I might be able to excuse the absent representatives, who could (though I doubt it) be unaware that the amendment had been proposed, or that the vote would be that day. It's quite possible that those who desired it played a scheduling game to make sure the vote came up when the most favorable quorum was present. Looking at the list it might not have made a difference, but to abstain while present for a vote like this is cowardly.

I can't help it though, I find the list of major nations voting for and against this ironic given how much crap many of those who voted against it take for opposing those who voted for it. The US is evil for waging that unjust Vietnam war, but guess where each of those nations aligned. It's also evil for supporting Israel despite their brutality, as well as opposing North Korea and Irans nuclear weapons programs, but guess where each of those nations came down on this issue. This is the kind of crap I mean when I say the world may not LIKE American hegemony, but when it's replaced by Chinese hegemony, with global complicity, they're going to miss our sorry butts. Much good may it do them.