aaronleland
Diamond Member
- May 19, 2012
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Tillerson urges 'kindness' in a 'mean-spirited town' during farewell remarks
I question his statement about integrity after sticking by a man he obviously hated for so long, but otherwise a pretty good farewell speech.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Thursday praised the department's employees and urged "kindness" in what he called "a very mean-spirited town" during his final remarks as the nation's chief diplomat.
Tillerson emphasized values of respect and dignity and called for employees to perform "one act of kindness" each day.
"This can be a very mean-spirited town," Tillerson said to a round of laughs and applause. "But you don’t have to choose to participate in that."
The remarks came more than a week after President Trumpunceremoniously fired Tillerson in a tweet, and simultaneously announced that he had tapped CIA Director Mike Pompeo for the post.
“Never lose sight of your most valuable asset, the most valuable asset you possess: your personal integrity,” Tillerson said Thursday, adding, “Only you can relinquish it or allow it to be compromised. Once you’ve done so, it is very, very hard to regain it.”
“I hope you will continue to treat each other with respect,” he continued. “Regardless of the job title, the station in life or your role, everyone is important to the State Department. We’re all just human beings trying to do our part.”
I question his statement about integrity after sticking by a man he obviously hated for so long, but otherwise a pretty good farewell speech.