Immigration

What are you doing for the UN? 

Did the U.S. immigration officer ever ask you this question? It always happens to me, and it always puts me off. Whatever I say, I can see disbelief in his face.

I am a Senr. Prog. Off. in DPP.  

?…???

I am advancing humanity.   

?…????

What makes us different from electricians, salesmen, teachers, rock-musicians, train-drivers, and all these honest professions who no one would ask how they earn their living? How do you explain in 30 seconds to the taxi driver, the supermarket cashier, your daughter or the (American) immigration official the business we conduct and the value we add?

Perhaps DOC can put a chapter on this in the next revision of the brand book. Until then, I will keep on mumbling something about children, rights, and UN policies and procedures. And watch the immigration officer’s eyes glaze over.

(26 September 2003)

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