Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Fare thee well, John Bolton, we hardly knew ye...

aceventura3 · 12-13-2006, 08:09 AM

I am not really concerned about Annan's views I only mention them to point out what I see as a double standard.

In the quote you provided Annan is suggesting that the US is not playing by the "rules" with other "states" and with its own citizens, our use of military force has been illigitimate and outside of accepted norms. He seems to suggest that unlike Truman's view we are excercising a license to "do as we please" without legal constraint.

Reasonable people can disagree on all the issues in question referenced in the quote from Annan's speech. However, those who disagree with Annan's view would not be motivated to reconsider those views based on what he said and how he said it. Sorry for the anecdote, but if you use me as an example, what he said and how he said it simply made me think that Annan and those who share his point of view have failed to see the complexities in the issues we face. I would think a true "diplomat" would first focus on clearly defining the problems being faced, define where there is common ground, and define diferences in a manner to encourage debate and compromise. I did not see any of that in his speech. I am not saying I saw it from Bolton either, but that is not what I wanted from Bolton. Sorry for the analogy, but I wanted Bolton to go in and be the "bad cop" and perhaps England, France, Russia, or someone else would be the "good cop" and sincerely mediate differences.

12-13-2006, 08:09 AM	#57 (permalink)
aceventura3 Junkie Location: Ventura County	I am not really concerned about Annan's views I only mention them to point out what I see as a double standard. In the quote you provided Annan is suggesting that the US is not playing by the "rules" with other "states" and with its own citizens, our use of military force has been illigitimate and outside of accepted norms. He seems to suggest that unlike Truman's view we are excercising a license to "do as we please" without legal constraint. Reasonable people can disagree on all the issues in question referenced in the quote from Annan's speech. However, those who disagree with Annan's view would not be motivated to reconsider those views based on what he said and how he said it. Sorry for the anecdote, but if you use me as an example, what he said and how he said it simply made me think that Annan and those who share his point of view have failed to see the complexities in the issues we face. I would think a true "diplomat" would first focus on clearly defining the problems being faced, define where there is common ground, and define diferences in a manner to encourage debate and compromise. I did not see any of that in his speech. I am not saying I saw it from Bolton either, but that is not what I wanted from Bolton. Sorry for the analogy, but I wanted Bolton to go in and be the "bad cop" and perhaps England, France, Russia, or someone else would be the "good cop" and sincerely mediate differences. __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a sheep voting on lunch." "It is useless for the sheep to pass resolutions on vegetarianism while the wolf is of a different opinion." "If you live among wolves you have to act like one." "A lady screams at the mouse but smiles at the wolf. A gentleman is a wolf who sends flowers." Last edited by aceventura3; 12-13-2006 at 08:13 AM..