I have to
admit that this idea started off as a joke, but after watching
the John Bolton confirmation hearings and doing a little
research on both U.S. Ambassador to the UN nominee John Bolton
and Grammy-Winning Singer/Songwriter Michael Bolton, I’ve come
to the conclusion that nominating Michael might actually be less
silly then nominating John.
All of my
research indicates that Michael Bolton was never a member of the
Federalist Society, but John Bolton has been a longtime activist
for them. According to their own website, the Federalist
Society is not a big fan of international law or multilateral
governance. On the other hand, Michael’s 1989 hit “How Am I
Supposed To Live Without You” emphasizes the need to rely on
others, that we are much stronger together than apart. He also
re-recorded the classic “Lean On Me” for his album “The One
Thing” in 1993. The lyrics to that song stress the importance
of multilateralism (I’m paraphrasing) and cooperation amongst
peoples to make life better for everyone. The sentiments
expressed in those two songs show that Michael is more in tune
with the UN’s charter than any statement I can dig up from John,
so let’s move on.
Michael Bolton
has never worked with former NC Senator Jesse Helms whereas John
Bolton did. As the Grand Wizard of the GOP, Jesse Helms wrapped
himself in the confederate flag and all the racism it implied.
With John’s help, the Republican Party tried to curb voter
registration campaigns organized by labor and African-American
groups during the 80’s. Michael, on the other hand, was
profiled in a 1995 issue of the African-American publication
JET. In the same year, he was a keynote speaker at the Martin
Luther King Center’s annual march and rally in Atlanta. The
following year, he received the Martin Luther King Award for
“outstanding achievement” from the Congress of Racial Equality.
John worked with Jesse Helms! I report. You decide.
John Bolton
has opposed international treaties restricting landmines, child
soldiers, biological weapons, nuclear weapons testing, small
arms trade, and missile defense. Michael established the
Michael Bolton Foundation in 1993- now the Michael Bolton
Charities, Inc. It provides assistance, education and shelter
to children and women at risk from poverty, as well as physical,
emotional and sexual abuse. In a joint effort with the state of
Connecticut, Michael Bolton Charities, Inc. created “Safe
Space,” a danger-free environment for youths to “foster
self-esteem, leadership skills, job training and awareness of
social issues.” Republicans might argue that the use of child
soldiers might help with leadership and job training, but I
don’t think even a moron like Sean Hannity could sell that with
a straight face.
Whether it’s
his lack of faith in UN peacekeeping or his opposition to paying
UN dues or his opposition to the International Criminal Court,
it’s pretty obvious that John Bolton is a lousy choice for UN
Ambassador. But- this is about Michael Bolton, so here-
briefly- are some other qualities he brings to the table as
evidenced by some of his song titles. “(What A) Wonderful
World” shows optimism. “Voices That Care” shows compassion.
“Soul Provider” shows he has a spiritual side. “The Spirit Of
American” shows that he is patriotic. And “Can I Touch You
There” shows that he has a respect for other’s boundaries- just
to name a few.
Of course if
Michael Bolton ever had a confirmation hearing, the Republicans
would cite Michael’s 1993 hit “Said I Loved You… But I Lied” to
paint him as being deceptive, but that would be taking a quote
out of context. You have to anticipate these things. Too many
right-wing talk show hosts and pundits make quite a healthy
living off of taking quotes out of context, but all you would
have to do is look at the full text to realize these righteous,
pompous air-raid sirens have punk’d you. Let’s look at the
lyrics.
“Said I loved you but I
lied…”
(That’s where the
Republicans would stop, but keep reading.)
“Cause this is more
than love I feel inside
Said I loved you but I
was wrong
‘cause love could
never ever feel so strong”
Even though the rest of
the lyrics clearly show that he didn’t “lie,” the Republicans
would probably still try to brand him as a “flip-flopper.”
Of course, I’m
not being serious here. Even though, I did gain a new respect
for Michael Bolton. I still don’t really like his music, but I
have a lot more respect for the man. Chances are he probably
wouldn’t even want to be Ambassador to the UN. That’s what
really gets me about John Bolton. Why would he want to be the
US Ambassador to an organization that he feels is irrelevant?
It just doesn’t make sense. He has expressed animosity toward
the UN in statements he has made throughout his career. What is
Bush thinking? You wouldn’t nominate an anti-Semite to be U.S.
Ambassador to Israel, would you? I don’t know. After looking
closely at John Bolton as a nominee, maybe Bush would.
Jeffrey Thomas Boutin is a
freelance writer living in Florida who once lived in Ohio.
Though technically not responsible for either election debacle,
he still feels guilt by association. He also lived in North
Carolina during the reign of Jesse Helms. If his track record
continues, Tennessee- the only place left he has lived so far-
will be the birthplace of the Anti-Christ. Any suggestions of
sane places to live in this country can be sent to
btrmelnfrm@aol.com.
