A one-sided Washington Post article has insight into the hiring practices of the Foreign Service
To sum up the article: an applicant passed the rigorous foreign service exam but after informing officials he had obsessive compulsive disorder and takes a Paxil, the State Department decided not to hire him because they felt he would not be eligible to serve anywhere in the world. The applicant filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission but lost when an EEOC administrative judge ruled the State Department had not violated the 1973 Rehabilitation Act "because the requirement for worldwide assignment was a lawful, job-related standard."
Monday, February 25, 2008
Happy birthday, Monte de Piedad
More than 130 years ago today, in 1775, first Count of Regla Pedro Romero de Terreros founds the "Monte de Piedad" or "National Pawn Shop" in Mexico City.
The store has three objectives:
1) provide personal credit to the poor through the public sector,
2) apply the profits to charitable works such as the poor and orphanages,
and
3) to help artisans and businessmen sell wares at low prices.
The store has three objectives:
1) provide personal credit to the poor through the public sector,
2) apply the profits to charitable works such as the poor and orphanages,
and
3) to help artisans and businessmen sell wares at low prices.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Mexico Erupts
Sixty-five years ago, Paricutín spewed in a farmer’s field in Michoacan. Within a few years, the volcano's lava would destroy Paricutin and San Juan Parangaricutirimícuaro.
A Cut Above
According to some religious traditions, Moses was circumcised today (according to the Jewish calendar). According to those who believe he was born on the 7th of Adar I, today would have been the 8th day of his life and thus the day a mohel removed his foreskin.
The text of the Tanakh does not actually make this claim, but extra rabbincial sources (considered sacred by various groups) do.
The text of the Tanakh does not actually make this claim, but extra rabbincial sources (considered sacred by various groups) do.
President's Day Weekend
Mexican news covered the fact that the U.S. Embassy was closed on President's Weekend. While living in the United States, I cannot remember ever seeing local television news announcing the closing of any embassy or consulate.
Afternoon Protest
A group voicing union related concerns (loudly but not as loudly as some recent rallies) from Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana marched from the Angel Monument past the U.S. Embassy to the Zocalo.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
In a recent Miami Herald interview, former Mexican Foreign Minister Jorge Castañeda answered many questions. Two particular interesting bits:
Castañeda: There are not more people coming from Mexico than before; rather, it is that more people are staying in the United States, which gives the impression there are more, which is, I think, rather new.
Castañeda: I think [Mexico is] somewhat hypocritical in that we mistreat many Central American immigrants here. The difference is that most of the people who come to Mexico from Central and South America are on their way to the United States. They aren't here to find jobs. To a large extent, we are doing a little bit of the United States' dirty work for it. I don't agree with it, because I don't believe we should violate human rights in order to stop what the United States calls "OTM," or "other than Mexican," immigration. But unless it's part of an overall deal, as in comprehensive immigration reform, there's really no incentive to change. If there is an immigration agreement with Mexico, then there is incentive for Mexico to seal off its southern border in an honest, secure, humane way.
Castañeda: There are not more people coming from Mexico than before; rather, it is that more people are staying in the United States, which gives the impression there are more, which is, I think, rather new.
Castañeda: I think [Mexico is] somewhat hypocritical in that we mistreat many Central American immigrants here. The difference is that most of the people who come to Mexico from Central and South America are on their way to the United States. They aren't here to find jobs. To a large extent, we are doing a little bit of the United States' dirty work for it. I don't agree with it, because I don't believe we should violate human rights in order to stop what the United States calls "OTM," or "other than Mexican," immigration. But unless it's part of an overall deal, as in comprehensive immigration reform, there's really no incentive to change. If there is an immigration agreement with Mexico, then there is incentive for Mexico to seal off its southern border in an honest, secure, humane way.
Assassinated President
Feb. 19, 1880, Álvaro Obregón is born in Navojoa, Sonora. He would become a distinguished soldier and president in 1920. Shortly after assuming the presidency for a second time, he is assassinated (July 28, 1928) in Mexico City.
Helping Hand
According to El Financiero, Mexican consulates located in the United States will now provide assistance to Ecuadorians who illegally enter the United States. The article describes the agreement as one of the first of its kind.
Inseguridad
Interest in violence probably due to recent increases in reported murder victims has prompted the newspaper Diario de Yucatan to create a site called Inseguridad.
Big Hug
In honor of Valentine's Day, Monterrey residents engaged in a world-record hug Feb. 15, with 8,402 children participating, breaking Chihuahua's record of (about) 6,000 children participating.
Mangalorean
Mangalorean
Calderón's Visit
According to El Universal, out of 22 meetings Calderon conducted during his visit to the United States, 15 meetings were with individuals or groups that pursue the protection of human rights of and the expansion of protection and opportunities for illegal immigrants.
Did a TSA Officer Take Your Wallet?
Did you know the Transportation Security Administration has a blog? Although the blog elicits a variety of comments (including many complaints), some of the insights published at Evolution of Security might be worth your time. Recent posts include screening for people with hip replacements and officers who steal from passengers.
A Few More Breaths
The Mexican Senate pre-approved reforms to the Health and Tobacco Control Laws, which may result in a federal prohibition to smoke in public and closed areas. The new legislation calls for 100 percent smoke free areas in restaurants and cafeterias and establishes a new basis for the production, packing, labeling, marketing, distribution, and retailing of tobacco products.
As expected, large enterprises like Vips (the largest chain restaurant in Mexico) and El Palacio de Hierro (an elite department store) have already filed a petition to the Supreme Court to protect their commercial interests against the ban.
The government will present the reform next Thursday for a final vote. We'll see.
As expected, large enterprises like Vips (the largest chain restaurant in Mexico) and El Palacio de Hierro (an elite department store) have already filed a petition to the Supreme Court to protect their commercial interests against the ban.
The government will present the reform next Thursday for a final vote. We'll see.
Monterrey Grows as a Destination Spot
Fromt the Houston Chrnocile: By PURVA PATEL
$280 means a ride, assistance and a visa
BROWNSVILLE — Amid the stream of Indians, Germans and other foreign workers passing through his border hometown needing help getting to the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros for work visas, Mark Lehmann saw a business opportunity in the making.
"Used to be just one or two people a week," Lehmann said. "Last month, we took 400."
Last year, the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros issued 18,000 work visas, compared with 8,300 in 2006.
Matamoros is becoming an increasingly popular destination for the growing number of foreign citizens who say it usually offers a quick, same-day process that lets them avoid the long trips to their home countries and the backlogs there.
Today, Lehmann runs one of two better-known businesses in the area that get temporary workers permission to be in Mexico, drive them across the border and walk them through the process with tips on almost everything but legal matters.
The firms are thriving on foreign workers who come to Mexico to get visa extensions, renewals or changes in status — such as students hired right out of college — that allow them to travel freely in and out of the U.S.
The numbers have been fueled in part by post-Sept. 11 security measures that ended a mail-in visa revalidation process for some workers. Today, all foreign workers must go to U.S. Consulates in Mexico, Canada or their home country.
"Before, people often went on their own," said Lehmann, 27, who was working at the front desk of a Best Western in Brownsville when he spotted the trend four years ago. "They'd have problems, and I'd see people crying outside the consulate, not knowing what to do."
Seeing the rising numbers, Lehmann borrowed his mother's car and began driving the guests himself, laying the groundwork for Mexico Assistance Services — his business that each month helps hundreds of temporary workers in the U.S., including many from Houston, get to the consulate for their visas.
Round-trip service
Lars Langkowski had five days left on his visa before he decided to head to Matamoros for his renewal.
He called Consular Trip Services, which averages about 16 trips a month with about 10 people per trip.
Langkowski, a 28-year-old German national working as a consultant at Accenture in Houston, has to travel in and out of the U.S. for work.
"So, my options were going to Germany, which is an expensive flight and not as flexible as driving. Canada was close, but, again, a flight — so not flexible. Mexico was closer," he said.
Consular Trip Services picked up him and others holding closely guarded papers and passports at 6:45 a.m. at a Days Inn.
The company then drove Langkowski across the border. An employee escorted him through immigration, stood in the security line with him outside the consulate and then waited for him at a convenience store around the corner. By 10:30 a.m., Langkowski and most of the other workers were headed back to the U.S. with their visas.
The price was $280. Of that, about $130 went toward the visa application fee.
"It would have been cheaper on my own, no question. But the price was OK," Langkowski said. "I wanted to play it safe."
Attorneys not allowed in
Brownsville cab drivers said a ride to the consulate in Matamoros would run about $45, more cost-effective for a group that wants to split the fare.
But the companies say their price includes services a taxi can't provide, such as Internet and fax in their shuttles in case someone is missing documents. They also try to help those whose visas are delayed or denied.
"I had a guy who had to wait in Mexico for six months for a security clearance," said Lehmann, who also charges $280 for individuals and averages about 30 people per trip. "So I helped him find a place to stay, get toothpaste and stuff and have his luggage forwarded to him, things like that."
The companies, however, don't offer any legal services.
Before these businesses appeared, some Houston attorneys would drive workers down themselves.
But in 2004, U.S. Consulates in Mexico stopped allowing attorneys inside with applicants.
"You just became a glorified taxi driver because you couldn't enter the building, so we decided, 'Forget that,' " said Adan Vega, an attorney in Houston. "Now, we'll just prepare them the best we can and show them what they need to do and screen them to make sure they'll qualify."
A few attorneys, however, continue to make the trip for an added fee that can run more than $1,000. Often, they contract Mexico Assistance Services or Consular Trip Services to take care of what used to be a tedious errand for them.
Though the attorneys can't go in to their client's interview, they can consult with the consulate should questions arise.
At the very least, having the attorneys with them offers a level of comfort to clients who depend on the visa to work in the country, said Gordon Quan, a partner at Quan, Burdette & Perez in Houston.
"I think you're always scared that you're going to get stuck in Mexico if you don't know where to go," Quan said. "We have sophisticated engineers and professionals who are scared to go there alone, too."
Overly popular
So far, both Consular Trip Services and Mexico Assistance Services have relied on word of mouth and their Web sites as their main marketing tools.
Both are owned and run by Brownsville college students, who are weary of the companies' popularity.
Manuel Ramirez, 26, the chief operating officer of Consular Trip Services, is often late or misses class if there are delays in Mexico or he's busy updating the company's Web site.
"We never imagined it would grow this big," Ramirez said.
$280 means a ride, assistance and a visa
BROWNSVILLE — Amid the stream of Indians, Germans and other foreign workers passing through his border hometown needing help getting to the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros for work visas, Mark Lehmann saw a business opportunity in the making.
"Used to be just one or two people a week," Lehmann said. "Last month, we took 400."
Last year, the U.S. Consulate in Matamoros issued 18,000 work visas, compared with 8,300 in 2006.
Matamoros is becoming an increasingly popular destination for the growing number of foreign citizens who say it usually offers a quick, same-day process that lets them avoid the long trips to their home countries and the backlogs there.
Today, Lehmann runs one of two better-known businesses in the area that get temporary workers permission to be in Mexico, drive them across the border and walk them through the process with tips on almost everything but legal matters.
The firms are thriving on foreign workers who come to Mexico to get visa extensions, renewals or changes in status — such as students hired right out of college — that allow them to travel freely in and out of the U.S.
The numbers have been fueled in part by post-Sept. 11 security measures that ended a mail-in visa revalidation process for some workers. Today, all foreign workers must go to U.S. Consulates in Mexico, Canada or their home country.
"Before, people often went on their own," said Lehmann, 27, who was working at the front desk of a Best Western in Brownsville when he spotted the trend four years ago. "They'd have problems, and I'd see people crying outside the consulate, not knowing what to do."
Seeing the rising numbers, Lehmann borrowed his mother's car and began driving the guests himself, laying the groundwork for Mexico Assistance Services — his business that each month helps hundreds of temporary workers in the U.S., including many from Houston, get to the consulate for their visas.
Round-trip service
Lars Langkowski had five days left on his visa before he decided to head to Matamoros for his renewal.
He called Consular Trip Services, which averages about 16 trips a month with about 10 people per trip.
Langkowski, a 28-year-old German national working as a consultant at Accenture in Houston, has to travel in and out of the U.S. for work.
"So, my options were going to Germany, which is an expensive flight and not as flexible as driving. Canada was close, but, again, a flight — so not flexible. Mexico was closer," he said.
Consular Trip Services picked up him and others holding closely guarded papers and passports at 6:45 a.m. at a Days Inn.
The company then drove Langkowski across the border. An employee escorted him through immigration, stood in the security line with him outside the consulate and then waited for him at a convenience store around the corner. By 10:30 a.m., Langkowski and most of the other workers were headed back to the U.S. with their visas.
The price was $280. Of that, about $130 went toward the visa application fee.
"It would have been cheaper on my own, no question. But the price was OK," Langkowski said. "I wanted to play it safe."
Attorneys not allowed in
Brownsville cab drivers said a ride to the consulate in Matamoros would run about $45, more cost-effective for a group that wants to split the fare.
But the companies say their price includes services a taxi can't provide, such as Internet and fax in their shuttles in case someone is missing documents. They also try to help those whose visas are delayed or denied.
"I had a guy who had to wait in Mexico for six months for a security clearance," said Lehmann, who also charges $280 for individuals and averages about 30 people per trip. "So I helped him find a place to stay, get toothpaste and stuff and have his luggage forwarded to him, things like that."
The companies, however, don't offer any legal services.
Before these businesses appeared, some Houston attorneys would drive workers down themselves.
But in 2004, U.S. Consulates in Mexico stopped allowing attorneys inside with applicants.
"You just became a glorified taxi driver because you couldn't enter the building, so we decided, 'Forget that,' " said Adan Vega, an attorney in Houston. "Now, we'll just prepare them the best we can and show them what they need to do and screen them to make sure they'll qualify."
A few attorneys, however, continue to make the trip for an added fee that can run more than $1,000. Often, they contract Mexico Assistance Services or Consular Trip Services to take care of what used to be a tedious errand for them.
Though the attorneys can't go in to their client's interview, they can consult with the consulate should questions arise.
At the very least, having the attorneys with them offers a level of comfort to clients who depend on the visa to work in the country, said Gordon Quan, a partner at Quan, Burdette & Perez in Houston.
"I think you're always scared that you're going to get stuck in Mexico if you don't know where to go," Quan said. "We have sophisticated engineers and professionals who are scared to go there alone, too."
Overly popular
So far, both Consular Trip Services and Mexico Assistance Services have relied on word of mouth and their Web sites as their main marketing tools.
Both are owned and run by Brownsville college students, who are weary of the companies' popularity.
Manuel Ramirez, 26, the chief operating officer of Consular Trip Services, is often late or misses class if there are delays in Mexico or he's busy updating the company's Web site.
"We never imagined it would grow this big," Ramirez said.
Mexico City Bombing
Feb. 15, mid-afternoon an explosive device detonated in a vacant lot near the Mexico City Police (SSP-DF) headquarters (at the corner of Avenida de Chapultepec and Calle Monterrey). Details have filled newspapers for days (as they should).
A New York Times article has these two important paragraphs:
A bomb that exploded Friday near the Mexico City police headquarters was carried by an unidentified man wearing two layers of clothing, the police said Saturday. They said that the man died in the blast and that no evidence had yet been found linking him to a guerrilla group or a drug cartel.
Late Friday, the Federal attorney general 3/5minute 4/5s office issued a statement saying the bombing ''cannot be attributed to armed or subversive groups'' because the device bore none of the earmarks of those that subversive groups have planted on pipelines and in a Mexico City skyscraper in the past year.
A New York Times article has these two important paragraphs:
A bomb that exploded Friday near the Mexico City police headquarters was carried by an unidentified man wearing two layers of clothing, the police said Saturday. They said that the man died in the blast and that no evidence had yet been found linking him to a guerrilla group or a drug cartel.
Late Friday, the Federal attorney general 3/5minute 4/5s office issued a statement saying the bombing ''cannot be attributed to armed or subversive groups'' because the device bore none of the earmarks of those that subversive groups have planted on pipelines and in a Mexico City skyscraper in the past year.
Security Clearances
Bob Brewin recently wrote a length article concerning the security clearance process. "[Ben Romero, chairman of the Intelligence Committee of the Information Technology Association of America] told the [House Readiness Subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee] that the average processing time for Secret clearances averaged 200 days in 2007, and the average time for processing Top Secret clearances was 300 days last year."
Jack Edwards, the Government Accountability Office's acting director of Defense capabilities and management, said that "continuing delays in determining clearance eligibility can result in increased costs and risk to national security."
Kathy Dillaman, associate director of OPM's Federal Investigative Services division, talked to the panel about automated information tools which could enable OPM to process clearances in an end-to-end paperless system this year.
Check out the article for more details.
Jack Edwards, the Government Accountability Office's acting director of Defense capabilities and management, said that "continuing delays in determining clearance eligibility can result in increased costs and risk to national security."
Kathy Dillaman, associate director of OPM's Federal Investigative Services division, talked to the panel about automated information tools which could enable OPM to process clearances in an end-to-end paperless system this year.
Check out the article for more details.
US Drops Ban on HIV - Positive Diplomats
A recent article by the Associated Press claims the State Department is changing current rules that automatically disqualify HIV-positive people from becoming U.S. diplomats. Many people are disqualified for all kinds of medical reasons since diplomats are supposed to be able to go anywhere, anytime regardless of local hospital or medical services.
According to the article, "The department removed HIV from a list of medical conditions that automatically prevent foreign service candidates from meeting an employment requirement that they be able to work anywhere in the world."
In addition, "Officials denied that the policy had ever intentionally discriminated against HIV-positive people and noted that the policy had applied only to incoming diplomats, not those who had contracted the virus or other diseases while in the foreign service."
According to the article, "The department removed HIV from a list of medical conditions that automatically prevent foreign service candidates from meeting an employment requirement that they be able to work anywhere in the world."
In addition, "Officials denied that the policy had ever intentionally discriminated against HIV-positive people and noted that the policy had applied only to incoming diplomats, not those who had contracted the virus or other diseases while in the foreign service."
Monday, February 18, 2008
San Luis Potosí
Just got back from a wonderful four-day trip in a delightful town that quickly charms as the town's historic center has sufficient attractions for anyone who enjoys discovery.
I went with an incredibly alluring traveling companion, a wonderful Mexican who has an abundant awareness of Sikh and indigenous cultures. Her vast insights into Mexican history and architecture seems to have no end.
A good sleep will be had tonight to be sure.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
VP Rice?
Nicholas von Hoffman, of the Nation, had this to say about my boss:
Democrats who think it's going to be a cakewalk into the White House next November had best remember one name: Condoleezza Rice. John McCain is a formidable candidate in his own right, but if he has the political imagination to do it, he can cause the party of Jefferson and Jackson indescribable angst with Rice as his vice-presidential pick.
Besides being the greatest two-for in GOP history, Rice brings other huge pluses to the old admiral. Indeed, she may be enough to elect the venerable hero/naval aviator.
McCain's troubles with the religious wing of his party could well evaporate with the churchgoing Rice at his side. She solidifies that part of his base overnight.
With Rice on the ticket, the GOP would have somebody to get enthusiastic about. The secretary of state is immensely popular with Republicans. For a party that up to now has been clueless about how to run against either a woman or a person of color, Condoleezza Rice is pure political gold.
Woe to any Democrat who thinks taking her on in a debate is a sure thing. The woman is tough, fast on her feet and able to give better than she gets. Anyone who has seen her in action testifying in front of a hostile House or Senate committee knows that she will be able to wipe up the floor with a plodding, ordinary pol of a Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Take Rice lightly at your peril.
Democrats who think it's going to be a cakewalk into the White House next November had best remember one name: Condoleezza Rice. John McCain is a formidable candidate in his own right, but if he has the political imagination to do it, he can cause the party of Jefferson and Jackson indescribable angst with Rice as his vice-presidential pick.
Besides being the greatest two-for in GOP history, Rice brings other huge pluses to the old admiral. Indeed, she may be enough to elect the venerable hero/naval aviator.
McCain's troubles with the religious wing of his party could well evaporate with the churchgoing Rice at his side. She solidifies that part of his base overnight.
With Rice on the ticket, the GOP would have somebody to get enthusiastic about. The secretary of state is immensely popular with Republicans. For a party that up to now has been clueless about how to run against either a woman or a person of color, Condoleezza Rice is pure political gold.
Woe to any Democrat who thinks taking her on in a debate is a sure thing. The woman is tough, fast on her feet and able to give better than she gets. Anyone who has seen her in action testifying in front of a hostile House or Senate committee knows that she will be able to wipe up the floor with a plodding, ordinary pol of a Democratic vice-presidential candidate. Take Rice lightly at your peril.
Famous Birthdays
Today in 1781, Valentín Gómez Farías was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco. He fought for independence and became president on five occasions. He would die in Mexico City July 5, 1858.
Taking an oath
In the 1660's, Barbados has a thriving Jewish community with members who couldn't testify in court because they were unwilling to take an oath ona Christian Bible. On Wednesday, February 14, 1674, five years after petitioning the king to make an exception for Jews, the country allowed the Jewish community to take an oath on a copy of the first five books of the Torah, Genesis through Deuteronomy.
Clinton Speaks to Supporters of Illegal Immigrants
Many U.S. citizens would like to see U.S. policies regarding illegal immigrants re-evaluated, although they disagree as to how. El Universal, a local newspaper, described a recent speech by Hillary Clinton and claimed her message targeted the concerns of U.S. Latinos, (and indicates that Latinos are preoccupied as a whole with providing more benefits and services to illegal immigrants, although the newspaper doesn't support this conclusion with factual data).
The article directly quotes Clinton as saying a "profound re-evaluation" is necessary but paraphrases her words to say that Hillary said the recent political discussion has created an anti-immigrant climate. Does anyone know if she actually used the term "anti-immigrant climate?"
The article directly quotes Clinton as saying a "profound re-evaluation" is necessary but paraphrases her words to say that Hillary said the recent political discussion has created an anti-immigrant climate. Does anyone know if she actually used the term "anti-immigrant climate?"
Inauguration of New Consul General Provokes Protest
The visit of President Calderón and the inauguration of the new consul general in Los Angeles has provoked protest in Los Angeles by various groups of migrants and those that would like to see better treatment of illegal immigrants by the United States and better services at the region's Mexican consulate.
Energy Envoy
Here's a clip from a recent article written by AP reporter Matthew Lee.
"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday she will appoint a special envoy for energy issues to deal with the use of oil and gas for political means, particularly in Central Asia."
"It is a really important part of diplomacy, in fact, I think I would go so far as to say that some of the politics of energy is warping diplomacy in certain parts of the world," Rice told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"I do intend to appoint, and we are looking for, a special energy coordinator who could especially spend time on the Central Asian and Caspian region," she said. The envoy also would focus on increasing instability in world energy markets.
"Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Wednesday she will appoint a special envoy for energy issues to deal with the use of oil and gas for political means, particularly in Central Asia."
"It is a really important part of diplomacy, in fact, I think I would go so far as to say that some of the politics of energy is warping diplomacy in certain parts of the world," Rice told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
"I do intend to appoint, and we are looking for, a special energy coordinator who could especially spend time on the Central Asian and Caspian region," she said. The envoy also would focus on increasing instability in world energy markets.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
A Birthday Note
According to Chabad and other Jewish sects, Moses was born today 2368 years after the creation (1393 BCE) and died 1273 BCE.
Rough Greeting
Mexican protesters greeting President Calderon when he stopped by Chicago. They pleaded for him to fight for greater benefits for illegal immigrants and better service at the Mexican Consulates. They also reject privatization of Pemex (an oil enterprise owned by Mexico State). Many protesters indicated their support for Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (the leftist candidate who barely lost the presidential election in 2006).
An Illegal Passport?
PRD Public Affairs Secretary Gerardo Fernandez Norona, claimed that the mother of the new Secretary of Government Juan Camilo Mourino may not have been born in Mexico and may have falsified her birth certificate. PRD National President Leonel Cota Montano wants Mexico's president to remove Mourino from his position.
Vacation Plans
Legislators from the Mexican Chamber of Deputies officially gave themselves 11 days of vacation during march's Semana Santa, or Holy Week.
State Department Opens New Exhibit, Disappoints Conspiracy Theorists
Even when I was in China, locals about me about secret societies, the Freemasons, and the Iluminati. Associated Press reporter Matthew Lee recently wrote about the symbols of the official seal of the United States including the eye, the pyramid, the Latin, the bald eagle clutching an olive branch and arrows, and the number 13.
He listed some of notable theories, including:
"_That the Seal proves the domination of the United States by a powerful, quasi-religious cult. The Ancient Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is a perennial favorite of conspiracy theorists as some Founding Fathers were Masons and the Seal uses several Masonic symbols.
_That the Seal draws on Satanism or polytheistic ritual to promote a universal new world order under which Earth would be ruled by a single omnipotent government.
_That repeated references to 13 - the number of steps in the unfinished pyramid, stars in the constellation over the eagle's head, arrows in the eagle's claw, stripes on the eagle's shield, letters in the phrase 'Annuit Coeptis' - demonstrate the power of 13 American families.
_That there are two seals: one in which the eagle's head faces the arrows for times of war and another in which the eagle's head faces the olive branch for times of peace."
The secretary of state is the seals custodian. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th, inaugurated a new exhibition at the State Department to commemorate its 225th birthday.
The revealed claims include:
"_That known Masons like the first U.S. president, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin had no role in designing the final seal, which uses elements of traditional heraldry, such as the unfinished pyramid to symbolize a work in progress, arrows for war and an olive branch for peace. Masons share some of those symbols, but they have never been exclusively the domain of the order.
_That the phrase 'Novus Ordo Seculorum' below the Roman numerals for 1776 at the base of the pyramid translates as 'A New Order of the Ages' that began with independence and does not imply the United States will be the lynchpin of a sinister 'New World Order.'
_That the words 'Annuit Coeptis' ('Providence favors') and the eye of providence that hovers over the pyramid refer to unexpected interventions of fate that assisted the colonists in creating a new country.
_That the references to 13 refer to the number of colonies that formed the original United States."
He listed some of notable theories, including:
"_That the Seal proves the domination of the United States by a powerful, quasi-religious cult. The Ancient Scottish Rite of Freemasonry is a perennial favorite of conspiracy theorists as some Founding Fathers were Masons and the Seal uses several Masonic symbols.
_That the Seal draws on Satanism or polytheistic ritual to promote a universal new world order under which Earth would be ruled by a single omnipotent government.
_That repeated references to 13 - the number of steps in the unfinished pyramid, stars in the constellation over the eagle's head, arrows in the eagle's claw, stripes on the eagle's shield, letters in the phrase 'Annuit Coeptis' - demonstrate the power of 13 American families.
_That there are two seals: one in which the eagle's head faces the arrows for times of war and another in which the eagle's head faces the olive branch for times of peace."
The secretary of state is the seals custodian. Condoleezza Rice, the 66th, inaugurated a new exhibition at the State Department to commemorate its 225th birthday.
The revealed claims include:
"_That known Masons like the first U.S. president, George Washington, and Benjamin Franklin had no role in designing the final seal, which uses elements of traditional heraldry, such as the unfinished pyramid to symbolize a work in progress, arrows for war and an olive branch for peace. Masons share some of those symbols, but they have never been exclusively the domain of the order.
_That the phrase 'Novus Ordo Seculorum' below the Roman numerals for 1776 at the base of the pyramid translates as 'A New Order of the Ages' that began with independence and does not imply the United States will be the lynchpin of a sinister 'New World Order.'
_That the words 'Annuit Coeptis' ('Providence favors') and the eye of providence that hovers over the pyramid refer to unexpected interventions of fate that assisted the colonists in creating a new country.
_That the references to 13 refer to the number of colonies that formed the original United States."
Entry-level government employees not as young as you might think
From the Washington Post's Federal Diary:
People who take entry-level jobs are supposed to be young, inexperienced and just out of college.
But not in the government. The average age of new federal hires is 33.
That finding is in a report released by the Merit Systems Protection Board, which conducts studies of the civil service for the White House and Congress. The report, "Attracting the Next Generation," was prompted by concerns that Uncle Sam may not be able to compete for talent as baby boomers retire from government.
A spate of studies and polls have suggested that younger Americans are wary of working for the government and are turned off by its cumbersome hiring procedures, which can include filling out numerous employment forms and undergoing lengthy background investigations. Younger Americans often see nonprofit organizations and state and local governments as places where they can "make a difference," according to the studies.
The board's research found that the typical entry-level hire is surprisingly older than generally assumed, is highly motivated to land a federal job, and is interested in the same things that prior generations have valued: job stability, annual pay raises, vacation time and health insurance.
"The government is actually better at attracting new hires than some might think," the report concludes.
National workforce projections show that skilled employees, especially in the sciences and engineering, will be in high demand and short supply in coming years, and the Bush administration has urged agencies to prepare for a "war for talent," as it is called, with corporations, think tanks and other employers.
The merit board's findings should be encouraging to agencies, especially those that are ramping up recruitment efforts to fill the hundreds of thousands of jobs that will open in the next few years because of baby boomers' retirements.
Agencies can step up to the challenge, the report suggests, if they tout their job benefits while marketing themselves to the next generation of workers, if they make their hiring procedures as speedy as possible, and if they "avoid stereotyping applicants based on generational assumptions."
Part of the board's report is based on survey responses from 1,115 federal employees who were hired into full-time professional and administrative occupations in entry-level jobs, at General Schedule grades 5, 7 and 9. The survey was conducted from February to May 2006. Some of the findings were released by the board last year in agency newsletters.
In the survey, the board asked new hires, who earn from $26,000 to $52,000 in base pay, why they decided to work for the government.
The most important reason was job security. It was the top answer of 28 percent of the respondents, regardless of age.
That suggests that "the old employment contract is not yet dead," the report said, and runs counter to some research that shows that the young generation is no longer motivated by job security and the prospect of promotions up an organizational hierarchy.
Contrary to popular perceptions, many of the new employees had full-time work experience before joining the government. In the survey, 32 percent reported working for one to five years before accepting a federal job, and a surprising proportion -- 20 percent -- said they had more than 20 years of work experience beforehand.
That report said many new federal hires are starting a second career with the government, hoping to supplement their private-sector retirement with federal benefits.
The new federal employees signaled strong interest in the benefits that come with a government job. The majority said yearly salary increases, vacation time, health insurance, 401(k)-type retirement savings plans and fixed pensions were important when considering job offers.
When comparing responses of those under 30 to those of workers older than 30, the board found that there was little difference between the two groups and that some traditional benefits, such as annual pay raises and health insurance, were more important to the younger new hires.
The merit board's report also noted that if federal employees do not resign in their first year or two of employment, they usually stick with the government.
"So once federal employees get in the door -- regardless of generation -- the government may likely retain them through their career," the report said.
People who take entry-level jobs are supposed to be young, inexperienced and just out of college.
But not in the government. The average age of new federal hires is 33.
That finding is in a report released by the Merit Systems Protection Board, which conducts studies of the civil service for the White House and Congress. The report, "Attracting the Next Generation," was prompted by concerns that Uncle Sam may not be able to compete for talent as baby boomers retire from government.
A spate of studies and polls have suggested that younger Americans are wary of working for the government and are turned off by its cumbersome hiring procedures, which can include filling out numerous employment forms and undergoing lengthy background investigations. Younger Americans often see nonprofit organizations and state and local governments as places where they can "make a difference," according to the studies.
The board's research found that the typical entry-level hire is surprisingly older than generally assumed, is highly motivated to land a federal job, and is interested in the same things that prior generations have valued: job stability, annual pay raises, vacation time and health insurance.
"The government is actually better at attracting new hires than some might think," the report concludes.
National workforce projections show that skilled employees, especially in the sciences and engineering, will be in high demand and short supply in coming years, and the Bush administration has urged agencies to prepare for a "war for talent," as it is called, with corporations, think tanks and other employers.
The merit board's findings should be encouraging to agencies, especially those that are ramping up recruitment efforts to fill the hundreds of thousands of jobs that will open in the next few years because of baby boomers' retirements.
Agencies can step up to the challenge, the report suggests, if they tout their job benefits while marketing themselves to the next generation of workers, if they make their hiring procedures as speedy as possible, and if they "avoid stereotyping applicants based on generational assumptions."
Part of the board's report is based on survey responses from 1,115 federal employees who were hired into full-time professional and administrative occupations in entry-level jobs, at General Schedule grades 5, 7 and 9. The survey was conducted from February to May 2006. Some of the findings were released by the board last year in agency newsletters.
In the survey, the board asked new hires, who earn from $26,000 to $52,000 in base pay, why they decided to work for the government.
The most important reason was job security. It was the top answer of 28 percent of the respondents, regardless of age.
That suggests that "the old employment contract is not yet dead," the report said, and runs counter to some research that shows that the young generation is no longer motivated by job security and the prospect of promotions up an organizational hierarchy.
Contrary to popular perceptions, many of the new employees had full-time work experience before joining the government. In the survey, 32 percent reported working for one to five years before accepting a federal job, and a surprising proportion -- 20 percent -- said they had more than 20 years of work experience beforehand.
That report said many new federal hires are starting a second career with the government, hoping to supplement their private-sector retirement with federal benefits.
The new federal employees signaled strong interest in the benefits that come with a government job. The majority said yearly salary increases, vacation time, health insurance, 401(k)-type retirement savings plans and fixed pensions were important when considering job offers.
When comparing responses of those under 30 to those of workers older than 30, the board found that there was little difference between the two groups and that some traditional benefits, such as annual pay raises and health insurance, were more important to the younger new hires.
The merit board's report also noted that if federal employees do not resign in their first year or two of employment, they usually stick with the government.
"So once federal employees get in the door -- regardless of generation -- the government may likely retain them through their career," the report said.
Mexican Tourists
Although Mexicans have a generally poor image in the United States in terms of visa violations, according to some estimates, more than 13 million Mexicans living in Mexico have valid visas and could travel to the United States at any time.
Possibilities
Admidst the coverage of the polemics of Mexico's President Felipe Calderón's tour of the United States and the analysis of how, when, and whether he uses the terms migrants, legal, or illegal, the Christian Science Monitor gave attention to the following quote made by the president while speaking at Harvard University, where he received his master's degree.
"It's possible to transform mexico from a nation that loses its best people to migration into a nation capable of generating opportunity for mexicans on their own soil."
"It's possible to transform mexico from a nation that loses its best people to migration into a nation capable of generating opportunity for mexicans on their own soil."
Democrats Abroad
As far as I can tell, there is no such thing as Republicans Abroad. However, 22 of the DNC delegates are part of a group called Democrats Abroad — essentially U.S. citizens who are regsitered Democrats and live in foreign countries. Fourteen delegates are selected by the actual vote and 8 are assigned by the DNC. This odd assigning of delegates has become more controversial now that everyone is paying attention to delegates thanks to the tight race between Clinton and Obama.
I was neither a potential member for Republicans abroad nor Democrats abroad (nor Libertarians abroad or Greens abroad, for that matter) but registered as a mail-in voter. Unfortunately, my ballot got to me on the Wednesday before the election. I mailed the form on Thursday and have no idea whether the appropriate California address received my vote on time.
A number of potential voters showed up to the doors of the Embassy hoping to vote. Surprisingly, many U.S. citizens still (1) don't realize they can't vote at an embassy or consulate, which is not completely shocking, and (2) don't realize they have to register prior to election day, which, considering this has been the case for my entire lifetime for almost every state, territory, etc., is shocking.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Obama won the Democrats Abroad contest.
I was neither a potential member for Republicans abroad nor Democrats abroad (nor Libertarians abroad or Greens abroad, for that matter) but registered as a mail-in voter. Unfortunately, my ballot got to me on the Wednesday before the election. I mailed the form on Thursday and have no idea whether the appropriate California address received my vote on time.
A number of potential voters showed up to the doors of the Embassy hoping to vote. Surprisingly, many U.S. citizens still (1) don't realize they can't vote at an embassy or consulate, which is not completely shocking, and (2) don't realize they have to register prior to election day, which, considering this has been the case for my entire lifetime for almost every state, territory, etc., is shocking.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Obama won the Democrats Abroad contest.
Picking a president
You might want to know how the presidential candidates could affect the Foreign Service, at least from a management perspective.
Donald F. Kettl, a University of Pennsylvania professor, said none of the candidates have sent clear signals about what he or she would be like as the boss "beyond the broad symbols of [his or her] campaign and the tone of [his or her] rhetoric." Still, the professor has created a Web site, The Next Government which researches federal management positions in the 2008 campaign.
The National Federation of Federal Employees has endorsed Clinton. The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association traditionally does not make a presidential endorsement but gave Clinton, McCain and Obama a score of 100 for their 2005 and 2006 voting record, which means they voted the way the association preferred 100 percent of the time.
If you know of any other federal employment association endorsement or election research tool designed for federal employees, please add a comment.
Foreign Service Staffing
From the Houston Chronicle:
President's Bid to Rebuild Diplomatic Corps is On Target But Off Schedule
Trained and deployed well, diplomats sometimes can do more than an army. One of diplomacy's chief aims, after all, is working things out without killing anyone.
So President George W. Bush's budget proposal Monday — which would fund 1,076 new diplomat jobs — is a huge advance for U.S. security. Both Bush and Congress, which has turned down far smaller proposals, need to fight hard to get this request passed.
Since fiscal 2005, as our military commitment has surged, the number of foreign service workers has remained essentially flat. It's a deficit as dangerous to American interests as neglecting our military.
Bush's budget request calls for an $8.2 billion increase for the State Department in budget year 2009. The plan would boost embassy construction spending by 41 percent and add almost 20 percent more for security worldwide.
Most significantly, though, it would add 1,076 jobs to the State Department, including spots for diplomats, security experts and replacement employees to allow 450 State Department workers to undergo intensive language training.
It's a stunning increase from Bush's meek request last year for only 256 diplomat jobs — a request that Congress nevertheless shot down.
To even make this year's request, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had to return to White House budgeters three times to plead her case. Her argument: the State Department needs to become an agent of "transformational diplomacy," focusing on partnering with, rather than coercing, countries to respond democratically to the needs of their own people.
Plenty of states, of course, haven't the slightest interest in partnering with the United States in any context. But many, especially since the launch of an ill-planned war in Iraq, have radicalized directly because of the perceived brutality of U.S. foreign policy.
Unfortunately, we have few diplomats fluent enough in Arabic to debate the point on Al-Jazeera, the Arabic-language international news channel based in Qatar.
For more than four years, this country has fought wars on two fronts, lost thousands of servicemen and women and cost hundreds of thousands of foreign lives. Yet the United States has not bothered to fully staff its core international diplomatic force.
Numerous American embassies struggle along at 70 percent staffing. Last year, 10 percent of diplomatic job openings for 2008 were cut.
How Congress justifies neglecting this arm of national security forces is a mystery. But a recent barrage of critiques, including two speeches by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, may have spurred Bush to finally fight for proper diplomatic funding.
The sum Bush is asking for diplomats would be minor in the military's budget. Yet the additional funds would muster serious smart power: civilian teams to rebuild post-conflict societies; spokesmen to intelligently voice U.S. goals abroad; negotiators to press solutions in the most stubborn conflicts.
Adding new jobs would strengthen the diplomatic corps by a significant percentage. But that's the minimum reinforcement owed to the thousands of soldiers the United States sends around the world to risk their lives.
President's Bid to Rebuild Diplomatic Corps is On Target But Off Schedule
Trained and deployed well, diplomats sometimes can do more than an army. One of diplomacy's chief aims, after all, is working things out without killing anyone.
So President George W. Bush's budget proposal Monday — which would fund 1,076 new diplomat jobs — is a huge advance for U.S. security. Both Bush and Congress, which has turned down far smaller proposals, need to fight hard to get this request passed.
Since fiscal 2005, as our military commitment has surged, the number of foreign service workers has remained essentially flat. It's a deficit as dangerous to American interests as neglecting our military.
Bush's budget request calls for an $8.2 billion increase for the State Department in budget year 2009. The plan would boost embassy construction spending by 41 percent and add almost 20 percent more for security worldwide.
Most significantly, though, it would add 1,076 jobs to the State Department, including spots for diplomats, security experts and replacement employees to allow 450 State Department workers to undergo intensive language training.
It's a stunning increase from Bush's meek request last year for only 256 diplomat jobs — a request that Congress nevertheless shot down.
To even make this year's request, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had to return to White House budgeters three times to plead her case. Her argument: the State Department needs to become an agent of "transformational diplomacy," focusing on partnering with, rather than coercing, countries to respond democratically to the needs of their own people.
Plenty of states, of course, haven't the slightest interest in partnering with the United States in any context. But many, especially since the launch of an ill-planned war in Iraq, have radicalized directly because of the perceived brutality of U.S. foreign policy.
Unfortunately, we have few diplomats fluent enough in Arabic to debate the point on Al-Jazeera, the Arabic-language international news channel based in Qatar.
For more than four years, this country has fought wars on two fronts, lost thousands of servicemen and women and cost hundreds of thousands of foreign lives. Yet the United States has not bothered to fully staff its core international diplomatic force.
Numerous American embassies struggle along at 70 percent staffing. Last year, 10 percent of diplomatic job openings for 2008 were cut.
How Congress justifies neglecting this arm of national security forces is a mystery. But a recent barrage of critiques, including two speeches by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, may have spurred Bush to finally fight for proper diplomatic funding.
The sum Bush is asking for diplomats would be minor in the military's budget. Yet the additional funds would muster serious smart power: civilian teams to rebuild post-conflict societies; spokesmen to intelligently voice U.S. goals abroad; negotiators to press solutions in the most stubborn conflicts.
Adding new jobs would strengthen the diplomatic corps by a significant percentage. But that's the minimum reinforcement owed to the thousands of soldiers the United States sends around the world to risk their lives.
Tough Opinions on Iraq
The Miranda Memo's tough opinions buzzing has inspired lots of conversations.
Tortilla Protest
Between 100 and 200 protesters have arrived and are now facing the Embassy. I can't quite make out their cause because the signs are blocked by the trees. The topic has something to do with gas, oil, and corn.
An employees thinks the protest is about the cost of tortillas, which has been a contentious issue. The gathering is passionately loud and energetic.
An employees thinks the protest is about the cost of tortillas, which has been a contentious issue. The gathering is passionately loud and energetic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)