What America is all about

I heard some of Teresa Heinz Kerry's speech to the Democratic National Convention last night. I was pleased to hear her praise Peace Corps Volunteers who are serving their country in dozens of different nations around the world.

She said:

In the past year, I have been privileged to meet with Americans all across this land. They voiced many different concerns, but one they all share was
about America's role in the world, what we want this great country of ours to stand for.

To me, one of the best faces America has ever projected is the face of a Peace Corps volunteer.

(APPLAUSE)

That face symbolizes this country: young, curious, brimming with idealism and hope, and a real, honest compassion.

Those young people convey an idea of America that is all about heart, creativity, generosity and confidence, a practical, can- do sense, and a
big, big smile.

For many generations of people around this globe, that is what America has represented: a symbol of hope, a beacon brightly lit by the optimism of
its people, people coming from all over the world.

I'm probably somewhat biased, since I served in the Peace Corps myself. But I'm still warmed by Heinz Kerry's words. It's nice to know that, once in a great while, people can be acknowledged as doing good things and making positive contributions even though the tools of their trade might be shovels or chalk rather than bombs or rifles.

The Peace Corps and programs like it do far more to enhance America's reputation abroad and counter pre-conceptions of "what America is all about" than any war of mass destruction.

Mrs Kerry, thank you for acknowledging that Peace Corps volunteers are not only sacrificing in service of humanity, but they are truly front lines warriors in the struggle against anti-Americanism. It may sound self-serving, but Peace Corps volunteers represent what America likes to think of itself as.