John Bolton out

[yeartolate]

Yeah, Daddy Bush would be great at this job,
but as you said he deserves to pick 'n choose
his activites now 'n shouldn't have to clean up
Baby's mess at this age.

 

[richiebaseball]

Nice to see you're back.

I haven't been anywhere.

 

[DawnCt1]

I love Lincoln Chaffe's quote about Bolton when he killed the consideration of Bolton by the current Senate. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1565738,00.html

lincoln chaffe is the ultimate rino. he barely hung onto his senate seat even as a rino and no one can possibly take him seriously.

 

[wvrevy]

Here's a wild thought...maybe now we can get someone into the top diplomatic position in the government that actually knows the meaning of the word "diplomacy". Bolton came off as one of the idiots that thought the word a synonym for "appeasement", which should have been enough to disqualify him from the position in the first place (if only the idiot in the white house didn't agree with him).

And yes...anyone as "gung ho" as some of the people here would have gained a whole lot of credibility had they at least served. It's awfully easy to advocate "shock and awe" from behind your keyboard. A little tougher when it is you or yours in harm's way.

 

[DawnCt1]

Here's a wild thought...maybe now we can get someone into the top diplomatic position in the government that actually knows the meaning of the word "diplomacy". Bolton came off as one of the idiots that thought the word a synonym for "appeasement", which should have been enough to disqualify him from the position in the first place (if only the idiot in the white house didn't agree with him).

And yes...anyone as "gung ho" as some of the people here would have gained a whole lot of credibility had they at least served. It's awfully easy to advocate "shock and awe" from behind your keyboard. A little tougher when it is you or yours in harm's way.

considering that he was the first to refer to darfur as genocide, brought the issue of iran and n.korea to the table and made the un actually consider those issues, he did quite well. the only thing that i wished he had suggested and failed to do so was to withdraw the us from that worthless organization altogether.

 

[DawnCt1]

And yes...anyone as "gung ho" as some of the people here would have gained a whole lot of credibility had they at least served. It's awfully easy to advocate "shock and awe" from behind your keyboard. A little tougher when it is you or yours in harm's way.

AND HOW DID I NOT RESPOND TO THAT QUOTE??? ds did serve....twice, in kuwait and in iraq. furthermore he is still serving. he could retire any time. heck, he could have retired 7 years ago. so yes, he has been in "harms way", anticipates being there again. so we do have "credibility".

 

[Mugg Mann]

Is it John Bolton or President Bush that you don't believe is polarizing? Or both?

Hi Dawn. I'm still waiting for you to respond to this.

 

[DawnCt1]

Hi Dawn. I'm still waiting for you to respond to this.

neither. it is those who are still agonizing over the 2000 and 2004 election who are polarizing.

 

[wvrevy]

It would take someone that truly was a moron to not call Darfur a genocide, but you'll notice neither he or the chimp-in-chief recommend actually doing something about it. As for "the problems of Iran and North Korea", considering those were both largely problems of his boss' making, I don't think that's much of an accomplishment. Besides, bringing up the problem is something anyone can do. Accomplishing something towards a solution takes a diplomat.

As for your credibility, Dawn...yes, in my view, your opinion carries more weight when arguing for continued violence than does the view of certain other posters. That doesn't mean that your "argument" makes more sense than anything else, but it does give you the moral highground over people arguing for somebody else's kids to go and get shot at.

 

[LuvDuke]

Did anyone else enjoy the sight of Bush blaming Bolton's demise on Congress's stubborness? Doesn't his party control Congress? Is he actually complaining about "1 party gridlock"? Somebody check his liquor cabinet, please.

 

[LuvDuke]

There you go being incoherent again.

Let's get this straight, are you suggesting that only those that have combat experience have the moral authority to counsel military action? Doesn't making the decision to go to war require the same background and judgement as making the decision not to go to war? Are you advocating only combat veterans can be President? Senators? Congressmen? Are you advocating that only those that have served can have an opinion on war? Or only a pro-war opinion?

Or do you just continue to use it as a cheap slur?

It's a slap at all the chickenhawks who love this war and talk up a great war, but aren't willing to fight in it ......... or pay for it. That's the 101st keyboard division.

 

[DawnCt1]

Did anyone else enjoy the sight of Bush blaming Bolton's demise on Congress's stubborness? Doesn't his party control Congress? Is he actually complaining about "1 party gridlock"? Somebody check his liquor cabinet, please.

that is exactly what it was. he couldn't get the bill out of committee for an up or down vote before the senate. that is as plain as day. with rinos like lincoln chaffe, there was more of it to come. so john bolton decided that it wasn't worth it, not the prez. unfortunate for the country.

 

[eclectics]

considering that he was the first to refer to darfur as genocide, brought the issue of iran and n.korea to the table and made the un actually consider those issues, he did quite well. the only thing that i wished he had suggested and failed to do so was to withdraw the us from that worthless organization altogether.

Funny, but when the Iraqi invasion is discussed, Saddam's non-compliance with UN resolutions seemed to be quite important to you folks. Seems to me the UN can be quite the "worthy organization" but only when it suits you.

 

[LuvDuke]

that is exactly what it was. he couldn't get the bill out of committee for an up or down vote before the senate. that is as plain as day. with rinos like lincoln chaffe, there was more of it to come. so john bolton decided that it wasn't worth it, not the prez. unfortunate for the country.

You are certainly entitled to your opinion as to why Bolton resigned. My opinion is he's another rat deserting the sinking ship and he sees subpeona time and he wants to preserve his rights as a private citizen and not as a government employee.

As far as Lincoln Chaffee being a "rino", his family has been Republican from way back. He didn't desert the Republican party. The Republican party deserted him.

Btw, what the hell does it say about the effectiveness of a party who control the House, the Senate, and the WH and are still stuck in gridlock? I call it incompetence. YMMV

 

[LuvDuke]

Funny, but when the Iraqi invasion is discussed, Saddam's non-compliance with UN resolutions seemed to be quite important to you folks. Seems to me the UN can be quite the "worthy organization" but only when it suits you.

Shoots right out of the saddle the talking point that 2900+ Americans died enforcing UN resolutions.

You can't make this stuff up.

 

[LuvDuke]

AND HOW DID I NOT RESPOND TO THAT QUOTE??? ds did serve....twice, in kuwait and in iraq. furthermore he is still serving. he could retire any time. heck, he could have retired 7 years ago. so yes, he has been in "harms way", anticipates being there again. so we do have "credibility".

I'll make myself clear: Disagreements aside, in my book you have a hell of a lot more credibility than the members of the 101st keyboard division.

 

[TheDoctor]

Here's some Senate reaction to the Bolton resignation:

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)

“President Bush has made the right decision in accepting Ambassador Bolton’s resignation. Hopefully this change marks a shift from the failed go-it-alone strategies that have left America less safe. President Bush should now nominate a UN Ambassador who is ready and willing to work with our allies around the world, and who understands the pressing need to change course in Iraq.”

Chris Dodd (D-CT)

“I’m glad to see the Bush Administration has decided not to press Mr. Bolton’s nomination any further. I would encourage the Administration to put forward an individual who believes in diplomacy and has strong bipartisan support.

“From day one, I’ve had reservations about Mr. Bolton. The most fundamental reservation is rewarding someone who has done serious harm in attempting to skew intelligence at the very time when our nation needs careful and accurate information and analysis. That’s what Mr. Bolton did when he attempted to intimidate two U.S. intelligence analysts. In addition, I don’t understand how someone who disdains the UN as much as Mr. Bolton did and does can be an effective representative for U.S. interests in that international organization. I would hope that the President would select from a wide bench of qualified career diplomats or political appointees who are committed to pursuing diplomacy to advance U.S. interests.

Joe Biden (D-DE)

“It is unfortunate that the White House continues its false claim that consideration of Mr. Bolton’s nomination was blocked by Senate Democrats. In fact, Mr. Bolton did not have the votes to secure the recommendation of the Foreign Relations Committee under Republican leadership. Last year, Mr. Bolton did not receive a vote in the full Senate, not because of opposition to him, but because the Administration refused to provide the Senate with documents directly relevant to his nomination. These included National Security Agency intercepts Mr. Bolton asked to see in order to learn the identity of American citizens referenced in the intercepts.

“The President now has an opportunity to nominate an ambassador who can garner strong bipartisan and international support and effectively represent the interests of the United States at the United Nations at a time of extraordinary international challenge. If the President nominates such a person, I look forward to scheduling hearings promptly in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”

Barbara Boxer (D-CA)

"With Ambassador John Bolton’s resignation, President Bush has an opportunity to signal positive change in America's foreign policy. This is a chance for America to once again become a true leader in the world community, setting the stage for peace and stability for generations to come."

John Kerry (D-MA)

“Like Secretary Rumsfeld’s departure, Ambassador Bolton’s resignation offers a chance to turn the page at a critical period. With the Middle East on the verge of chaos and the nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea increasing, we need a United Nations ambassador who has the full support of Congress and can help rally the international community to tackle the serious threats we face.

"This is an opportunity for the President to appoint a United Nations ambassador who enjoys the support necessary to unite our country and the world and who can put results ahead of ideology. There are many qualified candidates from across the political spectrum with the respect and experience necessary to be effective in this crucial post. The President should act quickly to nominate a United Nations Ambassador who can be confirmed with broad bipartisan support.”

Mary Landrieu (D-LA)

"With Ambassador Bolton's resignation today, I hope that we can now put to an end the divisive debate over his background and move forward with a nominee that represents the effective diplomacy needed to advance America's interests and foster better relationships around the world."

Patrick Leahy (D-VT)

“John Bolton has been a divisive figure and a cheerleader for the White House’s ‘stay the course’ approach to the disastrous war in Iraq. His legacy is part and parcel with the squandered opportunities, mismanagement and flawed policies that produced and that have worsened the debacle there.

Our past role as a leader and consensus-builder has been damaged, minimizing our ability to act on a wide variety of matters that are important to our interests and to our security around the world. We face a lengthening list of pressing issues that require careful, constructive and collaborative solutions, and it is time for a new voice and a new direction for us at the United Nations.”

 

[yeartolate]

neither. it is those who are still agonizing over the 2000 and 2004 election who are polarizing.

It is over. The problem is not who lost or won...it is a problem with what the winner is doing to this country. This

Dawn, if you are blind to the fact that even many of those in your own party are upset with his perdormance, you really have blinders on.

 

[TheDoctor]

 

[TheDoctor]

It's a slap at all the chickenhawks who love this war and talk up a great war, but aren't willing to fight in it ......... or pay for it. That's the 101st keyboard division.

Here is my favorite tribute to the 101st keyboard division.