Voinovich on the floor of the Senate re Bolton. Reading letter he sent to

[Pirate Smile]

all the Senators.

[ewagner]

1. Any link

to that letter? I must have missed it.

[Pirate Smile]

5. Here it is - NYT has it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/24/politics/24text-letter.html

Dear Colleague:

Throughout my time in the Senate, I have been hesitant to push my views on my colleagues. However, I feel compelled to share my deep concerns with the nomination of John Bolton to be Ambassador to the United Nations. I strongly feel that the importance of this nomination to our foreign policy requires us to set aside our partisan agenda and let our consciences and our shared commitment to our nation’s best interests guide us.

At a time when the United States strives to fight terrorism globally, to build a stable and free Iraq, to find a peaceful resolution to the nuclear ambitions of Iran and North Korea, to spread democracy in the place of oppressive regimes, and to enact needed reforms at the United Nations, it is imperative that we have the support of our friends and allies internationally. These strong international relationships must be built upon robust and effective public diplomacy.

I applaud our President for understanding this and for his leadership on U.S. public diplomacy. He and Secretary Rice have taken important steps to reach out to the international community and strengthen relationships. Additionally, I applaud the President’s decision to appoint Karen Hughes to enhance U.S. public diplomacy at the State Department, and recently to get even the First Lady involved in these important efforts to promote public diplomacy.

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.

-more at the link-

[ewagner]

10. Well, I'll be darned!

That's real courage and (dare I say it?) Statesmanship.

[The Witch]

2. GOGO VOVI!

:applause:

[LightningFlash]

3. FINALLY VOINOVICH!!

I never knew the day I would see this man show some true integrity and spine, but goodness, this speech is amazing. Everyone who has the time needs to write Voinovich and thank him for what he did. For once he put the people above political power and I think that is very commendable.

:applause:

[MuseRider]

4. He is really speaking out.

Good for him. Putting the country above political power is rare these days for his party.

[MuseRider]

7. Oops. KAREN HUGHES?

Well, still he is speaking about Bolton being not a good choice.

[Pacifist Patriot]

6. Recommending Karen Hughes?

um, okay. Uh, why?

[LightningFlash]

9. Talking points, typical filler.

He applauds Karen Hughes for her state department triumphs (which, of course she is almost worse than Bolton) but does not reccomend Bolton.

I bet if he were to scold Karen at all, his very job would be at stake. Already he's sticking his neck out by moving for others to oppose Bolton. He believes in the future of republicans, but does not believe in anti-policy dangerous individuals like John Bolton.

For the one thing that comes out of all this, at the very least he and other speak out against putting a dangerous John Bolton in charge.

[Independent_Liberal]

8. Wow!

I'm really surprised at Voinovich. I can hardly believe it.

[Helga Scow Stern]

11. Voinovich choked up at the end of his speech.

He paused, and then spoke, his voice laden with tears: My friends tell me, "George, just let it go. It'll be alright." But I don't want to take the chance.It's just too important. We need the support of the world now.