John Bolton, Receiving Award, Thanks Rogue Nations and Liberals
By Kevin Mooney
CNSNews.com Staff Writer
May 04, 2007
(CNSNews.com) - Thank you, Sen. Lincoln Chafee, Sen. Chris Dodd, North Korea, Syria and Iran. You all helped make it possible.
That was the message delivered by former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton Thursday night as he accepted the 2007 Bradley Prize at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
Bolton was honored for his dedication to the principles of the America's founding, including freedom and human liberty. The award carries a stipend of $250,000.
The Milwaukee-based Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation praised Bolton's articulate and unapologetic defense of American interests during his recess appointment as ambassador to the United Nations. "Steadfast in his defense of American interests, he represented this country with extraordinary principle, clarity, and patriotism," the foundation said.
Bolton, who is now a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, represented U.S. interests at the United Nations from August 2005 to December 2006. His tenure was dominated by the crises over Iran's and North Korea's nuclear programs, and Bolton's firm, no-nonsense stance stirred passions on both sides of the political spectrum.
Those on the right who scorn the U.N. nevertheless appreciated Bolton's strong leadership, while those on the left who hold the U.N. in high esteem were generally critical. Bolton did manage to win over a few converts, including Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio), who initially opposed his nomination.
Bolton resigned last year, when it became evident that he did not have enough support in Congress to continue in the position.
Sen. Chafee, who lost his bid for re-election, and Sen. Dodd, now a Democratic presidential candidate, were pivotal in blocking Bolton's confirmation.
"I should note Senators Lincoln Chafee and Senator Dodd who did so much to help make me eligible for this award, and the prominent citizens of Pyongyang, Damascus and Tehran, who also pitched in simply by being themselves."
Bolton also took the opportunity to discuss the challenges associated with the "permanent bureaucracy" in Washington, D.C. Instead of advancing the policy directives of Republican presidents, political appointees often "adopt the attitude of where they work" and ultimately leave their positions without "making the slightest imprint," he said.
Some willingly succumb, while others are "seduced" into believing there are carrying out the president's policy, Bolton added.
"The political appointees go native," he said.
To remedy the situation, Bolton called for a "basic training" of all political appointees so they would be prepared for the next Republican administration.
"I had my battles with the bureaucracy, which probably explains why I'm here tonight," he said. "So let me make a confession -- on many occasions, during this and prior administrations, I have knowingly and willingly committed acts of conservatism. It gets worse -- I enjoyed every minute of it."
Other 2007 Bradley Prize recipients who "knowingly and willingly committed acts of conservatism" included Martin S. Feldstein, an economics professor at Harvard University; Abigail and Stephan Thernstrom, senior fellows at the Manhattan Institute; and James Q. Wilson, professor of public policy at Pepperdine University.
The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is dedicated to preserving and defending the tradition of free representative government and private enterprise. Its programs are aimed at improving education, promoting economic growth, defending and advancing freedom, and revitalizing civil society.
See Earlier Stories:
If Others Won't be Persuaded on Iran and N Korea, 'Too Damn Bad'
American Tax Dollars Used to Undermine US at UN, Bolton Says
Take Ahmadinejad Seriously, Bolton Urges
Bolton's Resignation Reverberates, Unsettles Conservatives
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