As we read about our colleagues - only peripherally in the ordinary news, which at most might mention a ship or a flight 'arranged by the US embassy' - it is only human for a true consular officer to feel a tiny tug of envy.
Because in every such officer's heart is a wee little voice that whispers, "Me. Involve me. If it's going to happen, please let it happen while I'm here and while I can try my best to pass the ultimate consular test - to think fast and creatively and without hesitation to help and protect my employees and my American customers.
"Test me. I can do it. I'll think of everything, I'll think a step ahead of danger. Let it be me standing on the tarmac, on the quay, on the train platform, on the side of the highway, waving goodbye to the last of those who trust and depend on me, as they race away to safety by means that I arranged. Let it be me who will be able to say - "
" - Goodbye, hon. Be careful out there."
3 comments:
I've been feeling that familiar itch for weeks now. The one that says "Put me in, coach."
I've quoted you and linked to you here: http://consul-at-arms2.blogspot.com/2011/02/re-let-it-be-me.html
It's cool, until it's your own post...
I'd like to tip my hat to those Consular Officers and others who volunteered to work overtime on not-so-sexy task forces in Washington, answering a deluge of emails and providing information as events in the Middle East unfolded. They took time out of their lives and away from their families to take care of that unglamorous work. I'm sure they're doing it again for Japan. Thanks guys!
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