The Hill: Senate should not confirm Gayle Smith
Alemayehu G. Mariam, professor of political science at California State University, San Bernardino, and a constitutional lawyer

“…Obama has tapped Gayle Smith to run the U.S. Agency for International Development. African strongmen will be very pleased by the news; but she is the wrong choice for the job. … Smith will oversee the administration of billions of dollars in U.S. aid to Africa if confirmed. Her long and chummy relationship with Africa’s strongmen will make her a weak advocate of human rights, the rule of law, and good governance on the continent. … Obama is requesting the Senate’s advice and consent. The Senate should withhold consent and advise the president to send a nominee who is on the right side of history, the rule of law, and democracy. For Africa, Senate confirmation of Smith at this moment will be the equivalent of moving the clock of history backwards” (5/12).