Political Quotes

“Mr. President, it's hard to argue with the spirit of Senator Lugar's amendment. And indeed I don't argue with its spirit. We owe the United Nations hundreds of millions of dollars. Our deadbeat status is an embarrassment for the country and undermines our standing and the vital work of this international organization. That said, the political reality of the situation we find ourselves in is that a majority of this body is prepared only to pay our debts conditioned on comprehensive reforms being implemented at the United Nations. And I certainly don't disagree with reforming the United Nations, and making it more efficient and effective. Still, we are holding hostage money already owed to changes being invoked that suit our unilateral demands. But the will of the majority is clear. While I may disagree with my friend the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee on the unilateral means which he has chosen to affect reform at the United Nations, the negotiated package providing $819 million over 3 years I believe is the best we can hope for. Half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. And that is the alternative. This is a classic example of a situation where the perfect can become the enemy of the good.”