The United States has a dubious tradition of appointing ambassadors who are unqualified for the position. Recently, it was discovered that the nominee for the ambassador to Argentina, Noah Bryson Mamet, had never visited the country, while the nominee to ambassador to Norway, George Tsunis, knew nothing about the country's government or governing parties. Max Baucus, appointee to be ambassador to China, was quoted saying, "I’m no real expert on China."
President Obama, it is time to keep your word on political appointees. We ask that you withdraw all nominations for ambassadors with no foreign policy experience and cultural knowledge and instead nominate qualified individuals. Being appointed as an ambassador should not be a reward for those who are adept at raising money for campaigns.