Dr. Ralph Bunche: A Life of Successful Diplomacy by Jim Patterson

Dr. Ralph Bunche

Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche contributed an essay, “Nana Lit the Beacon,” for Edward R. Murrow’s “This I Believe” (Simon and Schuster, 1954). The book is a collection of essays by prominent Americans on their fundamental beliefs about our nation and the world.  In Bunche’s nearly 600-word essay, he wrote of being raised by his grandmother and the importance of self-empowerment.

Murrow’s brief biography on Bunche, whom he called an “educator, humanitarian,” included Bunche's appointment as principal director, Department of Trusteeship and Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories of the United Nations. Born in Detroit, in 1904, Bunche was educated at the University of California and Harvard, where he majored in government and international relations.

Bunche received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for his mediation work in Israel. He was the first African American to receive the honor.

“In my youth, I had what many would consider a poor and hard life. But as I recall it, I was never unhappy; rather I enjoyed my youth immensely. For I had been taught how to appreciate and get the most out of very little, and that happiness in any circumstances is primarily a matter of control over one’s state of mind,” Bunche wrote.

Bunche wrote he never surrendered his “dignity and self-respect” as a youth in the mean streets of Detroit or in segregated Washington. “I have faith in people, in, collectively, their essential goodness and good sense; granted that there will be individual mavericks on every human range," he wrote.

Bunche believed in the work of the United Nations in an era when the world and Washington looked to it for approaches to “harmony and peace,” as he put it.

Nearly 65 years have not diminished the strength of the personal beliefs of Dr. Ralph Bunche expressed in Murrow’s book. He retired as Under Secretary General of the United Nations in October 1971 and died two months later at age 67.

President Richard Nixon, in a statement, called Dr. Bunche “one of the greatest architects of peace in our time” for his work in the Congo and the Middle East. “America is deeply proud of this distinguished son and profoundly saddened by his death. But we are also strengthened by the inexhaustible measure of dedication and creative action that spans his splendid career.”

The “creative action,” President Nixon mentioned may have been from lessons Bunche learned from his grandmother on how to “get the most out of very little” by control over his state of mind, as he wrote in seventeen years earlier for Murrow’s book in “Nana Lit the Beacon.”  

Jim Patterson note: Bunche's 1954 essay appears in full below. 

"Nana Lit the Beacons" by Dr. Ralph J. Bunche from This I Believe edited by Edward R, Murrow (Simon and Schuster, 1954) 

"I feel, more than a little self-conscious about trying to elucidate my personal, private creed. For, after all, when a person strips down all the way to his innermost beliefs-an in public-he stands awfully exposed. Nevertheless, it strikes me as a very useful experience to sit down with oneself and seriously think through one’s beliefs and convictions.

"The trail of my beliefs and their development leads back to my childhood. I was reared in a deeply religious family. It was a sort of matriarchal clan, ruled over by my maternal grandmother, “Nana”-a name, incidentally, which I had given her as a tot in trying clumsily to say “Grandma.” Nana, a strong and devout personality, beloved and respected by all who knew her, guided the family by simple but firm beliefs.

"Foremost, she believed in God. In worldly matters, she believed that every person, without regard to race or religion, has a virtually sacred right to dignity and respect; that all men are brothers and are entitled to be treated as equals and to enjoy equality of opportunity; that principle, integrity, and self-respect are never to be worn as loose garments. For each of us in that family there are belief, almost automatically, came to be part of our very being. For me, this was particularly so, since Nana became both mother and father to me when in my early youth I lost both parents.

"In my youth, I had what many would consider a poor and hard life. But as I recall it, I was never unhappy; rather I enjoyed my youth immensely. For I had been taught how to appreciate and get the most out of very little, and that happiness in any circumstances is primarily a matter of control over one’s state of mind.

"I find that most everything in which I now believe stems from the simple lessons I learned at the knee of Nana. The beliefs I acquired, quite unconsciously and unthinkingly, in those early years, the lessons on how to approach life and its many problems, have been my unfailing guideposts.

"Like Nana, I have an implicit belief in a Supreme Being and a Supreme Will beyond the ken of mortal men.

"I hold that it is right to believe in one’s self, but it is wrong ever to take one’s self too seriously. For a keen sense of personal values and that humility which accompanies a balanced perspective are indispensable to congenial adjustment to life in society. 

"I believe that no man can be happy within himself if he ever surrenders his dignity and self-respect. I have faith in people, in, collectively, their essential goodness and good sense; granted that there will be individual mavericks on every human range.

"I believe that men can learn to live together in harmony and peace, in the international community as in domestic communities, and I am unfalteringly devoted, therefore, to the historic effort of the United Nations toward this end.

"I believe, also, in looking always on the brighter side of things; in the ability of right somehow ultimately to prevail; in never pressing time or fate; in taking life philosophically and in stride—both the good and the bad—and I have had an ample measure of both. 

"These are some, at least, of my beliefs. They are, for me, imperatives beacons without which life would be utterly lacking in direction or meaning."

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Jim Patterson note: I share the beliefs Dr. Bunche had about his career and the institutions he served during and after WWII. I share, also, his experience as a poor youth solidly grounded in family and faith. We share a faith, through time, in our government and its institutions, especially regarding peace, dignity and respect between nations.

Jim Patterson JEPDiplomat@gmail.com

Jim Patterson is: 

Life Member American Foreign Service Association

Member Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations

Associate Member Korean War veterans Association

Life Member Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America

Member Sons of The American Legion

Member US Philippines Society

Friend of the Israeli Defense Forces

Member California State Society

Honorary Member Paralyzed Veterans of America

Townsend Harris Remembered by Diplomat Jim Patterson

“I shall be the first recognized agent from a civilized power to reside in Japan. This forms an epoch in my life and may be the beginning of a new order of things in Japan. I hope I may so conduct myself that I may have honorable memories in the histories which will be written on Japan and its future destiny.” Townsend Harris, Journal, August 19, 1856.

                                                                 Townsend Harris

Writing from U.S. Embassy Tokyo in 1959, Ambassador Douglas MacArthur II (b. 1909- d.1997) wrote in his preface for the revised edition of “The Complete Journal of Townsend Harris: First American Consul and Minister to Japan,” that the history of international relations was inseparable from the history of individuals. The revised edition was published shortly after the centenary of official U.S.-Japan relations and the centenary of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, negotiated by Harris, between the two countries in 1858.   

In 1958 Hollywood also got in on the centenary with release of the John Wayne (b.1907-d.1979)  film “The Barbarian and the Geisha,” a box office underachiever that nonetheless for this student of cinema diplomacy remains a largely fascinating, if flawed, account of Harris’s grueling negotiations with Japan’s Imperial government.

                                                   John Wayne as Townsend Harris

                                                   "The Barbarian and the Geisha" 1958

Though Harris was a dignified, cultured and educated man, Japan considered Americans heathens at the time of his arrival. Thus, the title of the film. Wayne does his best as the cultured and diplomatic Harris.

Harris (b.1804- d.1878), a New York educator, politician and importer of Asian goods, accepted an offer by U.S. President Franklin Pierce to become the first Consul General to Japan.  He opened the first U.S. Consulate at the Gyokusen-ji Temple in Shimoda in 1856.

With his precise and elegant writing, lifelong devotion to education, he founded the City College of New York, Harris was a spiritual “mentor” to me and I endeavored to incorporate his professional style into my own diplomatic journal and State Department reports. I refer to the Harris journal often.  

Harris left Japan in 1861 after negotiating, over a grueling two-year period, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, which opened trade between the U.S. and Japan. The treaty is popularly known as The Harris Treaty of 1858.

The treaty, Harris stressed to the Japanese, would be of mutual interest for commerce, education and culture. He further convinced Japan they had an obligation to teach the U.S. about Japan and learn from U.S. diplomats, business people and educators.

Several journal entries illustrate what Harris saw as needing change in Japan. His journal entry of January 21, 1857, mentioned he saw Japanese girls as young as 14, nude and in baths with a nude Japanese “fellow of some twenty years of age.” Harris objected to the Vice-Governor that “promiscuous bathing was ... injurious to the chastity of ... females.” He learned the practice was common and he wanted change to protect the “chastity” of young girls.

In several journal entries, we learn what type of diplomat and American Harris was. In December 1857, Harris wrote of the Japanese barbarity of slow, tortuous, crucifixion for crimes of bringing embarrassment to the country.  In another 1857 entry, when offered Saki Harris “pled ill health and only drank tea.” This is an excuse I wish I had used in many foreign countries.  

In another 1857 entry, Harris lost his temper with the Japanese. “The lubricity of these people passes belief,” he wrote. “I was asked a hundred different questions about American females … but I will not soil my paper with the greater part of them, but I clearly perceive that there are particulars that enter into Japanese marriage contracts that are disgusting beyond belief.” This was another area where Harris felt America could help change Japanese culture.

Being the first American Consul and Minister to Japan, Harris was in a unique position to document his discussions, official and unofficial, with Japanese counterparts. Nothing like the official diplomatic journal of Townsend Harris had been published about Japan and it is easy to see why Hollywood sensationalized some of his entries, albeit by 1958 standards in the John Wayne film.

In the film, Wayne represented the conservative American morals expressed by Harris in his journal. For example, in the film, Wayne as Harris, pleads for Japan to end its custom of killing baby girls during crop failures. In a comic scene, a Japanese official asks Wayne if American wives walk behind their husbands. Wayne suggests, to the shock of his inquisitor, some husbands walk behind their wives.

In sum, Townsend Harris worked largely alone in Japan. In a time and male dominant culture when he could have engaged in anything, Harris did the right and professional thing. He kept his mind on his diplomatic objectives and helped Japan realize the need to enter the global economy and change its customs. He also “pled ill health” and abstained when offered Saki and sexual indulgences.

Harris rests in the historic 500-acre Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. In 1986, the government of Japan honored his resting place with the gift of trees and Japanese sculpture for being a Friend of Japan. The Harris resting place is a monument to a great and legendary American diplomat. A museum dedicated to Harris also exists at the site of the first U.S. Consulate in Japan. For more information see:  https://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/spot/shritemp/gyokusenji.html  

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Jim Patterson is an economist, life member of the American Foreign Service Association and life member of the Auburn University Alumni Association. JEPDiplomat@gmail.com



Jim Patterson JEPDiplomat@gmail.com
Life Member American Foreign Service Association
Member Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations
Associate Member Korean War veterans Association
Life Member Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
Member Sons of The American Legion
Member US Philippines Society
Friend of the Israeli Defense Forces
Member California State Society
Honorary Member Paralyzed Veterans of America

Jim Patterson on President Ronald Reagan's Leadership on Labor

The Honorable Alexander Acosta

US Department of Labor

200 Constitution Ave NW

Washington DC 20210

Dear Mr. Secretary,

Congratulations on your decision to induct former President Ronald Reagan into the Labor Hall of Fame! This is a great decision to honor President Reagan for his many contributions to labor. Please allow me to attend the official induction ceremony at the US Department of Labor.

As you know, Reagan was a dues-paying union member who led the Screen Actors Guild during turbulent times. His successful negotiation experience with SAG led to his successful diplomatic negotiations which successfully brought down the Berlin Wall, unified Germany, expanded freedom and democracy around the world and freed millions from the slavery of Communism.

In the U.S., President Reagan’s successful economic policies grew the economy, brought the nation out of a serious economic recession, created employment opportunities, and brought an historic period of peacetime economic prosperity to Americans. President Ronald Reagan always had American workers in mind as he sought solutions to the nation’s economic problems.

Please see my enclosed New York Post letter applauding your decision to honor former President Ronald Reagan. I would be most honored to attend the official ceremony at the U.S. Department of Labor. Thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely,

James E. Patterson

Life Member American Foreign Service Association

Member California Republican Party

James Patterson at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

Simi Valley, California 2015

James Patterson in New York Post on President Ronald Reagan's induction in the U.S. Department of Labor's Labor Hall of Fame. September 2017 

Jim Patterson Honors Townsend Harris

Townsend Harris in 1847. From a Bronze Tablet by Albert P. D'Andrea, of the Art Department of the Townsend Harris Hall High School - the Preparatory School of The College of the City of New York. It is a gift presented by the Class of January, 1924, of the High School, and was unveiled on Charter Day, may 20, 1925, by H.I.M.'s Ambassador, His Excellency Tsuneo Matsudaira. (The Complete Journal of Townsend Harris First American Consul and Minister to Japan.) 1959, revised edition.

Writing from U.S. Embassy Tokyo in 1959, Ambassador Douglas MacArthur II wrote the preface of the revised edition of The Complete Journal of Townsend Harris, the first American Consul and Minister to Japan. 

Originally published in 1930 for the Japan Society of New York by Doubleday, the book was inspiration of a sort for the 1958 Hollywood film "The Barbarian and the Geisha," starring John Wayne and Eiko Ando. The 1959 revised edition, which I first as an undergraduate, may have been to repudiate Wayne's action-packed. hard-drinking, dramatization of Harris. 

Both volumes were dedicated “To the Peace of the Pacific.” Harris, with his precise and elegant writing and lifelong devotion to education, was a spiritual "mentor" and his journal was a professional style guide I worked to incorporate into my own diplomatic journal and State Department reports. 

Green-Wood Cemetery resting place of Townsend Harris. (It was a brutally windy day and this was the best photo my colleague could capture.) Green-Wood is a 500-acre cemetery in Brooklyn, NY. 

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Jim Patterson JEPDiplomat@gmail.com
Life Member American Foreign Service Association
Member Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations
Associate Member Korean War veterans Association
Life Member Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
Member Sons of The American Legion
Member US Philippines Society
Friend of the Israeli Defense Forces
Member California State Society
Honorary Member Paralyzed Veterans of America


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New NAFTA (NAFTAN) on Hold

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told the Senate Finance Committee he wants to shorten aspects of renegotiations with Mexico and Canada in the modernization of the 23-year-old North American Free Trade Agreement. Headline on the Hill after hearing this was “NAFTA Rewrite Unlikely to Happen this year.”

Lighthizer said “We’re going to have very short time frame, and we’re going to compact it as much as we possibly can.” He added, “There is no deadline. My hope is that we get it done by the end of the year [2017], but there are a lot of people who think that’s completely unrealistic.”

Negotiations of this order on completing a renegotiation of a trade deal could stretch for month, if not years. This is especially true for NAFTA as Mexico understands the politics in the U.S. and the advantage of holding back success for President Trump when he is politically eager for a new deal. I suspect some of this is behind Lighthizer’s testimony.

Lighthizer told Congress a drawn out process on NAFTA would not be tolerated. He doesn’t want a quick agreement if that means another bad agreement. “We’re certainly not going to have a bad agreement to save time; we don’t have any arbitrary deadline.”

Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross told Congress he hopes an agreement could be ready by early next year [2018] and ahead of the elections.

Negotiations are set to start on August 16 and “we’re in the process right now of talking to negotiating partners about what the first day of the meeting will be.” I urge them not to begin by preaching U.S. economic losses since NAFTA began, because Mexico can certainly talk on the same topic.

The USTR is having public hearings this week to give groups an opportunity to present priorities for the re-negotiation. Interested readers should contact the USTR with economic concerns. The Trump administration’s re-negotiation objectives will be shared with Congress by July 17. Lighthizer said any final agreement on New NAFTA (NAFTAN) or Trump NAFTA (NAFTAT) will need Congressional support.

The US Chamber of Commerce and farm groups want a modernized deal, negotiated as quickly as possible to minimize any economic disruptions and uncertainty between the three nations. Labor wants a slower approach and greater modernization to provide “adequate” labor protections. This could cause re-negotiations to run into 2019. The Trump administration does not like this talk.

Some Democrats want a “complete overhaul” of NAFTA or NAFTACO. AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said “it is time for the Trump administration to rewrite NAFTA the right way.” Message to Mr. Trumka: “It was time for President Obama to rewrite NAFTA “the right way” while he was president and did not.” NAFTA was a Democratic deal by a Democratic president.   

Jim Patterson note: GOP presidential candidate Ronald Reagan in 1980 called for a free trade agreement with Mexico and Canada. President Bill Clinton had to lobby Congress constantly to get the votes for an agreement on NAFTA. It took nearly 25years for Congress to approve the agreement.

Media is already reporting Lighthizer and staff are keeping renegotiations secret. This is not true. President Trump wants a better deal for the US than former President Clinton negotiated. I suspect Lighthizer and staff will make this clear when the real work on New NAFTA begins on August 16 in Washington DC with Mexico and Canada at the table. Negotiating parties from Mexico City and Ottawa agree with President Trump and Lighthizer NAFTA needs modernization. Washington could be a bit of a circus as groups hostile to any trade agreement take to the streets.   

Look for negotiations to revolve around big industries including autos, dairy, sugar, energy and e-commerce. The apparel industry was hurt by globalization more than NAFTA as textile manufacturing moved largely to Asian and Middle Eastern countries. US negotiators should not waste precious time on textiles, even if prodded by US Southern lawmakers. 

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In anticipation of Indian Prime Minister Modi's White House visit with President Trump, The Economist 24-30 June 2017 over imaged Modi riding an [economic] tiger with headline "Modi's India: The Illusion of Reform."

The Economist's editorial concluded "The prime minister is not as much of a reformer as he seems." It notes PM Modi "has also presided over an acceleration in economic growth, from 6.4% in 2013 to a high of 7.9% in 2015 - which made India the fastest-growing economy in the world."

While US, Western economies and China have an aging population, "India, by contrast, is still young. Over a quarter of the people joining the world's workforce between now and 2025 will be Indian."

The Economist concludes, "Mr. Modi's admirers paint him as the man who at last unleashed India's potential. In fact, he may go down in history for fulfilling India's best shot at rapid, sustained development. And the worries about a still darker outcome are growing."

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The Economist on a Shake-up in Riyadh advises "the new crown price should curb his impetuousness abroad and pursue reform at home."

Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman (MBS) has wielded the real power behind King Salman, 81.. "No one would be surprised if Salman, 81, were to abdicate in favour of his 31-year-old heir [MBS]."

"Saudi Arabia must prepare its youthful population 970% of Saudis are under 30) for a fast-changing world in which they will have to work for a living. Oil is likely to remain cheap for a long time, the politics of religion are tearing at the region, and many Arab states have collapsed into civil war. Yet rule by a callow, hot-headed prince could be just as dangerous as stagnation under a gerontocracy."

"Intelligent, ambitious and willing to entertain new ideas, MBS show promise, but a worrying tendency to act rashly." MBS is "thought to be behind the diplomatic assault on Qatar" for what Economist says are "vague accusations it supports terrorism." Some Americans believe Saudi Arabia had a role in plotting the September 11,2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

Ruling the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in a changing global economy requires new thinking, innovation, ambition and the energy to lead.

In October 2016 the New York Times said MBS' rise "shatters decades of Royal Tradition." A law graduate of King Saud university, MBS is an accomplished pianist. He was critical of the Obama administration over its foreign policy approach to Iran. This may have led The Economist to call MBS impetuous, rash, etc. His elevation, during uncertain economic times, conflicts in the region and a growing sentiment among young Saudis that elder rulers are "out of touch" with a new global economy, is important and breaks Saudi Royal Tradition. Political traditions are being broken around the globe due to a global "out of touch" sentiment. 

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Dow Jones June 26, 2017 

Google Slapped With $2.7 Billion EU Fine Over Search Results The European Union's antitrust regulator fined Alphabet Inc.'s Google a record 2.42 billion euro ($2.71 billion) for favoring its own comparison-shopping service in search results. The decision could force broader changes to the way Google designs its search results in Europe because it sets a possible precedent for other search services, such as travel and maps, which the EU is also scrutinizing.

Jim Patterson note: If Google is in violation of EU antitrust laws, it most certainly must also be in violation of US antitrst laws. If Google is not in violation of US antitrust laws, then US lawmakers need to rewrite the damn antitrust laws. Google has unfairly blocked consumers from access to other search engines which do not sell their personal information to sophisticated web marketers. 

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WASHINGTON, June 26 (Reuters) - The White House warned Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday he and his military would "pay a heavy price" if it conducted a chemical weapons attack and said the United States had reason to believe such preparations were underway.

The White House said in a statement released late on Monday the preparations by Syria were similar to those undertaken before an April 4 chemical attack that killed dozens of civilians and prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to order a cruise missile strike on a Syrian air base.

"The United States has identified potential preparations for another chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime that would likely result in the mass murder of civilians, including innocent children," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said.

"If ... Mr. Assad conducts another mass murder attack using chemical weapons, he and his military will pay a heavy price," he said.

Jim Patterson note: Intelligence is better now than when Barack Obama refused to see internationally prohibited chemical weapons used in Syria for fear of a broader conflict with Russia.  

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June 27, 2017

Following the overwhelming Senate passage of legislation on June 15 targeting Iran's aggressive behavior, the House is gathering cosponsors for similar legislation that would strengthen sanctions against Iran's ballistic missile activity and illicit arms transfers.

Iran—the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism—remains the greatest long-term threat to Israel’s security and U.S. interests in the Middle East. Since the 2015 announcement of the Iran nuclear deal—also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)—Tehran has increased its dangerous behavior.

The Iran Ballistic Missiles and International Sanctions Enforcement Act (H.R. 1698), authored by House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Member Eliot Engel (D-NY), aims to strengthen sanctions targeting Iran’s ballistic missile activity and illicit arms transfers. 

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• State Department: The department is continuing its hiring freeze while it finalizes its workforce restructuring plan, but a report from Bloomberg in late April said a preliminary version of the plan would involve cutting 2,300 jobs, about 600 of them through buyouts.

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The "Presidentials" from the 1976 GOP National Convention Jim Patterson

My President Ford Convention Staff Identification Badge

It was one of my several jobs at the 1976 GOP National Convention in Kansas City.

This was the political shootout between President Ford and California Governor Ronald Reagan at Kansas City's Kemper Arena. I was a member of The Presidentias, a national group of young Republicans who did much more than serve as cheerleaders for President Ford.  

At Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation event in Grand Rapids, MI.

Reading "Time and Chance," a biography of Gerald R. Ford, Washington DC

At the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Grand rapids, MI

With the Gerald R. Ford Memorial Stamp, Ford Presidential Museum, Grand Rapids, MI. 

In Jack Anderson's August 4, 1976 column, The Washington Merry-Go-Round, he announced the group as "Convention Cheerleaders."

"President Ford's son Jack recently sent out 10,000 letters to young, freshly-scrubbed Americans. He's trying to recruit 500 of them to cheer for his father at the Kansas City convention.

"Young Ford's letter offers them the chance to be "Presidentials." For this opportunity, they have to pay a $130 fee. They also have to pay for their transportation costs. (I flew Delta from Atlanta.) But once in Kansas City, their expenses will be picked up by the President's campaign committees.

"The "Presidentials" will be admitted inside the convention hall, Jack Ford promises. They won't actually be allowed on the convention floor, but they'll participate in rallies and demonstrations. Or, to use Jack Ford's words they'll 'provide the enthusiasm my father will need to win.'

The "Presidentials" should be easy to spot on your television screen. They'll be young, probably somewhat hoarse, dressed in red-and-white tee shirts emblazoned, 'President Ford '76."

Less than 50 words. Jack Ford wanted 500 participants. He got more than 1,000! The final count is based on my recollection and news articles from 1976 I located from other participants.

I am doing additional research.

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Jim Patterson Diplomat, Writer, Speaker,

Comments on a WSJ interview with Secretary Wilbur Ross on Trade 2017

Iowa's senior U.S. Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and longtime family friend. Senator Grassley is also on the Senate Agriculture Committee and a close fried of former Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, the new U.S. Ambassador to China. Ambassador Branstad and Iowa's junior Senator Joni "Make 'em Squeal" Ernst were also at this Capitol Hill meeting of Iowa political and business leaders. 

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The recent Wall Street Journal interview with Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross focuses on trade, China, NAFTA and more.  The June 18 article’s lead paragraph: “One of the most notable political trends over the past 18 months—and one with the potential to affect companies across many industries—has been voter pushback against globalization and free trade.” This “trend” against globalization and free trade goes back further than 18 months. President Clinton barely succeeded with NAFTA. President Obama gave up on the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The Office of the U.S. Trade Ambassador is the loneliest place in Washington at the time of this article.  

Selected quotes:

Secretary Ross: “Just about every other country in the world has more protectionist rules than we do. Take China. China has the most beautiful free-trade rhetoric. And those of you who do business either within the country or try to export to it know they are the most highly protectionist of the big countries. So this is nothing new. We’ve been in a trade war for decades. The only difference is now the American troops are coming to the ramparts for maybe the first time.”

Secretary Ross: “If I were an importer, I would beware of what happened already in the rare-earths [metals industry]. China is a very big supplier of rare earths, which are quite essential to many electronic products. They drove everybody in this country out of business by dumping, dumping, dumping, dumping. And guess what happened once they did? Prices suddenly went way up. And when they get angry with a country, they cut off the supplies. So long term, it seems to me, the interests of American businesses and of the president’s policy are totally consistent because there are no free lunches.”

On trade progress with China, Secretary Ross said: “The Mar-a-Lago summit, which I was privileged to be part of, accomplished a lot, and mostly all to the good. I’ll give you some examples.

For 14 years, American beef producers have been trying to get their product into China on an unfettered basis. In less than 100 days, we got it in. And that first beef will literally be leaving in about 10 days. The same is true for some other things.

Those were the easier deliverables. We’re now working on another list. We generally have two conference calls a day, one early in the morning our time and one late at night with the Chinese. That’s five, six, seven days a week.

The whole fabric of these discussions is different from prior ones. We aren’t interested in great long-winded debates and big ceremonial meetings and big proclamations that have no teeth. We’re interested in very specific, very tangible achievements. And we’re finding a very, very sensible give-and-take with the Chinese right now.”

Will the U.S. leave the World Trade Organization? Secretary Ross said this would be a radical step. He indicates, at present, he would advise President Trump against such a move. He does see the need of WTO reform.

Secretary Ross said NAFTA was “an obsolete agreement.”  He explained, “It didn’t envision the digital economy at all. Barely talked about natural resources. Barely talked about service, particularly financial services. It didn’t really address our economy or theirs the way they are today.”

The WSJ reporter asked how does the administration change NAFTA “without pissing everyone off”? Secretary Ross said, “We solved the sugar thing without pissing everyone off. We’re trying to solve some of the little disputes with Canada. Disputes are resolvable if people are of reasonable will and are willing to make reasonable compromises. We made some big changes with China. I don’t see them suddenly screaming and yelling.” This is a great response and the question is if Mexico and, especially, Canada are willing to make trade compromises.

Secretary Ross feels trade deficits do matter and he proposed ways to reduce them. “To the countries with whom we have the big deficits, like China, we are going to say: ‘Look, there are a bunch of products that you buy, some from us and some from other people. We’re your largest customer. You really ought to give us a little better market share. It isn’t going to hurt you to buy cattle from us instead of from X country or soybeans from us or industrial goods from us.’ So substitution of, or changing market share, would be one easy way to redistribute a bit of the deficit,” he said.

Secretary Ross then made an important and hugely realistic statement: “Because it isn’t inherent in free trade, in my view, that one country, namely the U.S., has to absorb the entire cumulative trade surplus of the rest of the world, and therefore eat $500 billion a year of deficit.” This is important because the size of the trade deficit, like the size of the U.S. federal budget deficit, have disrupted the U.S. economy and business decisions and have contributed to the vast income inequality, un- and underemployment, gig jobs, high rents, low savings rates, and other economic ills in the U.S. economy  that have disillusioned workers.

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On June 19, 1867, Maximilian I, emperor of Mexico since 1864, was executed by firing squad a month after being taken prisoner by the forces of President Benito Juarez. 

In 1917, during World War I, King George V ordered the British royal family to dispense with German titles and surnames; the family took the name "Windsor."

In 1944, during World War II, the two-day Battle of the Philippine Sea began, resulting in a decisive victory for the Americans over the Japanese.

In 1953, Julius Rosenberg, 35, and his wife, Ethel, 37, convicted of conspiring to pass U.S. atomic secrets to the Soviet Union, were executed at Sing Sing Prison in Ossining, New York.

In 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was approved by the U.S. Senate, 73-27, after surviving a lengthy filibuster.

2007 A truck bomb struck a Shiite mosque in central Baghdad, killing at least 87 people. President George W. Bush and visiting Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert sided emphatically with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in his standoff with militant group Hamas. 

2012 WikiLeaks chief Julian Assange took refuge at Ecuador's Embassy in London, seeking to avoid extradition to Sweden, where he faced questioning about alleged sex crimes. (Sweden dropped its inquiry in May 2017, but Assange remains holed up in the Ecuadorian Embassy to avoid arrest by British authorities for jumping bail.) 

Birthdays of Note: 

Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi is 72. 

Author Salman Rushdie, author of "The Satanic Verses," is 70. 

Diplomat Jim Patterson Attends 75th Araw Ng Kagitingan

Diplomat Jim Patterson at the 75th Commemoration of Araw Ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
Friday April 7, 2017

The wreath laying ceremony at the World War II Memorial, Washington, DC. (Photo Embassy of the Philippines)

Note: I can be seen (barely) in far background. It was a damn cold day for April 7 and luckily the rain held back. The wind was strong and we were all misted from the fountain in the center of the Memorial.



I participated in the 75th anniversary of the Bataan Death March with survivors, their families, and officials from the Embassy of the Philippines at the WWII Memorial April 7 in Washington DC. I am standing in far  back as National Anthems were played, Colors Presented, and military officials saluted a wreath to the over 10,000 Filipino and over 1,000 American troops who died on the 7 day march with no food or water. Philippines was an American territory at the time and Congress recently awarded the Congressional Gold Medal to the Filipino vets. Incredibly moving and inspiring ceremony. Great honor to shake the hands of three Filipino survivors, elderly but still strong in spirit and patriotism.  

Jim Patterson
Life Member American Foreign Service Association
Member U.S. Philippines Society
JEPDiplomat@gmail.com

Diplomat Jim Patterson at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Washington DC

Jim Patterson at the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Washington DC.

Jim Patterson attending Memorial Opera/Concert for Alexandrov Ensemble, at Embassy of Russian Federation Washington DC. 

Jim Patterson with portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Embassy of the Russian Federation, Washington DC. 

Jim Patterson note: The Alexandrov Ensemble died in the Russian Tupolev Tu-154 crashed into the Black Sea on December 25, 2016. The loss of the Alexandrov Ensemble was a big national tragedy for the Russian people, who were so proud of this choir, one of the most famous and beloved in Russia. The loss was also great for many Americans who cherished memories of the performances (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) and sound recordings by the Ensemble. Proceeds from the program went to support families. 

Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak attended the reception and the 90-minute memorial concert for the Alexandrov Ensemble on March 17 at the Embass of the Russian Federation in Washington DC. The program was the most magnificent I have attended in recent years at any embassy in the U.S. or abroad.

The majesty of Moscow and the charm of St. Petersburg came alive at the Embassy of the Russian Federation, one of the largest and lavish embassies in Washington D.C.

FEATURING: LIVE RUSSIAN OPERA & MUSICAL PRESENTATION

The highlight of the special evening was a special Russian opera performance by .Participating Russian Artists OLGA ORLOVSKAYA (SOPRANO) ELIZAVETA AGLADZE (MEZZO-SOPRANO) ANNA NIZHEGORODTSEVA (PIANO) SERGE KHRICHENKO (GUITAR) ENRIQUE REYNOSA (VIOLIN) ANNA KUSNER (CLASSICAL GUITAR)

Ms. Orlovskaya. inherited her talent from her great-grandfather famous Russian bass Fedor Shalyapin. She graduated with honors from the Russian Academy of Music. Recently she won First Prize in the International Competition, Operetta Land, for Best Performance of Kalman in Moscow.

The evening's program:

1) " Melodie" by Tchikovsky performing Enrique Reynosa

2)“Da, chas nastal” (Ioanna’s aria) from P. Tchaikovsky’s" The Maid of Orleans", performed by Elizaveta Agladze

3) "Oh,never sing to me again" S.Rachmaninoff ,performed by Olga Orlovskaya and A. Nizhegorodtseva (piano) 

4) “Oh do not grieve”, S. Rachmaninoff, performed by Elizaveta Agladze, Anna Nixhegorodtseva (piano)_

5) "Spring Waters" ,S Rachmaninoff,performed by Olga Orlovskaya ,Anna Nizhegorodtseva (piano)

6) “Mon coeur s’ouvre a ta voix” from C. Saint-Saens’s " Samson et Dalila"`, performed by Elizaveta Agladze , Anna Nizhegordtseva (piano)

7) Barcarolle from Offenbach`s " les Contes d`Hoffman" performed by Elizaveta Agladse (Mezzo-soprano) and Olga Orlovskaya (soprano), accompanied by Anna Nizhegorodtseva

8) "Vissi d`arte" from "Tosca" by G. Puccini performed by Olga Orlovskaya ,Anna Nizhegorodtseva (piano)

9) "Casta diva" from Norma by V. Bellini performed by Olga Orlovskaya ,Anna Nizhegorodtseva (piano)

Inaddition to Russian visiting performers, the program included the International DC trio, Music by Serge Khrichenko berformed by S. Krichenko, Enrique Reynosa,Anna Nizhegorodtseva, special guest Olga Orlovskaya

1) "Granada" de Agustin Lara performed by Anna Kusner and Olga Orlovskaya

2) Malaguena de Ernesto Lecuona performed by Anna Nizhegorodtseva

3) 'Ave Maria" G. Caccini performd by Olga Orlovskaya,Serge Krichenko,Anna Nizegorodtseva, Elizaveta Agladze,Anna Kusner, Enrique Reynosa

The pre-concert RUSSIAN BUFFET Menu: 

Exquisite Russian delicacies as found in some of the finest restaurants and cafes in all of St. Petersburg. 

Salad Olivier-----------------Potato Salad with Ham, Eggs and Peas

Salad " Smak" vegetable salad: tomatoes,cocumbers,green salad,s,arugula,herbs

Cheese pastries (aka khachapuri)

Assorted pickled vegetables 

Russian snack " Pod rumochku" 

Russian Blinchiks- Pancakes in russian style with meat

Stuffed grape leaves

Grilled Salmon with herbs and sauce from chief

Home-style steamed vegetables

Chicken pilaf

Dark Bread

Dessert

" Medovik", "Almondo"

The bountious RUSSIAN BAR INCLUDING VODKA: 

The finest regional wines and beers found throughout Russia! Includes a tasting of multiple brands of Russian vodka! 

DIPLOMATIC GREETING: 

Ambassador Sergy Kislyak spoke and mingled with guests as did other Russian guests and, diplomats and dignitaries.  

CHARITY:  

Proceeds from the event went to the Charity Fund for Alexandrov Ensemble, Doctor Liza, and journalists who lost their lives in plane crash in South Russia. The members of the Alexandrov Ensemble died in the Russian Tupolev Tu-154 airplane crash over the Black Sea in December 2016. The loss of the Alexandrov ensemble was a big national tragedy for the Russian people, who were so proud of this choir, one of the most famous and beloved choirs in Russia. This loss is also great for many Americans who cherish memories of the performances and sound recordings of the choir.  

I am grateful to the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Sergey Ivanovich Kislyak - Ambassador of Russian Federation for providing concert halls, the famous Gold Room, and his kind assistance and that of his fine staff in organizing the charity concert.

PLEASE NOTE:

Due to enhanced security at Embassy of the Russian Federation, photo ID is REQUIRED for attendance. Please ensure ALL ticketholders and each guest attending with a ticketholder has valid photo ID. We are unable to issue a refund if you are denied entry due to lack of photo ID. 

Due to security considerations, parking WILL NOT be available on the grounds of Embassy of the Russian Federation

Embassy Advice:

Opera/Concert: The concert itself is expected to start at 8:30 PM and will last about 90 minutes.  During this time, no food will be served. As is the custom in Russia.

 Artifacts Around the Embassy: There are some wonderful, yet very fragile and expensive paintings, sculptures and other artifacts in and around the embassy. We ask you not to touch them and please respect their integrity so no damage may come to them during the event.  This includes drinking beverages or eating food too close to these items. 

 Respect for the Embassy: We want to remind everyone that, while we want you to have a good time, this is an embassy and we expect everyone to be respectful. Over intoxication, unruly or inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Such behavior will result in your immediate removal from the embassy and no refunds or credits will be granted.

Mr. James Patterson’s professional activities:

Life Member American Foreign Service Association

Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations

Member Friend Israeli Defense Forces

Member America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)

Associate Member (Family) Korean War Veterans Association

Life Member (Family) Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America

Member, US Philippines Society

Member Indiana State Society

National Book Critics Circle, Voting Member (Foreign Policy, History, Economics)

Life Member Republican National Committee

Member California Republican Party

Donor Helen Keller International

Contributor TheHill.com

Contributor Foreign Service Journal

Contributor Montgomery (Alabama) Advertiser - Newspaper

Computer History Museum - Member

National Active and Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)

Fraternity of Alpha Zeta – Alumni Member

Life Member Auburn University Alumni Association

Donor International Student House (Washington DC)

Donor Fredonia (AL) Rosenwald School Historic Preservation

Aldo Leopold Foundation - Wisconsin

Friend President Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation - Michigan

Life Member Niles Essanay Silent Film Museum (Fremont, California)

Board Member Dorothy and Lillian Gish Theater Bowling Green State University -Ohio

Agricultural History Society

Friend of New York Public Library