Voinovich "Dear Colleague" letter re: Bolton

[swag]

via www.thewashingtonnote.com

. . .

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 -- 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

[ChiciB1]

1. Guess He's Going To Vote NO!

I think we'll only need six more! That was a GREAT letter from a
Repuke! Give credit where credit is due!

[swag]

2. I think he is tired of being bullied by the amateurs in White House and

OEOB.

And he seems to have integrity and an interest in doing the job his constituents sent him there to do.

[ChiciB1]

3. Can One Hope That The Tide Is Really Turning??

I've been waiting for so long for SOMEONE to WAKE UP! I know we're not there yet, but I sense some change.

There are those who are getting pretty fed up who weren't before.

Now all we have to do is get our Dems to put some real pressure on them in some way. More are speaking out, so a little progress is better than the "MUM" we've seen for so long!

I listened to Conyers on Air America today and was very impressed. He's been great and keeping the heat on!

[LightningFlash]

4. I think the fallout is just exploding now.....n.t

[ChiciB1]

5. Can't Come Soon Enough!!!!!!!!!

I'm so sick of them that even puking doesn't do it anymore!