The global terrorism conflict presents the United Nations with its greatest challenge ever encountered.
A native of Baltimore, John Bolton, serves as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. He can help it to meet that challenge ? if he is allowed to and supported by our elected officials.
I learned a considerable amount about Bolton, a highly intelligent and creative individual, when he was a youngster.
I was his principal for his first two years when he entered our seventh grade as a scholarship student in the Independent McDonogh School near Owings Mills, Md.
Even at this tender age and later in his high-school years, Bolton was never afraid to take a stand to defend his position on any subject. The status quo never satisfied him, particularly when he thought there was a more realistic and efficient way of resolving the problem.
He reflects these characteristics in the straightforward manner he approaches his responsibilities at the United Nations. My recommendation for his skeptics is for them to crawl out of their ruts and try considering the suggestions presented by the ambassador.
Bolton will never agree for agreement?s sake as his shallow-thinking skeptics would like to see him do. Would that more of his U.N. colleagues ? and the U.S. senators responsible for confirming him ? act in a similar fashion.
Clear communication leads to understanding ? and better policy.
Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held hearings on the permanent appointment of Bolton to his position. (President George W. Bush installed Bolton as ambassador in August 2005 in a recess appointment.)
The actions of some of the senators, particularly Democratic ones, during the hearings were a disgrace. The senators failed to place their responsibilities to protect the interests and security of our nation above their selfish political aspirations.
Recently, Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio, a vocal critic of Bolton and a member of the committee, reversed his stand against him on the basis of the ambassador?s firm articulation of the U.S. government?s position regarding Iran, North Korea and the Middle East.
Sen. Voinovich must be commended for being big enough to step forward and speak out in the interest of liberty and freedom for all and the security of our country.
In my opinion, most of the critics of Bolton, including many within the United Nations who don?t possess the inner strength to identify themselves, have been narrow minded in formulating their thoughts about him. They have never attempted to understand his personality or the reasons for his actions.
Helping to solve the world?s problems requires leaders with a clear vision and courage to express their opinions.
Bolton has both.
For the sake of international security, his U.N. colleagues ought to listen to him. And the Senate must confirm him.
Quinton D. Thompson is the retired head of the Independent McDonogh Middle School, 1953-85.
