Ronald Reagan quoted Scripture when he called America a “shining city on a hill.” Since the founding, America has had a unique place in the world, inspiring millions around the world to fight for freedom—a fight we have sometimes joined. The best way to build peace internationally is through building trust. Diplomacy is important, but the best kind of diplomacy is the kind that isn’t done by professional diplomats.

Every time Americans accept an exchange student from abroad, or do business with a foreign company, they are engaging in diplomacy. Every time we adopt a hungry child from Asia or give money to fight AIDS in Africa, we are building important bridges. I am a strong believer in what I call “people to people diplomacy.” Relationships between people and cultures hold far more power to change the world and establish peace than years of treaties and UN resolutions.

Rep. Pitts Supports Israel's Right to Defend Itself (1/6/09)
Free Trade is Diplomatic Engagement (4/4/08)
AIDS Relief Must be Saved from Partisanship (2/8/08)

 

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