Bolton resigns as U.N. ambassador

[Michael Z]

I don't think he was actually all that confrontational or hawkish as UN envoy... most of the controversy stemmed from remarks he had made prior to his appointment.

[Michael Z]

Not a cause for celebration in my view.

We need more UN-sceptics; too many people, particularly on my side of the Atlantic, have an idealised view the United Nations as some sort of global superparliament embodying the will of the World's people. Of course, what it really is is a slow-moving talking shop, populated in part by the representatives of some very unsavoury regimes.

Yes, it has its role, and we need some sort of global authority. But let's be a little more realistic.

^^^^^

If Bolton didn't do anything wrong while in the job, as other posters have said, then the Dems are just being petty. Then again, given the behavior of the left wing since the election...no big surprise there.

Well, some Dems are clearly thinking it's "payback time" for the past six years -- while on one level I can't really blame them, I don't think it makes for particularly responsible politics either.

[Michael Z]

Not a cause for celebration in my view.

We need more UN-sceptics; too many people, particularly on my side of the Atlantic, have an idealised view the United Nations as some sort of global superparliament embodying the will of the World's people. Of course, what it really is is a slow-moving talking shop, populated in part by the representatives of some very unsavoury regimes.

Yes, it has its role, and we need some sort of global authority. But let's be a little more realistic.

^^^^^

If Bolton didn't do anything wrong while in the job, as other posters have said, then the Dems are just being petty. Then again, given the behavior of the left wing since the election...no big surprise there.

Well, some Dems are clearly thinking it's "payback time" for the past six years -- while on one level I can't really blame them, I don't think it makes for particularly responsible politics either.

Agreed. Wait, did I just agree with you?!

I just saw a pig fly past my window.

[Michael Z]

Given that the bandied alternatives so far have included Rumsfeld, Miller and Santorum, I can only wonder why they just didn't stick with Bolton for the time being.

Ok, these names were given in jest, but still.