Bolting on Bolton

[TexasTiger 13,028]

Letter From Senator Voinovich

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/24/politics...ext-letter.html?

May 23, 2005

Dear Colleague:

Throughout my time in the Senate, I have been hesitant to push my views on my colleagues. However, I feel compelled to share my deep concerns with the nomination of John Bolton to be Ambassador to the United Nations. I strongly feel that the importance of this nomination to our foreign policy requires us to set aside our partisan agenda and let our consciences and our shared commitment to our nation’s best interests guide us.

At a time when the United States strives to fight terrorism globally, to build a stable and free Iraq, to find a peaceful resolution to the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, to spread democracy in the place of oppressive regimes, and to enact needed reforms at the United Nations, it is imperative that we have the support of our friends and allies internationally. These strong international relationships must be built upon robust and effective public diplomacy.

I applaud our President for understanding this and for his leadership on U.S. public diplomacy. He and Secretary Rice have taken important steps to reach out to the international community and strengthen relationships. Additionally, I applaud the President’s decision to appoint Karen Hughes to enhance U.S. public diplomacy at the State Department, and recently to get even the First Lady involved in these important efforts to promote public diplomacy.

However, it is my concern that John Bolton’s nomination sends a negative message to the world community and contradicts the President’s efforts. In these dangerous times, we cannot afford to put at risk our nation’s ability to successfully wage and win the war on terror with a controversial and ineffective Ambassador to the United Nations. I worry that Mr. Bolton could make it more difficult for us to achieve the important U.N. reforms needed to restore the strength of the institution. I strongly believe that we need to reform the U.N., make it a viable institution for world security, and remove its anti-Israel bias. However, I question John Bolton’s ability to get this job done.

I know that you are very busy, but I would appreciate it if you would review my edited statement before the Foreign Relations Committee as to why I think we can do much better than John Bolton at the United Nations. In my closing words, I stated the following:

“Mr. Chairman, I am not so arrogant to think that I should impose my judgment and perspective of the U.S. position in the world community on the rest of my colleagues. We owe it to the President to give Mr. Bolton an up or down vote on the floor of the U.S. Senate. My hope is that, on a bipartisan basis, we send Mr. Bolton’s nomination to the floor without recommendation and let the Senate work its will. I would plead with my colleagues in the Senate, if this nomination gets to the floor, to consider the decision and its consequences carefully, to read all of the pertinent material, and to ask themselves several pertinent questions: Is John Bolton the best possible person to serve as the lead diplomat at the United Nations? Will he be able to pursue the needed reforms at the U.N., despite his damaged credibility? Will he share information with the right individuals and will he solicit information from the right individuals, including his subordinates, so that he can make the most informed decisions? Is he capable of advancing the President and Secretary of State’s efforts to advance our public diplomacy? Does he have the character, leadership, interpersonal skills, self discipline, common decency, and understanding of the chain of command to lead his team to victory? Will he recognize and seize opportunities to repair and strengthen relationships, promote peace, and uphold democracy -- as a team ú with our fellow nations?”

If you have any comments or questions in regard to my deep concerns about this appointment, I would welcome them.

Sincerely,

George V. Voinovich

United States Senate

[TrueBlue72 0]

Well, I know I'll never vote for Voinovich!!! Some people just don't have the guts to stand up for what is right and seek to say and do things that make their enemies feel secure and avoid any sort of threat. Voinovich sounds like that sort of politician!!! Its too bad that we have Republicans who won't stand up for the people who elected them, but there are those like Voinovich who would rather kiss up to their enemies than stand up for their constituents.

[TexasTiger 13,028]

Well, I know I'll never vote for Voinovich!!!  Some people just don't have the guts to stand up for what is right and seek to say and do things that make their enemies feel secure and avoid any sort of threat.  Voinovich sounds like that sort of politician!!!  Its too bad that we have Republicans who won't stand up for the people who elected them, but there are those like Voinovich who would rather kiss up to their enemies than stand up for their constituents.

161055[/snapback]

Actually, he sounds like one of the few politicians who will stand up for what he believes in the face of fanatical pressure not to. It's easy to support Bolton if your a Repub. There's no downside in it. He's rational and reasonable. Most of you guys don't know what to do with somone like that.

[AURaptor 1,126]

It's easy to support Bolton if your a Repub. There's no downside in it. He's rational and reasonable. Most of you guys don't know what to do with somone like that.

Umm, don't we? How about nominating him for the U.N. Ambassador's job. Voinovich is the clown who didn't seem it worth his while to sit in on any of Bolton's earlier confirmation meetings, but some how is suddenly cmpelled to make his views known now.

[TexasTiger 13,028]

It's easy to support Bolton if your a Repub. There's no downside in it. He's rational and reasonable. Most of you guys don't know what to do with somone like that.

Umm, don't we? How about nominating him for the U.N. Ambassador's job. Voinovich is the clown who didn't seem it worth his while to sit in on any of Bolton's earlier confirmation meetings, but some how is suddenly cmpelled to make his views known now.

161071[/snapback]

I'm sure he'd be a better choice.

[AURaptor 1,126]

Crying ? CRYING ? There's no crying on the Senate floor when nominating the Ambassador to the U.N.! That is, unless you're John Voinovich (R-Ohio). This wuss and lame excuse for a man was near tears and chocking up when fretting about how horrible it would be to have to vote for Bolton. PANSY! Good gravy, this guy needs his woobie, he's so broken up! Seems there are a few girlie men on the GOP side of the isle, at least in Ohio!

[Auburn85 432]

well his vote is being delayed.... what a surprise

[Piglet 0]

Good riddance to Bolton.

So why do you suppose Voinovich is breaking with the party on Bolton? If he was such a spineless wuss, wouldn't he just go along with the other Republicans? He was re-elected to a six year term just last year, so he's not pandering to voters. He's not taking money from some lobbying group that's dedicated to defeating Bolton.

Looks to me like maybe he just thinks it's the right thing to do.

[TexasTiger 13,028]

So why do you suppose Voinovich is breaking with the party on Bolton?  If he was such a spineless wuss, wouldn't he just go along with the other Republicans?  He was re-elected to a six year term just last year, so he's not pandering to voters. He's not taking money from some lobbying group that's dedicated to defeating Bolton.

Looks to me like maybe he just thinks it's the right thing to do.

161242[/snapback]

Don't confuse them with logic and reason. They hate those things worse than facts!

[Auburn85 432]

Just curious, but were there any other candidates? And in your opinion, who should be the ambasador ?

[TexasTiger 13,028]

Just curious, but were there any other candidates? And in your opinion, who should be the ambasador ?

161246[/snapback]

I'd take Richard Lugar. There are several qualified people.

[AUloggerhead 2,253]

Good riddance to Bolton.

So why do you suppose Voinovich is breaking with the party on Bolton?  If he was such a spineless wuss, wouldn't he just go along with the other Republicans?  He was re-elected to a six year term just last year, so he's not pandering to voters. He's not taking money from some lobbying group that's dedicated to defeating Bolton.

Looks to me like maybe he just thinks it's the right thing to do.

161242[/snapback]

I think Bolton will ultimately be confirmed. The sight of a grown man weeping on the floor of the Senate over the prospect of Bolton becoming UN ambassador is going to haunt Voinovich for the rest of his political life. I wouldn't be surprised if the people of Ohio demand his recall. It doesn't matter if you beleive he was pandering or not to voters or defying lobbyists' money. The man's job demands that he make persuasive speeches when it's his turn to talk. Instead, he starts blubbering over something that hasn't even happened yet. Were you impressed? I don't know how you received that shameful spectacle, but I thought it repugnant behavior for a US Senator -- regardless of party.

[TexasTiger 13,028]

Good riddance to Bolton.

So why do you suppose Voinovich is breaking with the party on Bolton?  If he was such a spineless wuss, wouldn't he just go along with the other Republicans?  He was re-elected to a six year term just last year, so he's not pandering to voters. He's not taking money from some lobbying group that's dedicated to defeating Bolton.

Looks to me like maybe he just thinks it's the right thing to do.

161242[/snapback]

I think Bolton will ultimately be confirmed. The sight of a grown man weeping on the floor of the Senate over the prospect of Bolton becoming UN ambassador is going to haunt Voinovich for the rest of his political life. I wouldn't be surprised if the people of Ohio demand his recall. It doesn't matter if you beleive he was pandering or not to voters or defying lobbyists' money. The man's job demands that he make persuasive speeches when it's his turn to talk. Instead, he starts blubbering over something that hasn't even happened yet. Were you impressed? I don't know how you received that shameful spectacle, but I thought it repugnant behavior for a US Senator -- regardless of party.

161270[/snapback]

I was surprise a bit, but I don't get too worked up over what I percieve to be a genuine expression of emotion about what our country needs as long as it is not too far over the top. I may not agree with the person's point of view, although that is not the problem in this case. We'll see what Ohioans do. I suspect the hardcore folks who worship Bush and who get a thrill out of of someone saying grossly undiplomatic things to those with whom they see as the "enemy" won't forgive them, but outside of this board, those folks are still in a minority.