middle East, and in whose image and interests. Have we indeed become blind, as Russia is blind in Chechnya, as Israel is blind in the Occupied Territories, to our own advice, that overwhelming military power is not the answer to terrorism? After the shambles of post-war Iraq joins the shambles in Grozny and Ramallah, it will be a brave foreigner who forms ranks with Micronesia to follow where we lead.
We have a coalition still, a good one. The loyalty of many of our friends is impressive, a tribute to American moral capital built up over a century. But our closest allies are persuaded less that war is justified than that it would be perilous to allow the U.S. to drift into complete solipsism. Loyalty should be reciprocal. Why does our President condone the swaggering and contemptuous approach to our friends and allies this Administration is fostering, including among its most senior officials. Has “oderint dum metuant” really become our motto?
I urge you to listen to America’s friends around the world. Even here in Greece, purported hotbed of European anti-Americanism, we have more and closer friends than the American newspaper reader can possibly imagine. Even when they complain about American arrogance, Greeks know that the world is a difficult and dangerous place, and they want a strong international system, with the U.S. and EU in close partnership. When our friends are afraid of us rather than for us, it is time to worry. And now they are afraid. Who will tell them convincingly that the United States is as it was, a beacon of liberty, security, and justice for the planet?
Mr. Secretary, I have enormous respect for your character and ability. You have preserved more international credibility for us than our policy deserves, and salvaged something positive from the excesses of an ideological and self-serving Administration. But your loyalty to the President goes too far. We are straining beyond its limits an international system we built with such toil and treasure, a web of laws, treaties, organizations, and shared values that sets limits on our foes far more effectively than it ever constrained America’s ability to defend its interests.
I am resigning because I have tried and failed to reconcile my conscience with my ability to represent the current U.S. Administration. I have confidence that our democratic process is ultimately self-correcting, and hope that in a small way I can contribute from outside to shaping policies that better serve the security and prosperity of the American people and the world we share.
2006-07-17 13:25:08
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answer #1
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answered by ginandvodka 3
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As an American fighting and defending this great country I am sworn to "defend against all enemies foreign and domestic" I do it every day with pride and enthusiasm.
As an American I am told it is my duty in the Declaration of Independence
"when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security"
This is what our country is based upon, seeing what is right or wrong and fixing it.
The Constitution says the government will
"provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions"
Also the bill of rights clearly states
"Amendment II
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
Will I fight? I am fighting, it is my duty and my right.
Some people don't seem to realize that the invasion is already happening, the fight is here, the time to fight is now!!!!!!!!
2006-07-17 15:34:31
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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Well if we're smart about it, we'll borrow a page from Sun-Tzu and seek to win our battles without fighting anybody. That's called 'enlightenment' I guess, advancing your national interests without having to advance across the dead bodies of other nations' peoples.
Rather than bullets, the modern 'weapon' is ballots. People need to get out, and VOTE. And, politicians need to HEED the outcome of those votes, and actually start representing the people that they claim to, for a change. I think a majority of americans have turned a blind and disgusted eye to goings-on with Mexico for years, and building a better public awareness of the scale and the scope of the impact of years of this kind of attitude/policy/whatever is the first step in solving the problem.
If it comes to rifles and bayonets in the trenches, well there's 280 million americans, and 110 million mexicans, and we have something called the 'air force' which has 'airplanes' that can like, fly over your enemy, and drop stuff on em. Mexico has colorful clothing, folk songs, and pistols.
Part of this is that it's a tempest in a teapot. Much as some might like to hope, Mexico won't be overthrowing our country anytime soon. They might try, but what it'll get em is tossed out on their pinata. We've really tried to help their country, and we're not seeing a lot in the way of gratitude, these days, instead we're seeing greed and short-sightedness, to wit a lack of social planning on their part based on misguided generosity in our part, leading to an assumption that importing mass quantities of mexicans into the United States for all perpetuity isn't going to cause Serious Problems Down The Line. That should end, and a great place for it to start is like with Colorado pinching off the public benefits for non-citizens. Hell, if we keep up like this, who knows, maybe the states will actually figure out how to balance their budgets! LOLOL Hey, anything could happen...this IS america, after all...
2006-07-17 13:31:22
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answer #3
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answered by gokart121 6
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Yes! Not only will I fight but I am fighting and preparing to fight hand to hand if it comes to that. I believe the possibility of this issue coming down to all out war is very real. Some out there see it coming to this as well. Some say it's a Government issue and we should count on them to do what's right and not blame the illegals. Hey if it weren't for these illegals breaking our laws a thousand times over every day, crossing our borders without permission, then our Government wouldn't have an issue to solve. I agree our Government has taken too much time and been too Diplomatic on this problem as yet but when you boil it down to the bottom of the pot.......the illegals are invading our land, robbing us blind, playing on our sympathy, and taking every advantage they possibly can of us. This problem wouldn't exist without them! I have great respect and feel very encouraged to read the "yes" answers on here and it makes me proud as hell to know that I am not standing alone. For all of those who said "yes....IF", I hope you all soon realize that there is no "IF". Look around folks we have an estimated 12-15 MILLION INVADERS in our land already. They are here on our soil threatening our sovereignty and our future and they are not backing down or even taking us serious. Fight? Hell ya! I'm ready and right by your side!
2006-07-17 17:50:15
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answer #4
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answered by warriorbabe 2
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Its Coming
You've All Read My Posts
And You All Know How I See This
When The S#IT Hits The Fan
I Will Be On The Front Line
And I Am Not Alone
I Got Your Back KS
And Ill Warn Any Of You PU*SSY @$$ Bleeding Heart Liberals
You Stand In The Line Of Fire
Youre A Legitimate Target
Lock n Load
2006-07-17 14:31:40
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answer #5
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answered by Anonymous
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I think that the world has a misconception of the strength of the American people.
We will fight to preserve our liberties, our families and our nation. We will fight to secure our borders, our Constitution and our sovereignty, and we will prevail.
What do you do to prepare? Better have some food in your home. When the illegals feel like they are losing, there will be some serious looting and rioting in the streets. You won't be able to run to Wal-mart to grab some milk and bread. You better have some way to protect your home....unless the government strips us of our right to bear arms! And stock up on medicines as the pharmacies will be among the first hit......
What a sad prediction....hope it doesn't happen....afraid it will.
2006-07-17 19:09:29
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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As of this instant, you have 29 ans, not all willing to join your cause; have you not learned yours is an impossible dream on the net? You would? Where here, on Yahoo? Hahahahaha
Get real....ASHTEQUILA makes you look like the little dummy you really are....I don't know who I'm talking too, but it's still a seal.
Go get your video recorder and join the Minutemen; every minute counts....lol...you're drowning in a glass of water.
Edit:::::: That JD hombre down below fights a great scary war on the net, huh, hahahahahahaha
2006-07-17 13:42:08
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answer #7
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answered by LaContessa 4
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First off, I'd like to say that, ndtaya is a prime example of a Liberal idiot. To answer your question, yes, I'm ready to start fighting for America. We're being invaded, and we need to stand up, and start fighting to keep America America!! The day President Bush said that most ILLEGAL immagrints were good, law abiding people, I knew we were in deep do-do. FIGHT BACK, AND SPEAK OUT!!!
2006-07-17 13:29:22
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answer #8
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answered by K S 2
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I think you are a nutcase who got hopped up on ALL the hate was "lavished" on the immigration category this afternoon and you feel empowered.
But to answer your assinine question. If I thought that the AMERICA that I love and am raising my children in WAS in need of my skills to defend against a FORCE......I would gladly offer.
Immigrants are NOT foreign invaders........and will never be. You are a sick, twisted woman who is pissed off with her government and is taking it out on others. If you had voted correctly and been concerned you wouldn't have to ask stupid questions on internet sites that incite hate and war like attitudes.
Get a life......pick up a ballot......take care of your family and move on.
2006-07-17 14:07:11
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answer #9
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answered by sqwirlsgirl 5
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Why are you crying over illegal aliens?
The real enemy is this govt. who wants to open all borders here in the America's. Bush and his father are globalists. We are headed for one world govt. and crying about illegals isn't really addressing the issue.
I honestly think there is nothing to be done. Unless you really want a civil war and fight for the sovereignty of this nation. That would mean taking arms against this govt. Are you prepared to do that???
2006-07-17 13:42:14
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answer #10
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answered by Anonymous
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I think alot of people would -- IF we had foreign invaders on our soil actually threatening our sovereignty...
Somebody would have to be really stupid to try and invade this country. What the military doesn't crush into paste,all the gun toting residents would finish off.
2006-07-17 13:23:41
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answer #11
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answered by dapixelator 6
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