John Kerry confirmed as secretary of state

**Red_Lizard2** · 01-29-13, 05:30 PM

Don't think it will come as much of a shock, being it seemed Kerry would be pretty much a shoe-in (which the vote reflects). Considering the years he spent on the Foreign affairs committee, hard to say it is a bad hire either, seen worse for sure.

Not much of a discussion starter, just figured it is worth bringing up for being news worthy.
BBC News - US Senate approves John Kerry as secretary of state

**Bubbasam** · 01-29-13, 05:50 PM

I can't stand this guy for some reason, but his experience says he can do the job. Better get his air legs on, he'll be using them alot.

**deathgodusmc** · 01-29-13, 06:41 PM

In an age where people can have a video conference on their cell phone much less computer why are we flying all over the damn place to talk to someone?

**DJ Ms. White** · 01-29-13, 07:12 PM

It means more to go meet someone in person, not to mention seeing the state of things in person. Meetings in person are also easier to keep confidential.

**iLLusioN** · 01-29-13, 07:14 PM

Honestly? I'd guess that the general age of those in congress is part of it. Data integrity is part of it. But I think the biggest factor is most likely that it's more difficult to persuade someone to change views via any communication other than in person. I know alot of our most common issues is O-6 - O-10 having issues with teleconferences(DCO for anything that has to deal with it). We don't have nearly as many of those issues with the lower brass.

**deputyfestus** · 01-29-13, 07:30 PM

One pussy replacing the other.

**Alundil** · 01-30-13, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by DJ Mr. White

It means more to go meet someone in person, not to mention seeing the state of things in person. Meetings in person are also easier to keep confidential.

This is one of the more likely aspects

**dreaddman** · 01-30-13, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by Alundil

This is one of the more likely aspects

Relaying info, discussing technical or procedural issues are doable via VTCs.

Convincing someone to change their nation-state views is not. Non-verbal cues are crucial to negotiations. No matter the video resolution, being there is just different.

**Alundil** · 01-30-13, 04:45 PM

Kind of what I was getting at.

**deathgodusmc** · 01-30-13, 04:52 PM

Bullshit. The reason we cant do it now is because for the past 20 years our politicians have been playing bugs bunny drawing lines in the sand. If we actually stood behind what we said like we did in the past a video conference would do just fine. The one thing i give Bush senior credit for is his follow thru on his threat to iraq.