Why isn't John Bolton's head being called for, on a pike?

[EFerrari]

John Bolton, who has never had a diplomatic moment in his life, should be held responsible for failing to use the influence of the United States to contain, diffuse and better the I/P situation.

Don't mistake me. I think I have a good grasp of how and why someone like John Bolton is our voice at the U.N. Yes, I've heard of PNAC. But there are questions worth raising -- that most people can hear.

Why were thousands of American citizens caught by surprise in a war zone? Again, Bush appointees fail miserably to protect American citizens, let alone, fail to utilize American influence to diffuse a life threatening crisis. Isn't that their first task? To protect us?

On the contrary, like an addict, the Bush administration seems to thrive on confrontation and crisis. And the hell with the people on the ground. 9/11, Katrina, now this. And these people ran on security?

If I were Nancy Pelosi or Harry Reid, I'd be raising hell about John Bolton TODAY. Because he is yet another miserable Bush failure that seems to have no grasp of his job description, nor any grasp of the consequences to real people of his dereliction. How many days has this war been on and how many Americans are still caught in a war zone?

When did Bush know Israel would move and when did he know it? And when did John Bolton know it? Why were there no measures taken to protect, at a minimum, Americans abroad?

A minimum. Because in a different world, in the world I grew up in, our statesmen would have been working around the clock to avoid the carnage we are witnessing today.

If the Bush administration is any measure, this is a different world. This is a world where Americans no longer can trust their government to fulfill the basic responsibility of any government: to protect the people. Forget making the global community better. They let us drown on our own porches.

You can't argue that Bush sanctioned this action AND that his government was caught off guard AT THE SAME TIME.

So, did Junior okay this action and the hell with Americans in Lebanon or was he caught flatfooted again?

So many questions. So little responsibility. So many Republicans in power.

[blonndee]

1. Bush ALWAYS appoints unqualified people.

I honestly think, at this point, that they ARE trying to destroy American government as we know it. Not only that, they're trying to destroy AMERICA as we know it.

I think they have some sort of utopian "Atlas Shrugged" idea about the whole thing, and I'm not kidding.

Funny, second time I've mentioned that piece of crap book tonight.

[Canuckistanian]

7. That's the best answer I could come up with, too

It's almost like, "Who could I appoint to this sensitive, special position who could do the most damage to either domestic or international policy?".

And the answer, almost invariably, is, "This guy (and it's almost always a white guy). Look at this dismal record! He's perfect!"

[EFerrari]

10. That record needs to be challenged.

Every day.

[Canuckistanian]

18. Damn right it does

And anybody who DOES do that gets my respect.

[madeline_con]

12. Since you mentioned it ...

Their "utopian "Atlas Shrugged" idea about the whole thing" seems to be visible only to themselves, a select few who meet in some twisted, smoke-filled Star Chamber where Pinky and The Brain would feel right at home.

(sorry for all the allusions, but they work here) :blush:

[EFerrari]

16. I studied the Star Chamber from 1547 to 1640.

They were never this incompetent. Brutal, yes. Incompetent, no.

[blonndee]

17. LOL Totally

One of my professors, in a Cultural Studies class (English Lit/Theory) cautioned us against attributing everything to "a bunch of rich men sitting in a bunker plotting" but I have to admit in this case, it does seem to be a likely scenario. ;)

[EFerrari]

19. I still know who paid that professor's salary.

LOL!

[blonndee]

22. HA! Ironically enough,

he's written articles/essays about the university's role in the capitalist status quo (a la Chomsky). I think he's a bit torn on the issue. :)

[EFerrari]

28. Being torn is a job requirement.

lol

:hi:

[blonndee]

30. LMFAO

You DO understand the academy! Freaking brilliant.

[EFerrari]

32. Berkeley, 94.

:rofl:

[Canuckistanian]

21. Your professor hasn't thoroughly studied Bushco yet

They'll have to rewrite the textbooks for this era.

[blonndee]

24. True. Actually, I do think he's reconsidering his position.

He's very anti-Bush, anti-corporate oligarchy/plutocracy. He actually was the chief editor of the Norton Anthology of Literary Criticism. He really is a dyed in the wool liberal. I just wish more of the "armchair Marxists" would get off their asses and become active politically. That's why I'm leaving academia after I get my MA. It's not enough.

[SlipperySlope]

2. The is no way to contain the situation...

The is no way to contain the situation without containing Hezbollah. Since Hezbollah isn't volunteering to listen to Washington, that only leaves force to resolve the situation. Fortunately, Israel is prepared to provide that force.

[Webster Green]

3. He's doing the job he was sent to do...

Stir shit up, create more chaos in the Middle East and pave the way to bomb Iran.

His time is up in January, but probably too late to save the planet.

[EFerrari]

8. We might stop second guessing -- it's hard -- and

just ask the question: Why can't Republicans manage the most basic tasks of governance?

Are they just stupid?

Lazy?

Greedy?

What part of "to protect and defend" do they not understand?

[babylonsister]

4. Because he's being lauded!

Today's wash post RW idiot column

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20...

From here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1681875

Why I'll Vote for Bolton
By George V. Voinovich
Thursday, July 20, 2006; Page A23

As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I have had the rare opportunity to witness firsthand how the diplomatic process works and, in some cases, how it fails. Recently, despite our nation's best efforts, the world -- and particularly the Middle East -- has become a more dangerous and volatile place.

(snip)
I believe Bolton has been tempered and focused on speaking for the administration. He has referred regularly to "my instructions" from Washington, while also displaying his own clear and strong grasp of the issues and the way forward within the Security Council. He has stood many times side by side with his colleagues from Japan, Britain, Canada and other countries, showing a commitment to cooperation within the United Nations.

Ambassador Bolton's appointment expires this fall when the Senate officially recesses. Should the president choose to renominate him, I cannot imagine a worse message to send to the terrorists -- and to other nations deciding whether to engage in this effort -- than to drag out a possible renomination process or even replace the person our president has entrusted to lead our nation at the United Nations at a time when we are working on these historic objectives.

For me or my colleagues in the Senate to now question a possible renomination would jeopardize our influence in the United Nations and encourage those who oppose the United States to make Bolton the issue, thereby undermining our policies and agenda. Should the president send his renomination to the Senate, I will vote to confirm him, and I call on my Democratic colleagues to keep in mind the current situation in the Middle East and the rest of the world should the Senate have an opportunity to vote. I do not believe the United States, at this dangerous time, can afford to have a U.N. ambassador who does not have Congress's full support.

For the good of our country, the United Nations and the free world, we must end any ambiguity about whether John Bolton speaks for the United States so that he can work to support our interests at the United Nations during this critical time.

Comment: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke: :puke:
Just when does this guy come up for re-election?

[EFerrari]

6. That's just crazy.

"For the good of our country, the United Nations and the free world, we must end any ambiguity about whether John Bolton speaks for the United States so that he can work to support our interests at the United Nations during this critical time."

[babylonsister]

14. Yep. Just absolutely crazy. Laugh, cry, what? nt

[EFerrari]

15. Hang in and outlast them.

That'll fix them.

:hi:

[TomInTib]

5. BAM!! So many great points made, sfextpat2000

Bolton be damned, and where were our contingency plans for our people?

And 'what did they know, and when did they know it' should be shouted - no, bellowed - from the rooftops.

Recommended, for sure.

[EFerrari]

9. It becomes mind numbing to just sit here and watch.

Used to be, the U.N. did some heavy lifting. And not just from one Bush crony pocket to another.

Where is our government when we need it? Why do we pay taxes?

:evilgrin:

[Poll_Blind]

11. High praise for John Bolton from Israel: Described as "sixth" Israeli...

...diplomat! Story:

Noting that just five diplomats worked in the busy Israeli U.N. Mission, he told the group: "Today the secret is out. We really are not just five diplomats. We are at least six including John Bolton.

:puke:



PB

[EFerrari]

13. Our so called "leaders" are insane. n/t

[Rex]

20. Are you kidding!?!?! Bolton is probably up for a promotion!

Think of how backwards-ass they do everything in the Executive Branch. Fuck up!?!?! Get a promotion!

[EFerrari]

25. I don't think most people have seen that.

And, when did this Bush pattern become an expectation that we just live with?!

I know he'll get a Congressional medal.

But, if I had a mic as Nancy and Harry do, I'd use it. Immediately. Why is he getting a check this month? He's failed to use American influence to protect Americans.

That's shameful. He should resign, immediately.

:evilgrin:

[Rex]

33. I agree and second that! George Bush - resign immediately!

It would be the best thing he could do as POTUS!

I'm still freaking out at the Bolton fish pic below. I LIKE fish...well did. :puke:

[EFerrari]

34. The fish is much the better part.

:shrug:

[Rex]

38. Gonna have nightmares at Lubys!

The fish or...ahhhh...the FISH it's ALIVE!!!!!

"Boltonfish SMASH!"

[Wonk]

23. Wonder what it would look like?

:+ Sometimes I feel the need to shout "theater" in a crowded fire.

[MGD]

26. That is the funniest thing I've seen all week. nt

[EFerrari]

27. Pike in all parts.

:toast:

[EFerrari]

29. Pike / Ted Hughes

Pike

Pike, three inches long, perfect
Pike in all parts, green tigering the gold.
Killers from the egg: the malevolent aged grin.
They dance on the surface among the flies.

Or move, stunned by their own grandeur,
Over a bed of emerald, silhouette
Of submarine delicacy and horror.
A hundred feet long in their world.

In ponds, under the heat-struck lily pads-
Gloom of their stillness:
Logged on last year's black leaves, watching upwards.
Or hung in an amber cavern of weeds

The jaws' hooked clamp and fangs
Not to be changed at this date:
A life subdued to its instrument;
The gills kneading quietly, and the pectorals.

Three we kept behind glass,
Jungled in weed: three inches, four,
And four and a half: red fry to them-
Suddenly there were two. Finally one

With a sag belly and the grin it was born with.
And indeed they spare nobody.
Two, six pounds each, over two feet long
High and dry and dead in the willow-herb-

One jammed past its gills down the other's gullet:
The outside eye stared: as a vice locks-
The same iron in this eye
Though its film shrank in death.

A pond I fished, fifty yards across,
Whose lilies and muscular tench
Had outlasted every visible stone
Of the monastery that planted them-

Stilled legendary depth:
It was as deep as England. It held
Pike too immense to stir, so immense and old
That past nightfall I dared not cast

But silently cast and fished
With the hair frozen on my head
For what might move, for what eye might move.
The still splashes on the dark pond,

Owls hushing the floating woods
Frail on my ear against the dream
Darkness beneath night's darkness had freed,
That rose slowly toward me, watching.

Ted Hughes

[thereismore]

31. Bolton's boss is a woman. He must be a sexist. She has no power over him.

[EFerrari]

35. Both are miserable failures.

We're stuck in two ground wars and now, our people are being shelled in Lebonon.

What's next?

[thereismore]

37. Shrub has unleashed something neither he nor his nominees can handle. nt

[EFerrari]

40. We need to get that leash back out. And maybe a crate or two. n/t

[Canuckistanian]

36. Condi? That's irony for ya

She must be forgiven, though. She's a True Believer™.

[EFerrari]

39. Link to the US UN proposed budget for 2005

http://www.unausa.org/site/pp.asp?c=fvKRI8MPJpF&b=328791&printmode=1



US Financial Contributions to the United Nations System:
Fiscal Year 2005 Request
February 2004

Overview

The Bush Administration released its Fiscal Year 2005 (October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2005) budget request in early February 2004. Over the course of this year, congressional committees will consider the details of the request and make recommendations to the House and Senate concerning the overall levels that ought to be appropriated later this fall. During this period, the Secretary of State and other Bush Administration officials will appear before the foreign relations and appropriations committees in both the House and the Senate to defend the budget request for international affairs programs, including United States assessed contributions to the United Nations regular budget and peacekeeping, and eleven specialized agencies as well as voluntary contributions to UN programs such as UNICEF and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In addition, this year the President is requesting that Congress approve a loan to the United Nations for the renovation of its headquarters complex in New York City.

(cut to the chase)

Total UN and MDB-Related Contributions Would Reach Almost $4 Billion

In the context of the budget request and subject to congressional approval, total US contributions to the organizations in the United Nations system and peacekeeping could total over $2.2 billion in FY2005. The principal components include: UN regular budget, $362.2 million; specialized agencies, $420 million; war crimes tribunals, $66 million; Capital Master Plan loan guarantee, $6 million; peacekeeping, $650 million; voluntary programs, approximately $700 million to organizations such as UNICEF, UNDP, UNHCR, and UNRWA, among others. With the inclusion of US commitments to the multilateral development banks, the total would increase to about $3.7 billion in FY2005.

* * *

THIS IS YOUR TAX MONEY.

We are paying John Bolton to put Americans and global security at risk.

[Pacifist Patriot]

41. A sure sign some kind of stupid ass Freedom Medal is headed his way.

[spanone]

42. Bolton has done what he was sent to do. Fuck up the world.

Remember Bolton was a fucking bush* recess appointment. NO ONE in Congress much liked this asshole, so bush* appointed him and now he represents our whole nation. bush* is the responsible party here. Bolton is doing the job his president sent him to do.

[Gregorian]

43. You have absolutely nailed it.

But Bush told the truth once. He's a war president. And he only makes money and power by making enemies.
You know they say that money can't buy you love. Well, love doesn't make money for Bush's friends.


And I think your post is right on the money. We must demand more than explanations. Congress must ask for results. Who the hell is this Bolton clown.

I'm running out the door, or this might be coherent.

Thanks.

[progressoid]

44. What are you smokin'? Bolton's gonna get the Medal of Freedom soon.

[Malikshah]

45. Because I feel sorry for the pike.

On the other hand, Bolton should be rounded up.

[mmonk]

46. What it all comes down to is that the neocons and the

third way really want him. Therefore, some in both parties in one way or another want him in. When you realize that we are ruled and the representative democracy part is in some ways limited, it's easier to understand.

[EFerrari]

48. In the days when we were still more or less a democracy,

Bolton would have offered to resign and Rice as well.

They wouldn't be in line to get a ribbon in front of a handpicked audience.

[struggle4progress]

47. Because it wouldn't make any difference if the top of Bolton fell off.

[EFerrari]

49. LOL!

:hi: