Bush Plans to Install Bolton

[steven]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Administration officials say President Bush is preparing to use constitutional powers rarely employed for major appointments to bypass the Senate and install - if only temporarily - John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Bush intends to use a recess appointment to put the controversial conservative in the post before leaving Washington on Tuesday to spend August at his Texas ranch, said two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because Bush has not made the announcement.

Recess appointments, allowed only while Congress is on breaks, let presidents get around the required Senate confirmation of nominees. The House and Senate recessed on Friday until Sept. 6.

Under the Constitution, a recess appointment during the lawmakers' August break would last until the next Congress, which begins in January 2007.

In Bolton's case, a recess appointment would culminate a bitter, five-month battle between the White House and Democrats that had left his nomination stalled in the Republican-run Senate.

A recess appointment would risk annoying Democrats at a time when his nomination of John Roberts to serve on the Supreme Court is under Senate consideration. And it could hamper Bolton at the United Nations, sending him there as a short-timer without the Senate's backing.

In the face of objections from most Democrats and at least one Republican, Bush has steadfastly refused to withdraw Bolton's nomination - even after the Foreign Relations Committee sent it to the full Senate without the customary recommendation to approve it.

Though the debate over Bolton had largely faded from the headlines, critics raised fresh concerns this week when it surfaced that Bolton had neglected to tell Congress that he had been interviewed in 2003 in a government investigation into faulty prewar intelligence on Iraq.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/UN_AMBASSADOR?SITE=NYBUE&SECTION=HOME

[biker]

I hope Bush does this.

The usual complaint stories about Bolton begin with "...his brusque management style" or his condemnation of the UN. What a crock.

Every politician on capitol hill has a brusque managment style. You need to kick career bureacrats in the @ss if you expect them to do anything . That goes double with incoming political appointees. And triple for anti-government, conservative, temporary appointees.

And criticizing the UN. Puh-leeeze. We ought to award him a medal for criticizing the gaggle of petty, third-world appointees of petty, third-world dictators who lose no opportunity to milk the system.

Recess appoint him.

Then, his first action should be to propose moving the UN to Kuala Lampur or Lagos. then let's see how the UN operates in a setting that befits its Lilliputian status. The networks wouldn't cover it and the thugs that inhabit it wouldn't be able to extort as much.

[steven]

I dont know enough about bolton to comment. Just thought the article was board worthy

[jbinbny]

Originally posted by biker
I hope Bush does this.

The usual complaint stories about Bolton begin with "...his brusque management style" or his condemnation of the UN. What a crock.

Every politician on capitol hill has a brusque managment style. You need to kick career bureacrats in the @ss if you expect them to do anything . That goes double with incoming political appointees. And triple for anti-government, conservative, temporary appointees.

And criticizing the UN. Puh-leeeze. We ought to award him a medal for criticizing the gaggle of petty, third-world appointees of petty, third-world dictators who lose no opportunity to milk the system.

Recess appoint him.

Then, his first action should be to propose moving the UN to Kuala Lampur or Lagos. then let's see how the UN operates in a setting that befits its Lilliputian status. The networks wouldn't cover it and the thugs that inhabit it wouldn't be able to extort as much.


How true! The UN is scared to death about a guy like Bolton coming into the fold. That's because the UN itself is a fraud!

[biker]

There are reports that Bush will recess-appoint Bolton today.

Our Prez wasted no time in doing what he intended to do all along.

Hope Bolton starts kicking corrupt UN butt as quickly.

Imagine. One opponent of Bolton in the Senate said he adopted his position because Bolton had dared to criticize the UN.

That should be a point of honor!

[LHardy]

I have found it absurd to not confirm Boulton just because he tells it like it is and is not pc when it comes to the UN.
We need to have people in the UN that will represent what is best for the US. Not what the US can do for all other members of the UN.

I just heard the Pres. announce his appointment. Hoo-Rah!

[ERIEMAN]

I just don't see what the big deal is. It seems that the democrats' ony argument against Bolton was "Well, he's crabby sometimes, and he swears on occasion".

I just wish people would realize that moustaches went out when Magnum PI died.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by ERIEMAN
I just don't see what the big deal is. It seems that the democrats' ony argument against Bolton was "Well, he's crabby sometimes, and he swears on occasion".

I just wish people would realize that moustaches went out when Magnum PI died.

I think Bolton is the perfect fit for Bush. Bolton, like Bush, Roberts, Rove, Cheney etc. also has problems with his memory.

I heard one of the big Dems call Bolton "damaged goods." That's when I knew Bolton was truly where he belonged. "Damaged goods" pretty much describes the entire Bush Administration (IMO, of course)

[biker]

Originally posted by atotaltotalfan2001

I heard one of the big Dems call Bolton "damaged goods." That's when I knew Bolton was truly where he belonged. "Damaged goods" pretty much describes the entire Bush Administration (IMO, of course)

The "big Dem" was Sen Chris Dodd.

Who also said one of the things he wanted to question Roberts on is the "privacy clause" in the Constitution.

There is no such clause. They used this malapropism---among others---to bait Bork.

But Dems, being generally idiots, now make the mistake of believing such propositions and repeat them as being true.

They can't distinguish between fact and apochryphal evidence. Or spell apochryphal.

So totaltotal, do ya think Dodd has read the Constitution.

Or can doddering idiots even read?

But, at base, what you said was true.

He's one of the "big Dems."

Glad he's one of your leaders and not mine.

[biker]

The editorial in today's USA Today is "Can Bolton shift from lightning rod to diplomat?"

God, I hope not.

Kofi is already lecturing that, while he's receptive to Bolton's ideas for reform, "He must remember that he is but one of 190 other ambassadors."

Someone teach Kofi the golden rule: "He who gives the gold makes the rules."

Hold Trump back, too. We don't need to rebuild the UN's building.

We need to get them to move to Botswana.

[ERIEMAN]

Originally posted by biker
The editorial in today's USA Today is "Can Bolton shift from lightning rod to diplomat?"

God, I hope not.

Kofi is already lecturing that, while he's receptive to Bolton's ideas for reform, "He must remember that he is but one of 190 other ambassadors."

Someone teach Kofi the golden rule: "He who gives the gold makes the rules."

Hold Trump back, too. We don't need to rebuild the UN's building.

We need to get them to move to Botswana.

Botswana? I'd move them to Iraq.

[LHardy]

I'd move them to Iraq.


I don't know if this was ment tongue and cheek erieman, but not a bad idea really.
Make the UN part of the region where most peace troubles are located. Not a bad idea at all!

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by biker
The "big Dem" was Sen Chris Dodd.

Who also said one of the things he wanted to question Roberts on is the "privacy clause" in the Constitution.

There is no such clause. They used this malapropism---among others---to bait Bork.

But Dems, being generally idiots, now make the mistake of believing such propositions and repeat them as being true.

They can't distinguish between fact and apochryphal evidence. Or spell apochryphal.

So totaltotal, do ya think Dodd has read the Constitution.

Or can doddering idiots even read?

But, at base, what you said was true.

He's one of the "big Dems."

Glad he's one of your leaders and not mine.

Me too! Don't even get me started on all the times Bush has misspoken. Then again, perhaps we have all just "misunderestimated" Bush. It's not his fault he keeps mangling the Constitution, to say nothing of the English language.

After all, being president is a really, really hard job!


As for Dodd. Poor guy. Imagine being trashed at a time when he actually seemed to be supporting Roberts. So Dodd misspoke. It happens. But the lesson here seems to be that a Dem should never, ever agree with a Republican on anything.


And by the way, biker.......Only an idiot would assume all Dems are "generally idiots." I know lots of Dems who are not idiots, and Republicans who are not idiots.

But perhaps that concept is too sophisticated for some minds to grasp.

[steven]

Brazenly, Bush gets his man at U.N.
By TOM RAUM
Associated Press
8/2/2005

WASHINGTON - President Bush's appointment of U.N. critic John R. Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the world organization was an in-your-face gesture, to Congress and to the global community.

It comes at a sensitive time on Capitol Hill, where Bush needs the support of senators for his nomination of John G. Roberts Jr. to the Supreme Court.

Internationally, it comes during a new round of fragile six-nation talks in Beijing aimed at persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. Bolton's depiction in 2003 of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il as a tyrant contributed to Pyongyang's boycotting of an earlier round of talks. Bolton was undersecretary of state at the time.

Dispatching Bolton, a conservative who has been repeatedly critical of the United Nations in the past, to claim America's U.N. seat was confrontational on its face.

Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., called the appointment "the latest abuse of power by the Bush White House" and said that Bolton takes the post "with a cloud hanging over his head."

Some Republicans were not too happy, either, though they generally said they understood Bush's rationale. "I understand why the president had to do this," said Sen. George Allen, R-Va., adding: "I think it's unfortunate that he had to use this option."

Some of the issues in the Supreme Court debate also marked the Bolton controversy, namely the White House refusal to release certain records sought by Democrats.

[LHardy]

"the latest abuse of power by the Bush White House" and said that Bolton takes the post "with a cloud hanging over his head."


This is not abuse of power but constitutional right.
If it is going to be portrayed as abuse of power, Clinton abused his power over 100 times with his appointments done the exact same way.
Nice spin from the Non-bias media.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by LHardy
"the latest abuse of power by the Bush White House" and said that Bolton takes the post "with a cloud hanging over his head."


This is not abuse of power but constitutional right.
If it is going to be portrayed as abuse of power, Clinton abused his power over 100 times with his appointments done the exact same way.
Nice spin from the Non-bias media.

LHardy,

Nice spin on your post as well. The story gives one quote to a Dem and one to Republican. You, of course, only opted to notice the Dem.....

All the stories I've read that give background point out that recess appointments are a constitutional right, and one that is routinely exercised.

Bush: 106 times so far, including Bolton

Clinton: 140 times

Daddy Bush: 77 times

Reagan: 243 times

[steven]

The difference being Reagen and Clinton Both had much higher approval ratings than Baby Bush. (both of them if allowed could have run for a third term and won) When your running at 67% approval versus 40% you can get away with a lot more.

Will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[yokes]

The difference being Reagen and Clinton Both had much higher approval ratings than Baby Bush. (both of them if allowed could have run for a third term and won) When your running at 67% approval versus 40% you can get away with a lot more.

What does approval rating have to do with constitutional law?

Secondly since Bush can't be re-elected I would say you can "get Away" with more wouldnt you agree?

[LHardy]

Posted by total:
You, of course, only opted to notice the Dem.....


In this instance I take no side. The republicans who are pooh poohing this are just as guilty as the dems who are moaning.

[therising]

Originally posted by biker
But Dems, being generally idiots, now make the mistake of believing such propositions and repeat them as being true.

They can't distinguish between fact and apochryphal evidence. Or spell apochryphal.

So totaltotal, do ya think Dodd has read the Constitution.

Or can doddering idiots even read?


What's with all the anger/hatred/dislike/arrogance/ignorance in you, Biker?

Usually guys with attitudes like your's have awful inferiority complexes, and feel that they've been screwed over in life (a la Moadib)

Does it make you feel like a smart guy to generlize people as idiots? A tough guy, maybe?

But you seem to have a pretty good life, biking around the rest of the Country while the rest of us working slobs are at home.

So, if life has been so good to you, what's your problem?

BTW I do realize that this is a fairly personal question, and I wouldn't blame you if you don't answer it. I wouldn't reveal personal aspects of my life here, either.

[atotaltotalfan2001]

Originally posted by LHardy
Posted by total:
You, of course, only opted to notice the Dem.....


In this instance I take no side. The republicans who are pooh poohing this are just as guilty as the dems who are moaning.

I can't believe I'm sticking up for Republicans, but in this case I understand their feelings. A recess appointment, particulary for the position involved, was not Bush's or the GOP's first choice. Senate approval would have been better, particularly since the battle over Roberts is swinging into full gear.

[jbinbny]

Bolton is the best man for the job! Period! He will put the interests of the US first and demand accountability on the part of the UN. Furthermore he will pay no attention to the legions of petty tyrants infesting the UN like cockroaches. They have no business being treated like diplomats because they aren't. They have no credibility to speak of and Bolton will treat them as such!

Furthermore Bolton wont tolerate the scandals and abuses that have become the UN's trademark! Or that doubletalking liar Kofi Annan, who needs to be shown the door!

All of this is a real posssibility with John Bolton representing our country at the UN.

I couldn't be happier!!

[biker]

Right on.

And get the UN out of the US!

See--new tack here. Not the US out of the UN.

Move it to Lagos or Zimbabwe and let the reporters cover it from there.

Wouldn't the delegates rather have the HQ in the beloved, saintly third world?

And how about move all the Brussells functions to Sri Lanka. What a cost-saver!

[jbinbny]

I'd love to see it moved to some third world cesspool.

It would be appropriate.

[steven]

Originally posted by yokes
What does approval rating have to do with constitutional law?


Sorry I missed the part where I said anything about constitutional law. What are you talking about?

[yokes]

you used the approval ratings as a big difference between Reagan, Clinton recess appointments and "baby Bush's"

[steven]

Originally posted by yokes
you used the approval ratings as a big difference between Reagan, Clinton recess appointments and "baby Bush's"

Any presidents approval rating has a lot to do with how they can influence congress in passing legislation they want or dont want.

What does that have to do with constitutional law?

[yokes]

I'm sorry I mis-interpreted what you were saying.

I thought you were referring specifically to the recess appointment of Bolton. (A constitutional law issue)

I agree approval rating does have influence on policy and legislative effectivness