At 01:01 PM 2/9/02 +0100 J. van Baardwijk wrote:
>>Me:
>>First - I'm not a spokesman for the US government. Thus I'm not
>>constrained by the need to lie in order to avoid wounding the delicate
>>sensibilities of other countries. I can tell the truth as it really is.
>>If the truth offends you, Jeroen, that's not my problem. I'm sorry, but
>>it's really not my problem.
>
>I would have expected better from you, Gautam. You are a student of
>international politics. You are the one here that wants to pursue a career
>in international politics; perhaps you even have the ambition to be
>appointed Ambassador some day. You of all people should know that careful
>phrasing is everything in that line of work. A ill-phrased statement (no
>matter how well-intended it was) has the potential to lead to an
>international incident.
>
>Do not take this as an personal attack, because it is not intended that
>way. Rather, see it as an opportunity: you are a member of *this*
>international community, here you have the chance to learn the way to
>Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice. :-)
Memo to Jeroen:
Offending the government of the Netherlands - perhaps a bad idea, but maybe
necessary in the right circumstances.
Offending Anti-American, Anti-Israel, Far-Left Dutch Citizens like Jeroen -
probably a good idea worthy of promotion.
JDG
__________________________________________________________
John D. Giorgis - [EMAIL PROTECTED] - ICQ #3527685
"Our campaign against international terrorism does not represent some
sort of 'clash of civilizations.' Instead, it is a clash between
civilization and those who would destroy it." -Amb. Richard N. Haass
