Bolton resigns as U.S. Ambassador to U.N.

The Facts\nU.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton resigned his position Dec. 4, effective at the end of this congressional session. Bolton quit in response to expectations that his permanent appointment would be blocked by the upcoming Democrat-controlled Congress. President George W. Bush is "deeply disappointed" Bolton will not receive a simple up-or-down vote in the Senate to confirm him. Are the Democrats wrong in blocking his confirmation?\nBolton's loss is America's loss\nListen to critics of U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. John Bolton and you hear the same stock opinions repeated and regurgitated. Like "a bull in a China shop," he has practiced abrasive diplomacy toward dangerous, dictatorial, outspoken leaders who seek to bring a new world disorder. Funny, this diplomatic style is what originally drew me to the guy. Throughout his brief but distinguished tenure, Bolton's attempt to bring sanity to the U.N. aroused one fear: that he might succeed in transforming the corrupt organization.\nBolton's many inferiors argue that reform is still possible with a less pushy patriot. Fat chance. The key ingredient is to never be embarrassed to speak for a less-than-perfect democracy. As his most illustrious (and abrasive) predecessor, Democrat Daniel P. Moynihan, memorably suggested: "Find me a better one." Bolton's dismissal is nothing less than a dirty insult and a grievous injury to American diplomacy.\nBolton block shows Dems strengt\nLast year, when President Bush nominated John Bolton, who even then was an outspoken critic of the United Nations, it was through a recess appointment that bypassed the regular Senate confirmation. Now, knowing that Bolton could never win over a Democrat-controlled Senate, Bush hoped to once again evade seeking the Senate's consent.\nFor Bolton, resignation was the best option. And considering the new role of Democrats in the Senate, it was the only real choice. More than anything, the decision signals a new era of compromise. With President Bush's waning support, he can no longer afford to attempt to circumvent the political decision-making process, though he would like to dismiss opposition as merely "shallow politics of the Senate." \nWith their new strength, Democrats are absolutely right in their blocking of this confirmation that was passed without their consent in the first place. This time, Bush must accept defeat, not avoid it.