State Department’s time has passed

The U.S. State Department has lost its place as a major part of the American government. Its role in foreign policy has become ineffective and, at times, even counterproductive. For instance, it is not uncommon for the president to disregard the State Department’s advice on issues.

Unfortunately, the State Department’s influence has been diminished by a changing world where the line between foreign and domestic policy has blurred and it’s not just the State Department that influences foreign policy.

For example, the Agency for International Development, which was created to foster development in other countries, can now weigh in on issues that were normally reserved for the State Department. The State Department’s power has also been transferred elsewhere: The Treasury Department has begun to represent the United States at international financial gatherings, and the Foreign Commercial Service moved to the Commerce Department.

These changes reflect the decades-old trend of whittling away the State Department’s scope and authority. As currently structured, the State Department is ineffective and clearly has lost influence and power to help maintain world peace.

People in other countries are incensed by U.S. meddling in their country’s affairs, which gives them a negative impression of America and Western democracies as a whole. A decrease in foreign involvement by the State Department would help reduce animosity toward America felt by people in other countries.

Our country is faced with several alarming threats from all over the globe. With major wars going on in Europe and the Middle East, our government’s main focus should be on the defense and protection of our own citizens. A cut in funds for the State Department along with increased funding for our Department of Defense can accomplish these goals and put America in a position to be a safe, prosperous place for its citizens.