More Unprofessionalism From the State Department

On Friday, State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley made this statement to reporters in connection with the Nobel Prize being awarded to President Obama:

"From our standpoint, you know, we think that this gives us a sense of momentum … when the United States has accolades tossed its way, rather than shoes."

The reference to shoes was when an Iraqi man threw his shoes at President George W Bush when he visited Iraq.

I have no illusions that the State Department is not infected with partisanship since the new administration came into power. It is customary that top slots are filled with supporters of the president's party-in this case the Democrats. Ambassadorships in the more desirable nations are filled with rich supporters who donate big money to the winning presidential campaign.

That being said, there should be a measure of professionalism. Most State Department employees are career professionals whose careers scan several administrations. The statement by Crowley is, to put it mildly, unprofessional. State Department officials should not be in the business of bad-mouthing former presidents. It is, of course, free speech. But it is unprofessional.