TEST TOUR


It appears, even now with her first overseas trip as our Secretary of State, that Condoleezza Rice is doing well. Each stop has been "without incident" as we say today when we don't know what to expect might happen. It is not unusual for some states to give indications they they are not exactly pleased with such visits. They may have had plans for a later time or they may feel they should be alerted to the possibilities concerning such meetings.

Secretary Rice has, it seems, been generally welcomed with polite attention and the photo op situations have been well-planned and shared. Invitations to visit Washington have been extended. Several approvals have already been returned so the meetings will have some results as heads of state gather at the White House. These could well be the "talks" we have anticipated for such a long time such a long time. The may well prove to be negotiations which will bring new understandings to the Middle East area with renewed hopes for a lasting peace.

The Secretary of State,on this trip and others to follow needs our support. She is an avid and apt student of international relationships and we are fortunate to have such a talent working on our behalf. She is not the first woman to have filled the post and a previous one did not,perhaps, get the support she needed and she did very well when that is considered. Rice is, however,the first Afro-American woman to be our Secretary of State and our support will be helpful to her as she speaks to the citizens of the world about us and our homeland.

The worst possible thing that could happen now has [probably already happened. Somewhere in this land there is an unthinking person who has wondering out loud: "Doesn't that poor girl have another dress? ... another suit?" That critical attitude shows how shallow our patriotism can become unless we start caring for it with greater detail and with more precision.

Secretary of State Rice is the epitome of style - diplomatic style. We must respect and honor such a talent.


A.L.M. February 7, 2005 [c368wds]

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