the honorable mr. so and so

For the past couple of days Pakistan's ambassador to the US had been in here South Florida. I was invited to attend a few of the events surrounding his visit. Its interesting how people use these moments of proximity to those in power. Some are there purely for the photo op, for a chance to prove to themselves that they are not completely insignificant.

Others use it as an opportunity to be significant, some will vent frustration about broad issues like corruption or injustice or poverty or human rights or development, as if this guy will go back to his superiors and say:
"mr.president a nice lady in miami who i have never met before has informed me of such and such, and i heard the same complaint in some of the other cities i visited, i think we must take action now."

Wouldn't it be great if it was that easy!

Some will try to get a commitment for action on a particular situation. Like my friend the attorney, defending Pakistanis who the US government is trying to deport. Why is it that the Saudi Embassy will fight very hard to defend its citizens in such cases, yet Pakistan will allow Immigration agents to split up families and deport them with no cause, without any significant involvement from the embassy.

As if the role of Ambassador does not include serving Pakistani citizens, and just be the good yes man "they" want him to be.

It brings up a good question.
Why would he risk his status? Would I if i was in his position?

I was invited to these events yet I chose just to observe, I did not say anything. Would I take advantage of my proximity to take action on a cause, and risk the displeasure of the powerful, and risk not being invited to sit at their table. But those are just assumptions I am making. Assumptions based on either a fear of the unknown or a desire to continue feeling important because I'm one of the few invited to attend the party. Maybe the powerful would not take displeasure at my action, maybe the powerful would still keep me at my rank.

But in the end who cares what the powerful think or what happens to me. Maybe the cause is more important. And to miss an opportunity to take action is proof of my uselessness and the meaninglessness of my rank.

More important then to achieve a high rank or a seat at the table, is to use that rank and that proximity to help others. Its in helping others, in that self sacrifice, that we gain real respect from others. And even if I were removed from my position, I would still retain the real power that comes when people respect you, admire you, and turn to you in times of need.
I pray that the Ambassador realizes his true potential.