It was with nice unhappiness that I discovered that the Peace Corps, beneath assessment by the Division of Authorities Effectivity, plans vital workers cuts. In President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural speech in 1961, he known as on Individuals to, “Ask not what your nation can do for you, however what you are able to do in your nation.” He generated respect for public service, which strengthens our nation and communities. How far we’ve fallen.
I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer from 1977-1979, educating high-school and junior-college stage math and science at a rural boarding faculty in Ghana. The affect of Peace Corps service reaches far and deep. It’s a unhappy day in our historical past when a nation as wealthy as ours doesn’t worth this service.
From college students who wouldn’t have had a math and science trainer with out PC, to Ghanaians whose solely in-person assembly with Individuals is PC, to lifelong friendships with individuals from all over the world, PC’s influence is unbelievable. This influence reaches far deeper than a information headline or social media affect. That is American gentle energy, American safety.
The present administration doesn’t perceive how essential public service is to our society and our place on the earth.
Carol Frodge, Seattle
