baez.woz.org
March 11, 2003
Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20520
Dear Mr. Secretary,
Having recently read the courageous letter of resignation by U.S. diplomat
John Brady Kiesling, I am compelled to write to you.
After 20 years in the diplomatic service, a job he had loved, it must have been
very difficult for Mr. Kiesling to find himself absolutely unable to support the
current policies of our President. In his letter of resignation, he eloquently
wonders if our model of government is as it appears: "...the Russia of the late
Romanovs...a selfish, superstitious empire thrashing toward self-destruction in
the name of a doomed status quo."
Mr. Secretary, millions of Americans, as well as countless others
internationally, have admired your statesmanship, humanitarianism, clear
thinking, and honest approach to issues over the years. It is therefore difficult
to reconcile this admirable history with your willingness to go along with the
"world dominance at any cost" policies of President Bush and his
war-determined colleagues.
I very respectfully urge you, Mr. Secretary, to resign from your position as
Secretary of State to this monstrous Administration. Your rightful place today,
and in history, could and should be as a gifted, respected diplomat and a man
of integrity, not as a member of a clique of elite, shortsighted warmongers
scorned by sane peoples the world over.
Sincerely yours,
Joan Baez |
