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July 24, 2006
Rare clarity from the Democrats
Last week, Ohio Republican George Voinovich spelled out the case for confirming UN Ambassador John Bolton for a permanent position this fall. Although Voinovich's article reads like a college reference letter ("he has demonstrated his ability, especially in recent months, to work with others and follow the president's lead by working multilaterally. In recent weeks I have watched him react to the challenges involving North Korea, Iran and now the Middle East, speaking on behalf of the United States"), his point was an important one: those purported "concerns" about Bolton's "interpersonal skills," "reputation for straying off message," and his "tendency to 'go it alone'" were, and are, nonsense. Voinovich also points out Bolton's confirmation would be "good for the country" because it would end "ambiguity" as to Bolton's standing, and his ability to speak for the U.S.
All this talk of the "good of the country" must've roiled Democrats; Yesterday Christopher Dodd promised a can of Senatorial whoop-ass in the event Bolton is nominated to a permanent spot. "This is going to be a bruising fight," he said, channeling Ted Kennedy. "The problems still persist. Many ambassadors at the U.N. feel he hasn't done a good job there."
For a moment let's look past the Dems' obstructionism because, honestly, what's left to say? The more significant point is one Dodd may not have intended to make: Democrats believe even the conduct of the US Ambassador is accountable to international approval. That is to say, as Bolton himself did last April, that the US is the only member of the UN that is expected to do anything other than advocate on its own behalf.
To borrow from Tony Snow: "Thanks, Senator Dodd, for articlulating the Syrian view."
(H/T: Gadsden Flag.)
Posted by bill at July 24, 2006 09:53 AM
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