It is not often a person or a country can, with a single decision, make a difference in life's environs. The U.S. government recently had such a rare opportunity. Unfortunately, the current U.S. administration, lead by President George Bush, failed in cementing a better relationship with this central Baltic nation.
Catherine Todd Bailey may be a nice person in her upper social strata of Kentucky and a competent mother to her four children. However, her appointment as U.S. ambassador to Latvia confirms the worst fears of cynics and erstwhile worldwide American opponents that ambassadorships are for sale.
Bailey is a fund raiser extraordinare for her Republican causes and candidates. The U.S. Embassy in Riga reports "Bailey was a Republican National Committee woman from Kentucky. She also served as the Co-chairman on the Republican Regents." They also say that she "actively participated in the McConnell campaign for United States Senate, the Republican National Senatorial Committee and the Republican Governor's Association." While all this does show a commitment to being part of a participatory democracy, it does not show her knowledge, pathos or support for Latvia, the region or the diverse populations of the Baltic states.
She should not be held responsible or criticized for how her husband earned his tawdry immense wealth, and they have every right to donate over 145,000 lats to Republicans. Neither should she be applauded for buying her way to live in the U.S. Embassy in Latvia!
The government of Latvia and its citizens should have no expectations! If any growth or joint ventures do occur during her stewardship, it would be a most welcome surprise. According to my friends in Pewee Valley Kentucky, it is certain the international embassy social affairs will benefit.
Never having met Bailey, I am not a personal critic of hers. I am just disappointed a career diplomat or a knowledgeable American businessman with the understanding of the uniqueness of the Baltic area in general and the specific needs of Latvia was not appointed to this position of importance.
It would be presumptuous of me to apologize to Latvia or any of its diverse peoples for this appointment. I cannot know their particular wants, fears or desires. I am saddened, however, that my government thought so little of Latvia, that instead of a professional, it sent a member of "Bush's Pioneers" and not someone committed to Latvia's better aspirations.
James Martin
Vancouver, Washington
