Posted by Robert Wood on Jan 20, 2009 - 11:39 AM
![Acting Department Spokesman Robert Wood types at his computer, Jan. 14, 2008. [State Photo]](http://blogs.state.gov/images/Dipnote/behind_the_scenes/2009_0120_robertwood_welcome_m.jpg)
Welcome to DipNote, the State Department’s official blog. DipNote gives context, clarity and other behind the scenes insights on the foreign policy headlines in which you’re most interested. The information is provided to you by those actually doing the work.
The term “DipNote” refers to a diplomatic note, one of the many means by which governments formally communicate with one another. Aside from the title, we make every effort to minimize the use of jargon and acronyms. When they’re unavoidable, we explain them. We want this blog to be as accessible and user-friendly as possible. This blog represents your opportunity to engage State Department officials, to contribute to the discussion of U.S. foreign policy. We want you to be active participants in a community focused on some of the most important international issues of today.
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Comments
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Comments
Beverley-Ann in South Africa writes:
Congratulations Secretary of State Clinton.
I am so pleased to have found this wonderful up to date website, so that I can continue to follow news about the wonderful work that you do.
I am sorry I cannot congratulate you as President Clinton as I would have preferred to, but I know that this position that you now hold will allow you to achieve greater things ... that being to work towards bringing about Peace, Understanding & Respect to each other ... amongst all Nations.
You are an inspiration to woman around the world ... highlighting by your fine example ... that we as women can achieve so much by contributing positively ... by coming up with solutions to solve many of the serious issues that still plague our modern day life.
Your famous speech in Beijing way back in 1995 ... when you declared that ...
"human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights"
as I said above ... inspired women worldwide and "helped galvanize a global movement for women?s rights."
All the very best with your new position as Secretary of State.
You remain an inspiration ...
THANK YOU !!!
Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009
Congratulations Secretary of State Clinton.
I am so pleased to have found this wonderful up to date website, so that I can continue to follow news about the wonderful work that you do.
I am sorry I cannot congratulate you as President Clinton as I would have preferred to, but I know that this position that you now hold will allow you to achieve greater things ... that being to work towards bringing about Peace, Understanding & Respect to each other ... amongst all Nations.
You are an inspiration to woman around the world ... highlighting by your fine example ... that we as women can achieve so much by contributing positively ... by coming up with solutions to solve many of the serious issues that still plague our modern day life.
Your famous speech in Beijing way back in 1995 ... when you declared that ...
"human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights"
as I said above ... inspired women worldwide and "helped galvanize a global movement for women?s rights."
All the very best with your new position as Secretary of State.
You remain an inspiration ...
THANK YOU !!!
Posted on Wed Jan 28, 2009
Kitty M. in Alabama writes:
I would like to know if the State Department, under new leadership, has plans (hopefully) to change our U.S. Embassy designs abroad, to be more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. I would like to suggest that the building designs be more sympathetic to the culture and environment in which they are located. Architectural sensitivity can do a great deal to offer a sense of openness, without loss of security. Thank you for the work you do. I am glad for the change!
Posted on Tue Jan 27, 2009
I would like to know if the State Department, under new leadership, has plans (hopefully) to change our U.S. Embassy designs abroad, to be more environmentally sensitive and sustainable. I would like to suggest that the building designs be more sympathetic to the culture and environment in which they are located. Architectural sensitivity can do a great deal to offer a sense of openness, without loss of security. Thank you for the work you do. I am glad for the change!
Posted on Tue Jan 27, 2009
Jill D. in Wisconsin writes:
Can't read the writing on the website. It is way too dim.
Posted on Tue Jan 27, 2009
Can't read the writing on the website. It is way too dim.
Posted on Tue Jan 27, 2009
Catherine in Georgia writes:
Congratulations to you Secretary Clinton. I do not work in the State Department but I am a concerned retired U.S. senior citizen. Now it is time for this adminstration to get down to serious work. I watched the announcement of Mitchell and Stern to high level Diplomats to negotiate peace in the Middle East. Why is Secretary Clinton not making the initial trip herself to (at least) show strength and start these negotiations? What will her foreign relations responsibilities consist of if she is "not" going to have a face to face with various foreign leaders on their turf? Will she or will she not be traveling to other countries?
Posted on Mon Jan 26, 2009
Congratulations to you Secretary Clinton. I do not work in the State Department but I am a concerned retired U.S. senior citizen. Now it is time for this adminstration to get down to serious work. I watched the announcement of Mitchell and Stern to high level Diplomats to negotiate peace in the Middle East. Why is Secretary Clinton not making the initial trip herself to (at least) show strength and start these negotiations? What will her foreign relations responsibilities consist of if she is "not" going to have a face to face with various foreign leaders on their turf? Will she or will she not be traveling to other countries?
Posted on Mon Jan 26, 2009
Eric in New Mexico writes:
@ Mr. Wood,
My email is down at the moment and I was hoping you could pass on a word of thanks to Ambassador Crocker for his outstanding service and congrats on recieving the medal of freedom.
May he continue to have the most excellent adventures in private life.
I'd be remis not to also invite him to post his thoughts here on what "the right stuff" is, in terms of selection of FSO's and perhaps the ingrediants of proper nation building as well, as it applies to the three "D's" (Democracy, Defense and Development).
With emphasis on the war of ideas and mitigating the 5 D's of methodology of those that seek to;
Distract, Deceive, Discredit, Discourage, and Dismember the effort.
Dipnote is well placed to be on the cutting edge of the debate, and offers a global audience an official invitation to think.
It's been my humble pleasure to contribute my 2 cents worth, for what it may be worth to others. So I hope I'm not out of line for making this request and offering the invitation right back with all due reciprocity...(chuckle).
"No socks required."
Thanks,
EJ
Posted on Mon Jan 26, 2009
@ Mr. Wood,
My email is down at the moment and I was hoping you could pass on a word of thanks to Ambassador Crocker for his outstanding service and congrats on recieving the medal of freedom.
May he continue to have the most excellent adventures in private life.
I'd be remis not to also invite him to post his thoughts here on what "the right stuff" is, in terms of selection of FSO's and perhaps the ingrediants of proper nation building as well, as it applies to the three "D's" (Democracy, Defense and Development).
With emphasis on the war of ideas and mitigating the 5 D's of methodology of those that seek to;
Distract, Deceive, Discredit, Discourage, and Dismember the effort.
Dipnote is well placed to be on the cutting edge of the debate, and offers a global audience an official invitation to think.
It's been my humble pleasure to contribute my 2 cents worth, for what it may be worth to others. So I hope I'm not out of line for making this request and offering the invitation right back with all due reciprocity...(chuckle).
"No socks required."
Thanks,
EJ
Posted on Mon Jan 26, 2009
Susan in Florida writes:
To the Dipnote staff -- glad to have you back! The new postings are great and your "transition" was seamless, too. Job well done!
Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2009
To the Dipnote staff -- glad to have you back! The new postings are great and your "transition" was seamless, too. Job well done!
Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2009
Emjay in Iowa writes:
To all in the State Dept and USAID:
Do you know how lucky you are to have this new leader?
She will be supportive of you and loyal to you, to the end.
Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2009
To all in the State Dept and USAID:
Do you know how lucky you are to have this new leader?
She will be supportive of you and loyal to you, to the end.
Posted on Fri Jan 23, 2009
Lynn in Missouri writes:
This is the first time I've ever bothered to check out Dipnote. The fact that it is simple to find and even easier to use it a tribute to the new administration.
Congratulations to Madame Secretary. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her address the employees in the State Department this morning. As a former "coach", her use of the word, "TEAM" expressed it all.
With the new administration, we are all in this together.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
This is the first time I've ever bothered to check out Dipnote. The fact that it is simple to find and even easier to use it a tribute to the new administration.
Congratulations to Madame Secretary. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her address the employees in the State Department this morning. As a former "coach", her use of the word, "TEAM" expressed it all.
With the new administration, we are all in this together.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Joyce in Virginia writes:
Congratulations to Madame Secretary. I was a staunch supporter of hers throughout the primaries, and have been a fan since her days as First Lady. I was unaware of this site before now, I suspect many are still unaware. But with Hillary now as our new Secretary of State, I suspect many more will be visiting. Hillary has over 18 million loyal supporters. We are still here, and we can't wait to see you in action. Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of this country, you will always have our undying love, support, and respect.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Congratulations to Madame Secretary. I was a staunch supporter of hers throughout the primaries, and have been a fan since her days as First Lady. I was unaware of this site before now, I suspect many are still unaware. But with Hillary now as our new Secretary of State, I suspect many more will be visiting. Hillary has over 18 million loyal supporters. We are still here, and we can't wait to see you in action. Thank you for your tireless efforts on behalf of this country, you will always have our undying love, support, and respect.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Sabir in Canada writes:
Congratulations from Canada. Wish you all the best ang good luck in your most daunting job ahead. Looking forward a better and peaceful world ahead. God bless all in Obama's Administration. The world is waiting for a just and peaceful settlements in many countries: Pakistan, Palestine, Afganistan, India (Kashmir) and all of Africa.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Congratulations from Canada. Wish you all the best ang good luck in your most daunting job ahead. Looking forward a better and peaceful world ahead. God bless all in Obama's Administration. The world is waiting for a just and peaceful settlements in many countries: Pakistan, Palestine, Afganistan, India (Kashmir) and all of Africa.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Rusty in Belgium writes:
Change has come congratulations to Secretary of State Clinton.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Change has come congratulations to Secretary of State Clinton.
Posted on Thu Jan 22, 2009
Joe in New York writes:
Congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Clinton, the deputies and the rest of you at the State Department. The world needs your experience, diplomacy, and strength.
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
Congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Clinton, the deputies and the rest of you at the State Department. The world needs your experience, diplomacy, and strength.
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
Patricia in New York writes:
Just found Dipnote -- great resource -- I will visit the site frequently.
Congratulations to Secretary of State Clinton.
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
Just found Dipnote -- great resource -- I will visit the site frequently.
Congratulations to Secretary of State Clinton.
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
Ashley in North Carolina writes:
WAY TO GO MRS CLINTON!!!!!
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
WAY TO GO MRS CLINTON!!!!!
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
Seyed in Maryland writes:
Seems like change has come to Dept. of State too! Keep it up!
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
Seems like change has come to Dept. of State too! Keep it up!
Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009
John in Greece writes:
Great transition "DipNote team" and nice archive organization! I wish you and Mr. Wood, thousands of more successes.
And now "back to our keyboards" for more interesting debates and posts! Good luck to all DipNote staff, simple readers and authors.
Posted on Tue Jan 20, 2009
Great transition "DipNote team" and nice archive organization! I wish you and Mr. Wood, thousands of more successes.
And now "back to our keyboards" for more interesting debates and posts! Good luck to all DipNote staff, simple readers and authors.
Posted on Tue Jan 20, 2009
Ian in Texas writes:
Great to see this type of communication from our government. Keep it up!
Posted on Tue Jan 20, 2009
Great to see this type of communication from our government. Keep it up!
Posted on Tue Jan 20, 2009