What's On Your Desk?
If you could find it under the loose papers that cover my desk, I have a pretty interesting stack of books that represent my professional interests.
Apparently, Ambassador Bolton's newest read is a conspiracy theory by Joe Klein called Global Deception: The UN's Stealth Assault on America's Freedom.
The book asserts that the UN is trying to pull a fast one on its member states by increasing its reach within their borders. It also calls Kofi Annan "a dangerous, hostile threat to American sovereignty."
The book's author and publisher seem to think that Bolton's accepting a copy means he's sympathetic to their views.
Personally, I'm not so sure that accepting this book means anything more than Bolton is interested in different perspectives on the UN. I'm also generally not a fan of judging people by who they associate with or what they read.
Still, this issue raises some old questions about Ambassador Bolton's purpose in New York. Is it to build a strong and effective United Nations that works in America's interest, or reprsent the marginal group of Americans who think black helicopters are coming to get them? Inquiring minds - many of whom are crucial U.S. partners at the UN - want to know.
Mr. Bolton, now that you're an Ambassador, the world questions the intentions and motives of the United States on the basis of your every move and word. It may not be fair, but it comes with the territory.
So Bolton is reading Klein and Bush has read Crichton. Maybe when John is done he can trade.
It does seem all of a piece for someone who sees his task as destroying any chance of coherent international cooperation.
February 21, 2006 10:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
This is a different Joe Klein than the ususal one, right?
February 23, 2006 7:28 PM | Reply | Permalink