Posted on 05/25/2005 4:01:46 PM PDT by beaversmom
Every once in a while there is a profile in courage on Capitol Hill.
This phenomenon doesn't happen very often and, in fact, is rarer than ever these days because lawmakers fear -- as do many reporters -- that they will be called "unpatriotic" if they challenge the White House in wartime.
A politician who splits with his own party on a point of principle may suffer ostracism and retaliation for standing up against the president. That's why it is easier for lawmakers to go along to get along.
In my book, Republican Sen. George Voinovich, a former governor of Ohio, is a courageous legislator for opposing the nomination of John Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He concluded that Bolton is not the man for the job and urged his fellow senators earlier this week to reject the nominee.
Bolton would be a "controversial and ineffective ambassador to the United Nations," Voinovich wrote his colleagues.
What a sham that appointment is. Bolton has shown his contempt for the U.N. and for any of the nations that disagree with his right-wing ideology. He once said there should be only one member of the U.N. Security Council -- the United States -- and that it would be all right with him if a few stories of the U.N. headquarters building were toppled.
It's difficult to imagine Bolton as a diplomat, trying to build consensus, working with opponents to solve problems by finding common grounds and earning their respect. He comes off as a thundering, pompous bully-boy, scornful of anyone who doesn't kiss his ring.
He has served in top positions in the Justice Department and State Department, and his detractors from those workplaces are legion, painting a portrait of a headstrong loudmouth, unsuited for a job that requires diplomacy and some finesse.
Troubled by what he has learned about Bolton's past, Voinovich has said that sending Bolton to the U.N. would subvert administration's stated goal of trying to win back friends and allies who have drifted beyond the U.S.' orbit because of the Bush administration's unilateralism and arrogance.
"John Bolton is the poster child of what someone in the diplomatic corps should not be," Voinovich said. "His confirmation will tell the world we are not dedicated to repairing our relationships ... but that we believe only someone with sharp elbows can deal properly with the international community," he added.
Voinovich faced tremendous pressure from the White House, including personal calls from Bush and his top aides, to change his mind and support Bolton. But he stood his ground.
It could cost him politically with his own Republican party or by losing federal funds for a pet project in Ohio. That's how it works.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has acknowledged that Bolton has some problems. He would be "closely supervised," Rice said, in an effort to reassure senators that she intended to keep a tight rein on her U.N. ambassador.
This is hardly a vote of confidence in John Bolton.
A vote on Bolton on the Senate floor is expected soon, possibly by the end of the week.
The White House is standing by the Bolton nomination. Senate Republicans are expected to rally around the nomination and, because they are in the majority, Bolton is likely to win confirmation.
But one GOP senator will stand out in the chamber -- Sen. George Voinovich who had the courage to go against his crowd.
Would that the president had the courage to admit a mistake and withdraw the Bolton nomination.
That will be the day.
(Helen Thomas can be reached at the e-mail address hthomas@hearstdc.com).
Beware what you wish for! When that tub o' lard hits hell, the infernal temperature will go up 10 degrees and contribute to global warming.
The difference...
Zell Miller was mean, angry, hateful, and a bad boy.
George cried. So he's ok.
Maybe he was cying for the hundreds of teenage girls raped by UN Peace keeping troops in Africa. How are those Courts Martials going by the way?
Zell Miller is strong American patriot. Voinobitch is a linguini spined, limp wristed, pandering pussbag to the MSM. He was jealous of all the press attention the judicial sellout RINO 'mavericks' have been getting.
Somebody needs to start taking attendance around there.
Yes, cost him...as in the Democrats taking back the seat? Why do people get so upset because somebody takes a stand. At least somebody has some convictions.
A constructive comment... I'm sure the good senator is shaking right now over you calling him limp-wristed. And, if you want to go that route, why not go all the way, rather than mere insinuations.
Give them back the seat. There is no use in being in the majority if you act like the minority. Also he was grandstanding for a little love from the MSM.
I'm sure she's written numerous similar praises for Democrats who deviate occasionally to conservative positions, like Zell Miller. Right?
Right?
She must enjoy the disturbed look on the faces of the people she spooks on a daily basis.
Thankfully she will be pushing up daisies very soon.
I guess Aldrich Ames and Benedict Arnold had a lot of courage too.
Voinovich ought to pay. And so should the other seven.
I think this guy is unbalanced period. How would you like to have a 'Voinovich' at the UN?...
Voinobitch at the UN is about as intimidating as France.
What stand did he take? A stand against those who will defend their country against the tyrants and collaborators at the U.N.? Sure... Quisling and Petain and Quisling took stands.. with the enemies of their country!
And when did appeasement become a "conviction"?
Welcome to Free Republic.5/24/05
You joined yesterday to defend Voinovich? What convictions are you talking about? He couldn't explain himself while he rambled on about his grandchildren between the tears. He never bothered to show up for the hearings.
I'm from Ohio and very familiar with George Voinovich. You don't get to be mayor of Cleveland without support from the Dems. This is probably a case of favors owed and repaid.
Hmmm... Will we see a similar kissy-face story about Joe Lieberman or any other Democrat who might 'defy his party' and vote FOR Bolton?
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