The Irish wonder if they are no longer important to the United States. The U.S. has neglected to send them an ambassador for over a year and a half. Our Central American neighbor Costa Rica frets over the length of time for a U.S. ambassador to take up residence. The media in Jamaica, Russia, Egypt, and Romania wonder why noncontroversial career ambassadors take so long to be confirmed by the Senate.

Brian A. Nichols, appointed as ambassador to Peru after waiting 360 days for confirmation, mentions the toll it took on U.S. foreign relations with that country, as well as on his family. He says he is honored and humbled to finally serve his country. Why must those who want to serve wait so long? What if our military appointments were delayed in this fashion?

News reports focus on why we can’t pay our bills without a political donnybrook. Other casualties result from our stalled systems. It appears we can’t be bothered to fully staff our embassies, despite the multiplying world crises.

The cover of the September/October 2014 issue of Foreign Affairs, depicts how some observers view our current domestic problems:”See America, Land of Decay & Dysfunction.” Articles include: “Dysfunction Junction,” America in Decay,” and “Pitchfork Politics.”

Agree or disagree, the ideas are food for thought when our country has difficulty even appointing an ambassador to represent our interests.