CNN breaking: John Bolton to be nominated UN ambassador

[DeepModem Mom]

No link yet, on air. Richard Roth reports shock waves at UN, and some shudders.


Link:

Bush Selects Bolton As New U.N. Ambassador
By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer
Monday, March 7, 2005
(03-07) 08:36 PST WASHINGTON, (AP) --

President Bush intends to nominate Undersecretary of State John R. Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a government official said on Monday.

Bolton, who has served as Washington's top arms control official, would succeed former Sen. John Danforth, who retired in January.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice informed the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and the senior Democrat, Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, of the selection. She also notified U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, said a government official knowledgeable about the situation.

Bolton, 56, must be confirmed for the post, which is being filled temporarily by Anne Patterson, a career foreign service officer, who took over for Danforth.

Bolton's strong views have made him a controversial figure. North Korea was so incensed by his public denunciations of their nuclear weapons program that the Pyongyang government refused to negotiate with him and he was removed from the U.S. delegation to the now-dormant talks....

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/03/07/national/w082237S87.DTL

[bemildred]

1. "John Bolton"?????

Mr. Toupee?

http://rightweb.irc-online.org/ind/bolton/bolton.php

[DeepModem Mom]

3. Yep -- sorry, brain glitch.

[bemildred]

5. Get some popcorn, this is going to be very entertaining.

He had such success dealing with N. Korea.

[Bridget Burke]

8. Gosh, thanks for the link. Not only is he a PNAC'er...

At a 1994 panel discussion sponsored by the World Federalist Association, Bolton claimed, "There's no such thing as the United Nations," saying that ''If the U.N. secretary building in New York lost 10 stories, it wouldn't make a bit of difference.''

I remember when Republicans were old farts with too much money--not monsters. There may still be a few non-monster Republicans around, but they're an endangered species.

[PassingFair]

53. Wow, I have bookmarked that site.

What a wonderful place for info! Thank you bemildred.

[Minstrel Boy]

2. You mean John Bolton?

:scared:

[DeepModem Mom]

4. Yep. Sorry, brain glitch.

[KoKo]

God, they keep their friends close. Unbelievable.

Definite proof they are covering up all their crimes by forming the circle. I can't remember any other administration being this closed where they just move around their buddies from job to job not allowing any new blood from the party to come into their ranks. The fear must be overwhelming inside the "Monkey Palace."

[0007]

6. God help us!

[Junkdrawer]

7. In January, ABC had: "Hard-Line State Dept. Official to Quit -Sources"...

Jan 6, 2005 — By Carol Giacomo, Diplomatic Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Undersecretary of State John Bolton, a leading hard-liner on nuclear nonproliferation who has raised hackles among America's allies as well as its adversaries, is expected to quit the Bush administration, sources said on Thursday.

His departure may signal a shift in U.S. diplomacy to a less confrontational approach as President Bush begins a second term in which he has pledged to reach out to allies estranged by the Iraq War and other policies.

Bolton, an outspoken and controversial policymaker, often provoked strong negative reactions from European allies and was identified more with the sticks than the carrots of U.S. diplomacy when dealing with countries like North Korea and Iran.

He had hoped for a promotion in Bush's second term, perhaps to deputy secretary of state, but the word went out that U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick would get the No. 2 spot under Condoleezza Rice, the secretary of state designate.

.....

http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=390395

Guess not...

[Karenina]

9. EEEWWWWWWW!!!!

:puke: :puke: :puke:

[Chico Man]

10. John Bolton on the United Nations:

United Nations: "Moreover, many Republicans in Congress - and perhaps a majority - not only do not care about losing the General Assembly vote but actually see it as a "make my day" outcome. Indeed, once the vote is lost, and the adverse consequences predicted by the U.N.'s supporters begin to occur, this will simply provide further evidence to many why nothing more should be paid to the U.N. system." Washington Times, 10/24/98

At a 1994 panel discussion sponsored by the World Federalist Association Bolton claimed "there's no such thing as the United Nations," and stated ''if the UN secretary building in New York lost 10 stories, it wouldn't make a bit of difference.''

http://www.clw.org/bush/opposebolton.html

[struggle4progress]

60. Bush names a critic of U.N. to represent the United States there

By William Douglas and Warren P. Strobel
Knight Ridder Newspapers

<snip> "If the president is serious about reaching out to the world, why would he chose someone who has expressed such disdain for working with our allies?" said Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass. <snip>

"We need alliances, we need friends," Hagel said. "The United Nations is critical to that. At the same time, it needs reform. It needs reform badly. To go up there and kick the U.N. around doesn't get the job done." <snip>

http://www.realcities.com/mld/krwashington/11075297.htm



Bush names hard-liner as ambassador to UN

08.03.05
By Andrew Buncombe

<snip> The nomination of John Bolton, the under-secretary of state for arms control and international security, sends a clear and forceful message that Mr Bush remains more interested in getting his way at the UN than he is in diplomacy. <snip>

But critics of Mr Bolton, who has played an important role for Mr Bush in strengthening the alliance between the Christian right and the neo-conservatives, point out that he has previously condemned numerous international treaties and bodies including the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty and the International Criminal Court.

Last month, his fingerprints were on an ill-fated attempt to prevent the Egyptian head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohammed el Baradei, from serving a third term. <snip>

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=2&ObjectID=10114150

[alfredo]

11. this is bad news

He wants the US to wage war against all of Sharon's adversaries.

[daleo]

12. A PNAC signatory.

"Rebuilding America's Defenses" - a critical document to read for anyone who wants to understand events.

[Zorra]

25. Yes, what a surprise, huh?

It is very clear that the PNAC has taken over the government of the US and implemented its agenda for world empire.

[Walt Starr]

13. My gosh, every time someboyd is a total screwup in this administration

they get a medal or a promotion!

[atreides1]

14. Same old thing

Fuck up and move up, an old army adage. Seems to be the mantra of the Bush administration and the Republicans

[Straight Shooter]

15. I'm shuddering. "Controversial figure"? That's putting it mildly.

Good lord, will this nightmare never end?

[leftchick]

16. Lots on the PNAC Insane AND inept Bolton here...

http://search.atomz.com/search/?sp-a=sp1002c8b7&sp-t=search&sp-f=iso-8859-1&sp-x-10=year&sp-q-10=2003&sp-q-required-10=0&sp-q=john+bolton

~snip~

September 18, 2003

Serious Charges


Mounting, costs soaring, and U.S. troops badly overstretched in Iraq, Washington may be about to open a whole new front in the war on terror.
In a Tuesday Senate subcommittee hearing, Undersecretary of State for Arms Control, John Bolton said Syria is developing weapons of mass destruction, has allowed militants to cross over into Iraq to attack U.S. troops, and supports groups the U.S. considers terrorists, Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad.

Bolton called Syria, among other countries, a "rogue nation," and said the Bush administration would not "rule out" using military force against Damascus. When asked by congressman Gary Ackerman if the administration had in mind "regime change" in Syria, Bolton didn't say no:

"Our preference is to solve these problems by peaceful and diplomatic means, but the President has also been very clear that we're not taking any options off the table."
Specifically Bolton charged that Syria's efforts to develop chemical, biological and nuclear weapons was creating an international security threat, and that Damascus has "one of the most advanced Arab-state chemical weapons capabilities." And, said Bolton, Syria has been less than helpful in the U.S. war on terror.
Washington has been racheting up the anti-Syria rhetoric for a while. Last week Donald Rumsfeld said that out of 200 foreign fighters arrested in Iraq, a large number of them have been from Syria and Lebanon.

[Bozita]

17. IIRC, he added Syria to the list of rogue nations during a visit to Israel

... a couple of years ago.

I seem to remember Ha'aretz (sp.) as the news source.

[Delphinus]

18. What's the rationale for this?

Bolton's strong views have made him a controversial figure. North Korea was so incensed by his public denunciations of their nuclear weapons program that the Pyongyang government refused to negotiate with him and he was removed from the U.S. delegation to the now-dormant talks....

Certainly would not be stepping off on a good foot, imho.

[Frederik]

19. Good choice

He'll fit in nicely over at the UN. /sarcasm off.

[Career Prole]

20. Link up now on Yahoo...

Bush Selects Bolton As New U.N. Ambassador

Same guy they picked to tell the world the Paris treaty (ICC) was being "unsigned" by shrubco.

[burythehatchet]

21. this line says it all...

"Bolton has defied the UN's very existence for most of his political career. He has made it plain that the U.S. government should not abide by any UN decisions that may prove inconvenient to the U.S. pursuit of its national interests."
http://www.fpif.org/commentary/2003/0302bolton_body.html

[punpirate]

22. Bush seems to admire...

... the process of inserting bulls in china shops. I can't think of anyone, immediately, who will generate more ill will in the UN in a shorter space of time than this idiot.

He's gonna make Jeane Kirkpatrick look like a paragon of civility and cordiality.

[saracat]

23. Wasn't this the post Clinton was hoping for?

[DeepModem Mom]

24. I think the speculation was that Clinton might someday replace Annan...

as head of the UN.

[AngryWhiteLiberal]

26. Not just any PNACer...former director of PNAC. World run by NUTS!!!!!!!!!

I guess Shrub wanted to send a signal to the rest of the world via the UN that the PNAC Charter WILL BE PUT INTO PLACE no matter what.

Nothing says, "fuck you world," like appointing Bolton to the UN post.

I'm so ashamed of my country, right now. We're headed head-long into a period of US fascist dominance and Xtian theocratic fervor, which I fear will ultimately lead to our downfall...just like the late Roman Empire. So, much for humans being able to learn from the past.

Beam me up, Scotty.

JB

[tinnypriv]

27. Bush 'to name hardliner for UN'

Bush 'to name hardliner for UN'
BBC News Online, 7 March 2005

President George W Bush will name Undersecretary of State John Bolton as his choice to be US ambassador to the United Nations, officials say.

Mr Bolton, currently the US top arms control official, is set to succeed John Danforth, who retired in January.

Mr Bolton has recently been involved in multilateral talks with North Korea over its nuclear programme.

The 56-year-old, known for his hawkish views, must be confirmed by the US Senate before he may take up the post.

(ends)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4326943.stm

[Obviousman]

28. well, we all know he's gonna be confirmed

[Must_B_Free]

29. IMHO, Michael Bolton would have been a better choice

[DeepModem Mom]

30. LOL! (But sadly true!)

[GiovanniC]

31. New Policy at UN: Time, Love and Tenderness

[fryguy]

33. I celebrate the guy's entire catalogue

n/t

[PassingFair]

54. Last time I heard a politician referred to as a "hardliner",

they was talkin bout RUSSKIE politicians. Now we have our own "hardliners". F***ing GREAT!

[daleo]

32. Will the U.S. withdraw from the U.N. soon?

It seems that naming what amounts to a sworn enemy of the U.N. as ambassador to that same body is a pretty good indication.

[DeepModem Mom]

34. 1:00 Eastern -- Condi on CNN live now, to talk about Bolton...

according to Daryn.

[Supersedeas]

43. Prof. Condi attaches the opposite labels to Bolton as if labels make it

true.

[hue]

35. Another "highly effective" WACKO!

We'd truly be better off scouting out the homeless under bridges and off park benches to fill these jobs than the lot Bush dredges from. :eyes:

[skeeters]

36. Hate Mongers For Peace

Of course they will nominate a Hate Monger. What else do they have.

And I'm sure their Religious base will give their hate cheers.

What exactly has the UN done to piss these neanderthals off. I mean besides being right about. Iraq.

The Bush Doctrine should be followed. Kill anyone that doesn't have nukes. And when you get them. No Problem.

Bush needs enemies to distract the Stupid.

[jdj]

55. they think the U.N. is the one world govt. that the bible refers to

as a sign of the end times. There's nothing like destroying a benevolent institution based on 2000 yr. old propaganda, is there?

[FlashHarry]

37. Bolton: "The End of North Korea."

I remember reading an interview with him. When the interviewer asked what his views were regarding North Korea, he simply pointed to a book on his desk entitled The End of North Korea.

Now, I'm no fan of Krazy Kim, but it strikes me that placing a guy like this at the head of our UN delegation––one that will have to deal with NK one way or another––is just asking for trouble.

[norml]

38. Dubya probably thought he was nominating Michael Bolton.

http://www.michaelbolton.com/

[The Backlash Cometh]

39. Shit. If there is any question that Bush is going for isolation, this is

it. That idiot still hasn't figured out that the global world can shut us down without firing one weapon. They're doing a great job of weakening us with economic warfare. The sad thing is, that Bush's people, like Carlyle, are probably benefitting from the chaos. We should research where they have their money, because any conflict of interest may be grounds for treason the further they bring this country down.

[bluedog]

40. *crap

* just assingned an outspoken, anti-UN member of PNAC to be our ambassador to the UN?

We may as well just withdraw from the UN until a more sensible administration is ready to be a part of the world community.
this is only going to breed trouble!

[pinto]

41. Reuters coverage here:

Bolton? Ugh...

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050307/pl_nm/bush_un_bolton_dc

[PST]

44. another republican hardliner who never served..

you'd think they'd run out of these chickenhawks sometime..

[oasis]

45. He's also a dyed-in-the-wool PNACer.

www.newamericancentury.org

[chookie]

42. Remember his statement about the West Nile outbreak?

Bolton claimed that Fidel Castro had a flourishing bioterrorism program, which unleashed the disease upon the US. Presumably squadrons of communist mosquitos....

He wants to invade Cuba and Venezuela too.

I bet he can already feel the wind of rapid Senate confirmation rushing through his hair! Even though he's fucking BONKERS.

Bonkers. Poor judgement. A madman's madman.

I saw this coming, even though the fucking idiotic Washington Post commented that his "departure" from his previous post meant "moderation by the Bush administration in its second term." Presumably the idiot wrote it while receiving a blowjob from Karl Rove, who must be very talented in playing arpeggios on the ol' skin flute, because he sure gets what he wants.

I hope everyone is enjoying the Fourth Reich.

[Snivi Yllom]

46. AYYYY yiiii yiiiii

Between this and Bill Richardson praising * this is ending up as a pretty shitty Monday.

[President Kerry]

48. what'd bill say?

[NYC Liberal]

56. Bill said despite what we say about Bush,

we have to credit him with the "great successes" in the Middle East. And he said that we shouldn't even CONSIDER that the military purposefully shot at the Italians (because he's conducted a full investigation and all, ya know? :eyes:)

[ronnykmarshall]

47. Bush Nominates UN Critic Bolton as UN Envoy -- Yahoo News

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=615&e=1&u=/nm/20050307/pl_nm/bush_un_bolton_dc

Let's just piss off more people you asshole!

[DeepModem Mom]

49. Yet again, we could be reading a headline from The Onion --

but, alas, we're not.

[Trish1168]

50. So we can piss off 100% of the countries, and not just 95% of them

Its a way to build consensus!!

[Chicago Democrat]

51. A partisan Fire Breathing Non-Human HACK Wolf-like Animal

and that's its good points!

[420inTN]

52. Bush Nominates UN Critic Bolton as UN Envoy

From Reuters:

58 minutes ago
By Saul Hudson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush on Monday nominated John Bolton, a blunt long-time critic of the United Nations, as the new U.S. ambassador to the world body.

The decision surprised many U.N. diplomats and upset Democrats in Congress, who had hoped for a less contentious choice as the U.S. representative at a time of tense U.N.-Washington relations.

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, announcing the nomination at the State Department, said: "The president and I have asked John to do this work because he knows how to get things done. He is a tough-minded diplomat."

Bolton, 56, who has been undersecretary of state for arms control and international security since May 2001, has been a leading hawk against Iran and North Korea as the Bush administration sought to halt their nuclear weapons programs.

more, full story here

[susu369]

57. What fresh hell is this?

[mcscajun]

58. There are no depths to which the * administration will not sink

And this is Way, Way Deep.

I just saw the picture of Mr. Toupee -- but it's not the toupee that worries me.

Just what we need at the UN, somebody who shows absolutely no respect for the organization, and no concern about world opinion.

Why didn't we just hire a pie-throwing concern to individually assault every member of the UN on the same morning? This appointment has about is a huge slap in the face to all the representatives in the UN, and to the organization as a whole.

Way to go to mend those fences you've been burning down, Georgie.

[Rex]

59. Ugh! I hate his music!!!

ACK!

[chlamor]

61. Bolton is Eminently Qualified and Quite Capable

That's what makes him so fereakkin' scary. Qualified of course to run an asylum from the safety of his think tankian world. He and Wolfowitz are fantsizing about nukes in never-never land. Bolton is hyper nuclear trigger happy. This is bad news. I'm gonna say it-I knew it. He, Condilizard, Stephen Hadley and Negroponte. I will not use the term NEOCONS anymore it is too sanitized- PATHOLOGICAL MURDERERS- HOMICIDAL TECHNOCRATS.



The Resume:
Like many in the Bush administration, Bolton's first campaign experience came during Barry Goldwater's campaign, for which he volunteered in high school. He went on to be editor-in-chief of the Yale Conservative and a four-year member of the Yale Young Republicans.  As one friend points out, Bolton's experience as a conservative at a liberal college prepared him well for his role at the State Department, "Bolton was at Yale in the late 1960s.  How different can that be from the State Department today?"

<snip>

Like many in the Bush administration, Bolton's first campaign experience came during Barry Goldwater's campaign, for which he volunteered in high school. He went on to be editor-in-chief of the Yale Conservative and a four-year member of the Yale Young Republicans.  As one friend points out, Bolton's experience as a conservative at a liberal college prepared him well for his role at the State Department, "Bolton was at Yale in the late 1960s.  How different can that be from the State Department today?"

<snip>

Indeed, Bolton has no lack of detractors. However, for every progressive detractor of Bolton's there is a conservative supporter. Daryll Kimball of the Arms Control Association has said that "Bolton has confused having a name-calling strategy with having an effecting non-proliferation strategy." AEI colleague Christopher DeMuth though, tosses it up to the fact that "He is very plainspoken for a diplomat.  He's working in a world where the custom is to cover things in euphemism and indirection." 

Though many on the left of the aisle do not agree with his views, few can claim him as incompetent. Indeed, Bolton has been effective: in his first one-and-a half years in office the U.S. pulled out of the Anti-Ballistic Missile treaty with Russia, scuttled a protocol to the biological-weapons ban, ousted the head of the organization that oversees the chemical-weapons treaty, watered down an accord on small-arms trafficking and refused to submit the nuclear test-ban treaty for Senate ratification. 

At this point it is clear that the world Bolton has left us four years later is one that is more dangerous. He can only do more damage from a position of greater power.

http://www.americanprogress.org/site/pp.asp?c=biJRJ8OVF&b=252671

http://rightweb.irc-online.org/ind/bolton/bolton.php