UN: No more money for you!

Published on June 12, 2006 By ----- In Current Events

Well, with the latest clash between the US and the UN, Bolton stated, "Maybe it is fashionable in some circles to look down on Middle America, to say they don’t get the complexities of the world and they don’t have the benefit of continental education and they are deficient in so many ways,” Mr Bolton added. “It is illegitimate for an international civil servant to criticise what he thinks are the inadequacies of citizens of a member government.” This was a response to a statement by, Mark Malloch Brown, Deputy UN Secretary General.

Now, something that I noticed and feel should be commented on is:

"The row was sparked by a speech by Mr Malloch Brown on Tuesday. Addressing prominent Democrats in New York, he criticised Washington for allowing “too much unchecked UN-bashing and stereotyping”. He singled out the conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh and the Fox News cable channel, owned by News Corp, the parent company of The Times."

~Now, is it me or does this undermind free speech? Isn't that a cornerstone of the UN? I *must* be mistaken. Why is criticizing the UN wrong? I don't think it is. Something I also noticed, is that Mr. Brown pointed out conservative people and groups. Now, whether that is coincidental or not, it is something to think about. Frankly, given:

"The invasion yielded evidence that UN officials or their families had benefited from the Oil-for-Food programme, which was designed to feed Iraqis during UN sanctions."

~I am suspect of anything the UN says or does because of this, and more so by this:

"Mr Annan, under fire from Republicans, began a UN reform drive and sought advice from his American friends, predominantly Democrats. After a secret meeting at the home of the Clinton Administration’s UN Ambassador, Richard Holbrooke, Mr Annan named Mr Malloch Brown as his chief of staff in January last year."

~Now, I wonder why? Not all republicans are anti UN. So, why predominantly Democrats? Suspicious minds want to know.

~Also, I have to agree with some of Bolton's statements:

“There is no such thing as the United Nations.” ~ Yes, and no. I think if we take this as, "There is no such thing as united nations..." Then Yes. I agree.

“Reform is not a one-night stand.” ~ Yes sir. That is true.

“We want a butterfly. We’re not going to put lipstick on a caterpillar and declare it a success.” ~ Again, I agree. Too many people seem to think we can snap our fingers.

~ I (optomistically, and occasionally idealistically) hope they can realize that they should set it (the quarrel) aside and work together. Well, we'll see.

Link

~L

"

Comments

bakerstreet

on Jun 12, 2006

I laid out my views on the United Nations recently, and nothing they do makes me change my mind. The sense of 'fairness' that prevails there only excuses the wrongdoing of the worst nations in the world out of irrational bias against the US.

Another point of reference re: Annan, is that Clinton's lawyer represented Annan in the oil-for-food thing... for free.

-----

on Jun 12, 2006

No, Lucas, free speech is a uniquely American right, not the cornerstone of the UN.

It just seems so wrong that it isn't. *shrugs* Guess that's why everybody is different.

And just for your edification, the word is 'undermine.' (not undermind.)

Oops, meant to put undermine. My bad. Thanks for correcting me.

~L

-----

on Jun 12, 2006

Now there's a good slave-dog. There may be hope for you yet, boy.

Ex-cuse me!? I'm no slave. I just thanked you for catching a mistake. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't go about thinking I'll tremble at your word.

Geez, you thank someone for something, and they think yer their slave.

~L

(Oh, and this is being said in a calm voice. Not angry, just suprised.)

cactoblasta

on Jun 13, 2006

The UN has never been the US's best friend. That doesn't mean it's not useful to the US and that it doesn't perform an extremely convenient role that couldn't be otherwise filled.

For example without US veto in the UN the US would be unable to make sure that international coalitions are structured on US-favoured lines, or that sanctions and rewards are distributed on US-favoured lines.

The tiny US investment has more than made its money back in influence and legitimacy over the decades, and the US would be a fool to abandon it.

-----

on Jun 13, 2006

And 100% humourless, as usual. Its no fun joking with you Lucas. No fun at all.

Well, gee...I wonder why? To be frank, I don't know when you're, "kicking", joking, or what... Ok?

Reply By: cactoblasta

Ok

~L

-----

on Jun 13, 2006

As long as you take everything I say seriously, Lucas, I will always be kicking

Ok, lets say we make a pact. No kicking, for, say a week? No remarks when I say something stupid? Please?

Anywho...

~L

rombios

on Jun 14, 2006

rombios

on Jun 14, 2006

>"The invasion yielded evidence that UN officials or their families had benefited from the Oil-for-Food programme,
>which was designed to feed Iraqis during UN sanctions."

The invasion also yielded evidence that a lot of U.S oil companies were still working with Iraq through second and third
parties but you wont hear that in the news

These sort of dressdowns should happen to Bolton more often. I recall he was never really appointed even when the Republicans
hold both houses ... he came in through a recess appointment

You would think in shame he would learn his place ... apparently he hasnt figured that out yet

cactoblasta

on Jun 14, 2006

That's really all you've got to say? Whatever Lucas. I'm not bothering again.

-----

on Jun 14, 2006

That's really all you've got to say? Whatever Lucas. I'm not bothering again.

I just said Ok. I don't know enough to counter your statement or anything. Sorry.

~L

-----

on Aug 30, 2006

*pokes head in*

Is it possible Karma, that you would let me back?

Please? If so, you'll have no worries at all. I've...*grins...fallen in love, and she's brought out the better side of me. Who I really am, not what i was here. I only plan on posting things about my life, love and poetry. I highly, 99.9% doubt that i would post anything concerning politics, etc...

Please, I will be quiet.

Humbly yours, ~Lucas

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