Is Bolton today's Schiavo? Do not lose sight of Negroponte.

[paineinthearse]

BOLTON BOLTON BOLTON.....

Let's take a step back and consider John Negroponte is under consideration for Director of National Intelligence, a much more far reaching position. Given his background, a much more dangerous PNAC'er/neocon.

[acmavm]

1. Speaking of Negroponte, in case you missed it:

http://letters.washingtonpost.com/W3RH042867059C300F87F3CF7F5890

[paineinthearse]

4. thank you

Also see http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1719297

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

2. No, Bolton is definitely harmful for us.

Bolton is a diplomat that's far more likely to tell other countries, on our behalf no less, to quite literally "fuck off". It could be a foreign relations nightmare for us.

[paineinthearse]

3. I'm not minimizing that aspect

I'm just amazed there is not one word of discussion about Negroponte.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

7. Fair enough.

I don't think people know enough about Negroponte, to be honest. I can't say I'm an expert on him either.

Here's why I don't think a big deal is being made of Negroponte:

Yeah, the Intelligence Czar is a major position and all, but it shares the same catch as other Cabinet positions, just like UN Ambassador shares the same catch as Judge nominations. Cabinet positions really don't matter all that much because Bush is going to believe whomever he wants to believe anyway, and if it's not one puppet, it's another just like him that will wind up being appointed. In other words, they don't have any real, independent power, and thus, can't create any real problems on their own. UN Ambassador and Justices have the capability of causing permanent and serious damage to our country. UN Ambassador is a lot like Secretary of State in this regard, and while ideologically Condi Rice is a complete twit, you can at least rest easy knowing she probably won't completely embarass you diplomatically by acting like a total jerk the way Bolton will.

I do understand your concerns though, and I don't mean to belittle them in any way. I just think Bolton is far more dangerous for us than Negroponte is simply because I don't think it matters who Bush puts in Negroponte's position, because Bush isn't going to listen to ANYONE he puts there, whereas the rest of the world WILL be listening to Bolton.

[Skidmore]

5. Both need to be watched.

Both positions are of importance. Usually we are begging for media coverage. Now that we have some on an important issue, please don't discount it as the usual media crap.

[paineinthearse]

6. The bolton hearing is on CSPAN3

http://www.cspan.org/watch/index.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS&ShowVidDays=30&ShowVidDesc=&ArchiveDays=30