Ah, once again we see the one-dimensional thinking of our illustrious TB. If you're against a hard-nosed, charge-into-then-cannons type of individual to represent us at the UN, then you must be for sending in a limp-wristed, conciliatory wimp that will grant control of our country to the rest of the world.

By inference your post reeks of complete acceptance of Bolton as some God-like human being without any flaws. Let's set this straight as to who this man is and why he's controversial. It isn't because Bush appointed him although for some that would have been good enough. If that were the case, every appointment Bush made would have the same vehement opposition Bolton has had.

It's because Bolton has the reputation of being a bully and it's no wonder you find that attractive with your recent slide into that category yourself. Accounts of his past governmental service indicate a divisive and provocative style. History has clearly shown that to be an absolutely ineffective method of international diplomacy. Let's look at the job description for UN ambassador. The majority of the text would be all about diplomacy with little mention of the word "bully".

If you don't like that arrangement pal, maybe it's time for a move to a country that isn't a founding member and host of the United Nations. Look at that title Tom. Notice the word "United" in it. It assumes that there's cooperation between the members and that they act in harmony with one another. Nothing about the word can be construed to mean that one nation has control over the others.

That's not to say that other nations won't try to bully themselves and try to gain more than their own fair share of influence. You want a skilled negotiator to put the spotlight on those abuses but to mimic their behavior causes the nations that are playing fair to lose their respect for you.

All of the people you support these days have that intimidating aspect to their personality and the only conclusion one can reach when someone does that is that the person themselves has that characteristic. Good luck in that choice. It's a lonely world.

Art