The recent defection of Republican senator George Voinovich of Ohio has put in serious jeopardy the confirmation of John Bolton as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Though Voinovich is the only Republican to openly declare his opposition to Mr. Bolton, Republican senators Chaffee, Hagel, and Murkowski on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have expressed concern towards him as well. The concern from Republicans and the opposition of Democrats towards Bolton is based solely in his abrasive personality. Bolton has been known to be hostile towards those who disagree with him and he has never been known to have any apologies about his actions or viewpoints.
Originally the objection to Bolton was his hostility towards the UN, but since his views coincide with a large majority of the American peoples' perception of the UN Democrats have largely abandoned this argument. Now they have had to make hay out of his clashes with subordinates and colleagues within the State Department. However the fact that he has had many a conflict with others inside the State Department is really no surprise. Throughout the president's first term Bolton was the only one in the department to support the president's foreign policy, especially in regards to the Middle East. The worst kept secret in Washington was that the State Department opposed the president's agenda to reshape the Middle East, so the fact that Bolton didn't always get along with the personnel there doesn't leaving me scratching my head.
If Bolton's nomination is thwarted, on the basis that he is a tough boss, than it will be a disappointment to everyone who wants to see legitimate reform within the UN. Bolton's history of hostility towards the UN emphasizes the fact that he knows what's wrong with the world body and he knows what needs to be fixed. It is because of this that he is the ideal choice to represent the United States there and to lead the reform efforts.
Just as Nixon was the only one who could go to China, Bolton is the only one who can be trusted to go to the UN.
Voino's my Senator...and he's making me mad. This is just ridiculous, and I think it's all political. He's trying to solidify his stance with moderate Ohio voters.
ReplyDeleteJohn Bolton is the right choice for the UN, and he needs to be confirmed immediatly.
Ohians need to write their senator and urge him to reconsider his stance.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, it seems many Ohio Republicans are doing exactly that.
ReplyDeleteI've still gotta write mine too.
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ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Kim
Bolton's distaste for all things U.N. aside...
ReplyDeleteYou forgot to mention that Bolton tried to get someone fired for discrediting a speech he was preparing on (non-existent) WMD in Cuba.
The fact is that Bolton's history is one of attempting to dismiss several analysts who disagreed with his foreign policy perceptions. A diplomat's job is to gather information from many sources and make the best assessment. Bolton instead tried to eliminate sources that opposed his own views.
The nomination of Bolton to the U.N. is a reflection of Bush & Co.'s dismissive attitude toward the U.N.. I'm not the biggest fan of the U.N. at the moment. But I do believe in its purpose. There is no other world body capable of meeting the humanitarian needs of the globe. Putting someone with demonstrated contempt for the organization in a lead position is just silly.