Through the pushing of the rising for independence the wheel rolls of human history. ~ Vellupillai Pirapakaran

Diplomat:  A person who can tell you to go to hell in such a way that you actually look forward to the trip. ~Caskie Stinett, Out of the Red, 1960

So after an effort to keep the “democratic systems” working in Haiti, yesterday’s presidential and legislative elections were asked to be cancelled. All last week I kept thinking, “Why are they going through with this? The people are not in an environment conducive to participating in elections” (I know, I have pretty sophisticated thoughts ). Therefore, I can’t say that I’m completely surprised by yesterday’s outcome…just completely disappointed.

Because my husband is a diplomat, our phone became a hotline yesterday – especially after the news started spreading that the majority of the candidates were going to call for new elections. And of course as part of his position, there are things he could and could not say. Sometimes I watch him (and others) in awe because I’m so impressed with how they are able to conceal their own thoughts and opinions so frequently in order to represent their countries’ best interests.

On the other hand, I think we all do a little bit of this in other professions, as well. For instance, I remember in my last job there were times I had to promote a project with which I totally disagreed. It irritated me, but I did what I had to do. At the same time, I was representing a nonprofit organization and not an entire government. At the end of the day, I could always pull those who I trusted aside and tell them how I really felt without risking national security. So as far as I’m concerned, diplomats have it much harder.

As for Haiti’s elections, we will await the announcement of the Provisional Electoral Council as to whether or not there will be a new date for the elections. We know that the Haitian people are eager to participate in an electoral process that is fair and just.

See, I’m nothing if not a quick study