Posted on 05/04/2005 8:53:47 PM PDT by quidnunc
Democrats, bureaucrats, retired diplomats, and a host of activists object to the nomination of Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John Bolton to the post of America's Ambassador to the United Nations. Superficially, the objections are based on claims that Bolton's temperament and professional demeanor are unsuitable for an ambassador. Bolton supporters claim the objections are not about personal matters, but about the policies that Bolton represents.
John Bolton has expressed definite views on the relationship most fundamental to foreign policy the relationship between power and security at a time when America's foreign policy elites share little consensus on this matter. The heart of Bolton's confirmation troubles lies in what, at one time, would have been considered his very conventional views. Bolton believes that the job of an American diplomat is to help America acquire and defend the elements of power that make it more secure, and that power is "grounded in a concrete agenda of protecting particular peoples and territories, defending open trade and commercial relations around the world, and advancing a commonality of interests with our allies".
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In the institutional view of foreign policy, the idea that the primary mission of a diplomat is to advance America's concrete interests the view held by Bolton is outdated. With the US already so far ahead of other nations by any significant measure of international power, increasing the American power advantage only marginally enhances American security, at best. Instead, a diplomat can be more effective in defending America's long term interests by acting as a conduit through which other nations can have a hand in managing America's power. The theory is that potential rivals are less likely to align themselves against power that they have some control over.
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"Instead, a diplomat can be more effective in defending America's long term interests by acting as a conduit through which other nations can have a hand in managing America's power. The theory is that potential rivals are less likely to align themselves against power that they have some control over."
Oh, I get it. If we turn control of our country over to someone else, then they won't be motivated to move against us - because they already have control.
Idiots!
I think Bolton has an image problem. The President nominating him is like saying f-you to the U.N. and to some extent the rest of the world. This is a bad time to be doing this. President Bush has enormous international problems to work on and he wants the U.N. available. The latest example is that we want the U.N. Security Council as a back-up against Iran's nuclear ambitions.
I think Bolton has an image problem"
Well, duh ... 6 weeks of MSM demonization and a concerted attack machine by the minions of George Soros & Co. will do that to ya ... nevertheless, the potshots are unfair and he is the perfect man to be our point man at the UN.
"This is a bad time to be doing this."
No better time than the present to tell the UN to shape up or ship out.
" President Bush has enormous international problems to work on"
... gee ya think?
... " and he wants the U.N. available."
... for what, more anti-american postering? talk and no action?
" The latest example is that we want the U.N. Security Council as a back-up against Iran's nuclear ambitions."
What 'backup'?!? The UN SC will do bupkis about it ... forthe simple reason than SC member Russia is actively aiding Iran, China doesnt mind us getting in hot water at all, and Europe gets the willies just thinking about showing some spine. bottom line, we dont *have* allies on the security council, we have a bunch of self-interested posturing diplomats who will say anything and do nothing.
The troll is still alive and kicking, and still posting his talking points.
Maybe you can hang out with liberal larry and pick up some tips on reasonable discourse.
ay = at
Bolton is the right man at the right time!!To Kofi Annan with love,
Bart
I haven't been following the Bolton story closely enough to comment much. I think I have no problem with his views or his abilities. I was disturbed to hear he had bullied analysts and tried to get them to change their positions...but later read that the MSM were only reporting half the story.
So you may be a liberal larry, but you're our liberal.
Here's my "deal" to Harry Ried and the Dems:
1. We nominate someone more to their liking.
2. Harry, the rest of the Dems (including their "new "ambassador),and the UN move to a European location more to my liking.
"Ried" should read "Reid". Or not.
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