FIFTH COLUMN

Envoy

By C K Lal

Barring those professing extremist ideologies of the left, Nepali media-persons are ridiculously solicitous in dealing with the Americans. Part of this generosity may be ascribed to an anticipation of favors from a diplomatic establishment reputed to shower its kindness on pliant journalists. Quid pro quo being an essential ingredient of diplomatic activity, part of it may even be tributes extracted for patronage extended in the past.

Then, there are some journalists who genuinely feel that humoring Americans is an effective strategy of countering the overbearing Indian presence in the country. Such a view may appear ridiculous, but some very senior journalists actively subscribe to it. This section of the media displays more concern for American sensibilities than the Americans themselves.

Such an accommodative media has recently turned sullen, if not outright hostile. They have suddenly ‘discovered’, with more than a little help from an American, that a person of sullied reputation may end up on a pedestal meant for their idols. They worshipped a Block, wrote paeans of praise for someone who Sang, and admired a person claiming to be Frank. And now, a certain Furey has made most of them furious.

The stink was kicked up by an e-mail alleging that Thomas Furey, the nominated Ambassador of the United States to the Kingdom of Nepal, had a past that made him unsuitable for his proposed present assignment. A local daily picked up the story and helped generate letters to the editor casting aspersions on the character of the controversial nominee.

The main allegation against Mr. Furey is that he adopted and then abandoned a Nepali child in the eighties when its color was found to be unacceptable. The child was then placed in the foster-care of another family, presumably more tolerant of a darker shade than that of an ideal American baby advertised by their mass media. There is nothing unusual about this incident. The moment you scratch the thin liberal veneer, deep inside, most Americans are racists.

Apparently, that exactly is the position of the U.S. Government. They investigated and found ‘personal concerns’ to be the main reason behind the cavalier way the adopted child was treated. It is quite possible that such concerns were related to the color preferences based on WASP values worshipped by most of the traditional American families. It’s a charge difficult to substantiate, but equally easy to believe.

There is no legality involved in this issue, it’s purely a question of morality. Therefore, Nepali objection to Furey’s nomination is fundamentally flawed, since the strong seldom follow the same moral laws as that of the weak. As regards to the Episode Furey, perhaps the most sensible course to follow is the one advocated by the Americans themselves: if you can do nothing about it; relax, lie back; and try to enjoy. Get ready for another Cola Envoy.