Word: villard
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Stanford Electrical Engineer Oswald Garrison Villard Jr., who considers himself almost as ardent a pacifist as his father, the famed former editor of the Nation, has long been engaged in secret work related to rocket propulsion and guidance in order to keep abreast of his main scholarly interest: upper-atmosphere engineering. "To know what is important in this field, you have to be in on the classified aspect of it," he says...
Many scientists point out that very little secret university research is applicable in Viet Nam. Protesting classified projects because of the war, contends Stanford's Villard, "is about as logical as objecting to paying your taxes by kicking the postman who brings the tax form." Even less is such research directly involved with the development of new weapons. The canceled secret projects at Pennsylvania on chemical and biological warfare, for example, were primarily designed to find out how to protect U.S. civilians against attack from an enemy using them. "It is not safe for the U.S. to be ignorant...
Affairs at State also deals with the low pay-scale which, Mr. Villard believes, causes many able, would-be diplomats to choose a career elsewhere. He cites the institution of lateral appointments which seriously dampens the incentive of those hoping to move up the ladder. Finally, and pointedly, he describes the insufficient housing allowance provided for U.S. representatives abroad and the total lack of such allowance for Foreign Service personnel temporarily stationed at home...
...particularly interesting chapter entitled "Let Them Eat Crumbs," Villard tells of the astonishingly low entertainment allowances which Congress grants to American Embassies. Those who conceivt of diplomatic life as brimming with extravagance should read his description of "bargain-basement tactics" which "hold back on appetizers" and "water down the drinks." Apparently guests at a Russian reception can always expect their fill of caviar and vodka, while American Embassies are likely to serve hot dogs and beer. Mr. Villard believes we may lose the cold...
...book is written with a marvelous consistency of style--the same phrases appear over and over. Things are constantly "flowering up," the "rank weeds of bureaucracy" are pruned, and the fight is constantly being waged at the "grass roots." Mr. Villard also believes in the personal touch: he includes a detailed and scathing biographical sketch of John J. Rooney, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on State Department Appropriations, who opposes the use of the "proper lubricant" in diplomatic affairs...