Hutchison: Tillerson the right choice to lead State Department

American foreign policy has always promoted American investment and commerce abroad. America’s national security benefits from strong global commercial relationships.  Building those relationships is essential to the State Department’s mission.

{mosads}Rex Tillerson is an excellent choice for secretary of state. He is one of our most successful international business leaders and will strengthen America’s strategic relationships throughout the world.

He may be breaking the mold for secretary of state because he doesn’t come from academia or government, but Rex’s business experience is an asset that prepares him well for the job at hand.

Rex has negotiated with governments around the world. He understands what’s important for American business and what’s important for every country where he has done business.  He understands what they need and what they can do with and for the United States.

Businesses that work internationally often turn to the local outpost of the State Department for help. This is particularly important in countries where the rule of law and the political infrastructure are weak. Our embassies are on the front lines of efforts to open new markets and opportunities for American entrepreneurs.

Nations and businesses need economic and political stability, and it’s in our best interest to promote the conditions that foster prosperity. It’s good for business, creates jobs at home, and it furthers America’s national security.

Rex knows that what’s good for American business is also good for other countries – it’s a win-win. America First helps the world as well as the United States.

As the former CEO of Exxon Mobil, is also chosen an exemplar of what has made America exceptional. His life story embodies the American Dream. 

He grew up in the small town of Wichita Falls where his father was district director of the Boy Scouts.  From the earliest age, he learned the Scout values to be trustworthy, loyal, courteous, kind, thrifty and brave.  He went on to The University of Texas in Austin, where he earned a degree in engineering while playing in the acclaimed Longhorn Band.  These experiences prepared him for his first job, at Exxon, and to eventually lead the company.

Even after climbing to the paramount position at one of the greatest enterprises in the world, Rex remembered how he got there and where he came from. He has continued to support the Boy Scouts of America and their work in preparing young men to be good citizens.

Rex Tillerson takes his civic responsibilities seriously. He was not too busy when called to serve on jury duty. He was selected on the case of a young woman who accused her mom’s boyfriend of sexual abuse. When it seemed the jury would be hung, he used his negotiating skills to thoughtfully, carefully and humbly walk his fellow jurors through the facts of the case and the standards of our legal system. As a result of his leadership, the jury came together and brought justice to a troubled young girl. Afterwards, he donated to the non-profit that supported the girl with counseling and legal help.

We need a secretary of state with solid character, integrity, leadership and experience.

Rex Tillerson has what it takes on all counts.

Kay Bailey Hutchison served as U.S. senator from Texas from 1993-2013.

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