Checkbook Diplomacy
Checkbook Diplomacy - Part Three
BY Stephanie Mencimer | August 13, 2008
Richard Nixon’s personal lawyer went to prison for soliciting money from major donors who wanted ambassadorships, and when Jimmy Carter showed up at the White House in the wake of Nixon’s scandal-scarred presidency he was determined to clean things up.
More >Checkbook Diplomacy - Part Two
BY Stephanie Mencimer | August 12, 2008
When George W. Bush took office, the White House personnel director, Clay Johnson, was inundated with more than 1,700 applications from would-be ambassadors. And why not?
The salary may be relatively modest, but the job — at least at the choicest postings — sure has it perks: beautiful surroundings, domestic staff, the potential to hobnob with the elite. Ambassadorial residences are often located in choice real estate. For instance, Villa Taverna, the ambassador’s residence in Rome, is a restored 16th century villa that includes seven walled acres of gardens, making it the largest private park in the city. The compound, which takes up an entire city block, includes a movie theater and a swimming pool.
More >Checkbook Diplomacy
BY Stephanie Mencimer | August 11, 2008
In October of 1969, Vincent de Roulet, the newly appointed ambassador to Jamaica, arrived in Kingston aboard his 90-foot yacht, soon to be joined by 17 of his race horses. Wealthy by birth as well as by marriage (his wife was a Whitney), the 44-year-old dilettante had no experience in international diplomacy, his résumé instead boasting a variety of club memberships, horse-racing activities, and board service for various Long Island hospitals.
Recently Added Stories
Categories
