Question: Can someone breakdown for me what is the role of Sec. of State?

[Bethany Rockafella]

Thanks in advance.

[Dookus]

1. basically

it's the nation's top diplomat, in charge of foreign relations.

[MemphisTiger]

2. I think the president is considered to be the top diplomat

If I remember right from my high school civics. I think there are five things the prez is charged with

1) head diplomat
2) commander-in-chief of the armed forces

I don't remember the others

[Cronus Protagonist]

3. Bush says she's "America's face to the world"

http://bushspeaks.com/

[madmom]

7. if thats our face to the world..

no wonder they all hate us:scared:

[Darknyte7]

4. Here you go....

The position of Secretary of State was created in 1789 by Congress as the successor to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Constitution, the Presidentially appointed Secretary, is to act as the President’s chief foreign adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s policies through the Department of State and the Foreign Service of the United States. The following are just a few of the Secretary’s ever-evolving duties.


-Conduct negotiations relating to U.S. foreign policy


-Grant and issue passports to American citizens


-Negotiate, interpret, and terminate treaties and agreements


-Supervise the Foreign Service of the United Sates


-Provide information to American citizens regarding the political,
economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian conditions in foreign countries.

[comsymp]

10. And, of course, she's also 4th in line for the Big Chair

After VP, Speaker of the House and Senate President Pro Tem.

[el_gato]

5. supporting dictators who serve U.S. corporate interests

while lying about it to the american people

[RobertSeattle]

6. http://www.state.gov/

http://www.state.gov/

And the obligator mission statement:
http://www.state.gov/m/rm/rls/dosstrat/2004/23503.htm

[Dr Ron]

8. Accepting the President's resignation

Back when Nixon resigned, I recall that he sent a letter of resignation to the Secretary of State.

I hope that Rice gets the opportunity to participate in this tradition.

[uppityperson]

9. Official "piss off other countries" person representing * and us. n/t

[Bethany Rockafella]

11. Thanks all.

The reason I asked is because we all know Bush appointed her NSA for other reasons. He and his cronies knew 9/11 wouldn't be blamed on her because she is black. Now that she is SOS, I wonder what these evil folks got cooked up that they will blame Condi for and figure she won't get much criticism because she is a black woman.

[Emillereid]

12. In the case of Condi, the SoS is a gatekeeper for the White House --

to make sure that reality never seeps into the White House about what people around the world really think of us.

She's a complete lackey who will do the bidding of Cheney and Rummy -- and not bother anyone with any facts.

[Hugin]

13. Two words... Ben Franklin... (Which Condi isn't.) n/t

[OneBlueSky]

14. in this administration? . . . to kiss Bush's ass . . . n/t

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