A problem from hell revisited

President Obama’s nominee to serve as our ambassador to the United Nations is the vile Samantha Power, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Problem From Hell. I think the title of her book is a case of projection.

At her confirmation hearing today, she was questioned about a statement from her 2003 New Republic article in which she wrote that American foreign policy needed “a historical reckoning with crimes committed, sponsored or permitted by the United States.” It is a statement that is perfectly consistent with Power’s book and indeed her career as a public intellectual.

Senator Rubio asked Power a few questions about this statement at the hearing today. She simply would not give a straight answer to the question and was allowed to slither away. Fox News summarizes the exchange as follows:

“‘I would categorize the Rwanda situation as a crime,’ the words you used, ‘permitted by the United States.'” Rubio began, quoting Power. “Which ones did the U.S. commit or sponsor that you were referring to?”

“Again sir, I think this is the greatest country on Earth,” Power responded. “We have nothing to apologize for.”

Rubio wasn’t placated with the nebulous reply, pressing her to explain further, saying, “So, you don’t have any in mind now…”

“I will not apologize for America. I will stand very proudly, if confirmed, behind the U.S. placard,” said Power.

Just when it appears the exchange may be over … think again. Rubio trudges onward. “I understand,” he says, “but do you think the U.S. has sponsored crimes…?”

“I believe the U.S. is the greatest country on earth,” Power reiterates.

As I say, Power’s statement perfectly represents the essence of her views. The problem from hell is that in this respect and others Power perfectly represents her boss. Fox News includes video at the link, along with great commentary on Power by Monica Crowley.

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