An American ambassador was killed several weeks ago, and our country acts as if a presidential candidate wore the wrong tie to a debate. This is a big deal…a really big deal. The last time an American ambassador was killed was in the 1970s.

There was once a time when the murder of a country’s dignitary was seen as an act of war. In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was killed, and that act launched the beginning of World War I. When Archduke Ferdinand was killed, Austria took it as an aggressive move and retaliated. I am not calling for war in Libya; however, I would hope that any American presidential administration would have a firm and resolute public statement against the aggressors in this obvious murder of an American citizen and ambassador.

Secretary Clinton and President Obama have been busy with the constant upheaval occurring around the world; but, they both ran for president and accepted the responsibility the office comes with. The sporadic and conflicting information coming from the administration regarding this attack is both confusing and degrading to America’s power in the world.

Unfortunately, this horrible act in American history occurred during a presidential election, so it has been treated as another item on the long list of political footballs to be used by both candidates. Nevertheless, we should be able to defend and protect the United States of America, its citizens and our appointed ambassadors around the world, even during a crazy election cycle. In fact, if our country cannot do this while running for office how can we possibly lead the free world to a safer, more prosperous future.

Secretary of State Clinton has taken full responsibility for these acts, and there is currently an investigation into the breakdown in security that occurred to allow Ambassador Stevens to be killed and dragged through the streets. Nevertheless, the president, Mr. Romney and everyone else who is leading or wants to lead this great nation should take a serious moment to reflect on what happened and speak with one voice to the world. A voice that

would tell the world they cannot mercilessly kill an American ambassador without the leaders of America uniting and standing firm in our resolve.

I am as ready as anyone for this crazy election cycle to be over. However, regardless of who sits in the chair of the Oval Office, we, the American public, must be able to acknowledge a major event like the murder of Ambassador Stevens and demand appropriate action.

The last bite….

Courtney and I are in the Dominican Republic, and I am writing this from the comfort of a lounge chair, salty ocean breeze and linen. The wait staff has been quietly supportive of my attempt to relax and has been very attentive to my drinking glass. It hasn’t been empty yet! The first drink I had completely summed up the entire atmosphere here. It was a mango margarita served in a sugar-rimmed glass. The frozen concoction had mango pulp

floating in it, and when I closed my eyes I could almost taste the tropics. I give drinks made of the tropics, served by locals and never empty, 5 out of 5 crumbs.

Buddy Boe, a resident of Garyville, owns a public relations and program management company and is well known on the local political (and food) scenes. His column appears Wednesdays in L’Observateur.