In message <5059E1B4.6030507@elabnet.de>, at 17:16:04 on Wed, 19 Sep 2012, Michael Markstaller <mm@elabnet.de> remarked:
I still havent understood, why the author of this braindead letter is quoted as "ambassador" (ambassador for whom or what??)
In the USA many official titles are entitled to be kept after a person has left office (in this case formerly the US Ambassador to the UN). This includes persons appointed by the President or the US Senate, or elected to public office. Ambassador Wallace was appointed by President George Bush, who also retains his title despite leaving office. In the UK this style is less common, but can include retired army Colonels and Professors (and members of the Privy Council are "The Rt Hon" for life). Perhaps there is some etiquette like that in Germany also? -- Roland Perry