You must be joking, pal!

WASHINGTON- For the second time in a month, Senate Democrats blocked a vote on Monday evening on the nomination of John R. Bolton to be ambassador to the United Nations, raising the possibility that President Bush will circumvent the confirmation process and appoint Mr. Bolton when Congress recesses (The New York Times) .

Senate Democrats have requested the White House release documents relating to Mr Bolton’s tenure as under secretary of state for arms control before a vote can take place. It seems like a reasonable enough demand to me.

When asked about the possibility of a recess appointment at a White House news conference at the end of a meeting with European Union and European Commission leaders, Bush avoided the question: "I think Mr. Bolton ought to get an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor - that's my call to the Senate." Why would the inarticulate moron venture something beyond platitudes or his teleprompter text?

To add insult to injury, he added, "The American people know why I nominated him - because the U.N. needs reform, and I thought it made sense to send a reformer to the United Nations." Reformer, my ass! The man is an out-of-control bully whose nasty reputation follows him like a foul odor wherever he goes. And if the American people really want to know why Bush nominated him, I suggest they look into Bolton’s behind-the-scenes role in the 2000 Florida recount battle.

UN diplomats and European officials have been puzzled by the nomination of someone who has repeatedly said the UN is there to serve the interests of the US. Former colleagues and subordinates have expressed shock that someone with Bolton’s vindictive streak and violent temper will represent the US on the UN Security Council.

Court records show Bolton’s first wife, Christina, fled their home when Bolton was traveling abroad in 1982 taking with her most of the furniture. One really has to wonder what kind of person this man is. And, so, it’s no wonder the White House refuses to release the documents!