More on the Bolton Nomination

Media outlets are expressing their opinions on the Bolton nomination to be US Ambassador to the scandal plagued UN. There are eight media outlets that I will comment on and provide links to.

USAToday is not at all happy about this nomination. They seem to think that Bolton may not be "sensitive" enough for this position.

"Maybe so. But President Bush's nomination of the self-described bomb thrower to the sensitive diplomatic post raises new doubts about his administration's second-term commitment to repairing international alliances."

The New York Times goes off on a rant, as one mught expext. In their editorial, 'The World According to Bolton', they proceed to whine about Bolton's tough rhetoric. And seems as their habit over the last few years, they conclude by mocking the Bush Administration.

We certainly look forward to Mr. Bolton's confirmation hearings, and, after that, his performance at the United Nations, where he will undoubtedly do a fine job continuing the Bush administration's charm offensive with the rest of the world.

Which leaves us wondering what Mr. Bush's next nomination will be. Donald Rumsfeld to negotiate a new set of Geneva Conventions? Martha Stewart to run the Securities and Exchange Commission? Kenneth Lay for energy secretary?

New York Newsday comes out directly and prints; Bad choice for UN, Senate should reject Bolton. Newsday says:

"There never has been much love lost between the Bush administration and the United Nations. Relations have been chilly at the best of times. But for President George W. Bush to select John Bolton as the next U.S. Ambassador to the UN is an egregious slap in the face of the world body. It would be hard to imagine a more inappropriate choice."

Perhaps it is time some one did give the corrupt, scandal plagued UN a slap in the face, it might do some good.

The Baltimore Sun calls this 'Lightning-rod diplomacy'. The appear to be concerned over this: "" The Algerian ambassador to the United Nations said Mr. Bolton was inclined "to throw rhetorical grenades," a reputation the nominee unapologetically embraces by keeping a bronzed hand grenade in his office." They conclude with this:

"If confirmed, Mr. Bolton should be vigilantly careful of his utterances on the world stage. Balancing thoughtful restraint and necessary bluntness will help him negotiate a body known for massive bureaucracy and large egos. Becoming skilled in the art of cooperation and equanimity, and losing his well-honed confrontational ways, would also better serve the United States' interests"

Sounds like to this Sailor that the Sun wants Bolton to suck up to the UN.

The Boston Globe is very concerned that Bolton is No friend of the UN. Of course I suppose that it never occurred to the Globe, that just maybe the UN is ~gasp~ no friend of the US.

The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review calls The Bolton nomination: A Paine 'diplomatist'. The Tribune-Review goes on to say:

"Bolton is the straightest of straight-talkers. He called Kim Jong Il a "tyrannical dictator" whose rule has resulted in "a hellish nightmare" for the North Korean people. He took China to task for allowing the sale of missile technology to rogue states. And he has been a consistent critic of the United Nations, a broken and corrupt organization."

The Washington Times editorial calls the Bolton Appointment a good one. The editorial concludes with:

This is a debate the administration should welcome. U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan no doubt sat up straight on word of the Bolton nomination, maybe even as straight as some of the dictators and kleptocrats in the General Assembly. With a certain understatement, Miss Rice announced the appointment with the assurance that "He will be a strong voice for reform." We agree.

The New York Post calls the Bolton nomination A Lightening Bolt(on) at the U.N. The Post sees this as:

"Bolton, now the administration's arms-control expert, brings a distinguished record to the ambassador's job — albeit one the media are labeling "hard-line."

His selection also signals that while President Bush means to repair America's relationship with the international community, he will not do so on bended knee or by compromising his principles."

Considering all the whining and gnashing of teeth by the left and their media outlets, this Sailor is very convinced that Bolton is exactly the medicine the UN needs. - Sailor