I believe that Bolton's stance here is most unfortunate.  He may well be representing the view of most Americans.  I haven't seen polling data on this so I have no way of knowing.

But here's the rub: if the US views the UN as an optional tool to be used in foreign policy, then the UN will inevitably be sidelined in the long run.  The UN will NEVER be able to compete with the US government for being responsive to the desires of the US government (which is what Bolton is wanting here) unless it becomes nothing more than our appendage. 

The even larger problem I have with this sentiment from Bolton is that it is a clear expression of Manifest Destiny and a belief that we SHOULD be the arbiter of "correct" solutions to global problems.  The US is not God's gift to humanity.  The US is just as vulnerable to corruption, poor leadership and bad decision-making as any other country.  That is precisely why there needs to be a communal decision-making process within bodies like the UN.

 

Posted at November 23, 2005 1:28 PM in response to Bolton on the UN