Time Out for Hot Dogs

Out for my habitual gas station hot dog, around nine pm, I encountered a deserted station except the customer filling his tank and the power-wash crew just pulling in hard off a job.

The clerk kept busy tidying up, away from the register. We all approached the counter at the same time, giving her—Nepali? Indian?—mild anxiety. She wanted to serve us well, and quickly, and honestly.

But the gas register was over there. Card payment choices by the gas buyer presented complications. The three power-washers stepped up with their beverages at another register. It all seemed harrowing for the clerk on the late shift.

No worries. Slow down. Hey, I’m here to pay for gas. I’m here for a hot dog (mustard, banana peppers, relish, no onions tonight). We’re here to quench our thirst.

The customer struggling with gas payments remained supremely aware of the customers behind him. He had multiple options, additional payments that might save money in the moment, but none of them worked.

Ok, forget it. Let’s pay and move on.

He exited to gas up. The three washers waved me to step up and pay, got their beverages at another register. We were all good.

What struck me in the exchange was that all parties—the clerk, the gas-buyer, the power-washers, myself—none of us were in it for ourselves. We knew the night was young and America was ours. No political stress pitted us against our mutual interests: gas, hot dogs, beverages. A job.

Follow-up Encounter with a Diplomat

Totally out of character, I approached the gas buyer. I’m a writer, not a public figure. But I wanted to share my assessment of the moment, his agency moving his purchase along, the agreeable nature of the power-washers.

I’m glad I did. Without getting into detail, I conclude this.

I encouraged the gas customer to take the Foreign Service Officer Test. He is a true diplomat. This well-traveled man of international-heritage belongs among us representing America to the world. Inclusive, not divisive. Internationally experienced, domestically aware, eloquent, friendly, confident.

America: our diplomacy is retail. Do not cede it to some brutish authority. Recommend the best you meet in every circumstance. We are everybody. Diplomats are everywhere. Find them. Recommend them. Advocate for them.

Recruit.

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