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Following protocol is an important part of international relations. Sometimes the steps taken seem out of place.

Here’s one instance that comes to mind.

My in-laws came to Atlanta to visit, and we took them to the Carter Center (they adored Carter in the past...). At the center they had a table set up with china, glasses, silver, flowers, napkins... everything duplicated so that the public could see an example of a place setting during the Carter Administration.

My mother-in-law, a Southern Baptist, was shocked to see all of the glasses on the table and asked about them. I pointed out the sherry glasses, water glasses, wine glasses and champagne glasses. My mother-in-law was SHOCKED!

She said, “But, the Carters are Baptists! They don’t drink.”

Out of respect for my mother-in-law, I didn’t explain.

The Carters had guests from all over the world. While catering to such prominent guests, you offer them everything that they could desire (within reason). It is protocol, and it is just good manners.

So, the Carters would have offered wine and champagne with their guests. Not wanting to ruin my mother-in-laws wistful allegiance for the Carters, I’ve never explained further.