I agree. I served in South Africa, and it was nothing near a vacation. Of course, there was time off to enjoy the local culture and country, however the majority of my time was spent working with teachers and the community looking for solutions to some of their most difficult problems. It was an awesome exchange of ideas, culture, friendship. I also did not recieve anything near the $10000 a year he suggested. The small amount that volunteers receive is a "living allowance", not a salary! I cannot see a better way to spend the government's money -- both for the US, and those in the host countries. I started to also suggest that Mr. Rice serve in the Peace Corps, but I would rather he not -- it seems he would do more harm than good.