Trump Skips Human Rights Review, Gives Empty Chair Its Big Break

The Trump administration has finally found a representative who can sit through a human rights review without making the situation worse.

Unfortunately, it's the chair.

According to Al Jazeera's November 10 report, US representatives skipped the UN's review of America's human rights record in Geneva for the second year running. The review, which all 193 UN member states undergo every four to five years, was postponed until January.

Two years. At this point the chair should qualify for diplomatic plates.

The State Department's explanation was that participating would give credibility to a council it regards as anti-American. Attendance, apparently, is endorsement. You cannot answer a question without first marrying the organization that asked it.

Try that at the dentist. Explain that opening your mouth would legitimize the entire dental establishment. Then stand in the parking lot announcing that your teeth are the strongest teeth in history.

The cavity will respect your sovereignty.

And yes, an international institution can deserve criticism. Showing up does not require buying the tote bag. You can object to the process and still explain your government's conduct. That is a thing a mouth can do. The chair, to be fair, has a technical limitation.

There were actual questions waiting, including abortion access and the death penalty. Those subjects deserve answers from officials with authority, not an upholstery sample.

But look at the position Washington has constructed here. The institution is too discredited to answer, yet so dangerous that merely entering the room would confer legitimacy upon it. What the hell is this meeting, a vampire? Don't invite accountability across the threshold. It'll get into the curtains.

I need a minute.

Because January is coming, and the review has been postponed, not magically completed. The questions have not resigned. They are still on the calendar, doing the scandalous work of remaining questions.

The administration could use the interval to prepare answers.

Or send an ottoman. The chair may need help with follow-ups.