[FairOpinion]

It's way past time to dissolve the UN. Bush could accomplish this and provide the world with a lasting legacy.

[GOP_1900AD]

No!

[Fiddlstix]

[Billthedrill]

It's actually a hypothetical question, as the author shows us. Were it possible to "save" the UN by reforming it, my answer would be a qualified "yes" - it does indeed have a mission, but world government is emphatically not it and never was. One reason it has become so impossibly corrupt is that it has tried to assume that mission in the complete absence of accountability for its members and independent auditing for its affairs. National governments in a similar situation also become corrupt. There is simply too much money not to tempt the virtuous and attract the villains.

But I do think it could serve a useful purpose once its staff stops trying to act like ubermenschen. As an international forum it is unparalleled. As a central coordinator for international relief efforts it could serve well. Were it to limit its activists to those venues I'd be at the forefront of its defense.

But it isn't going to happen, which is why I said the question was hypothetical. The entrenched, parasitical bureaucratic class that now populates its hallways isn't going to give up its sinecure. Volcker is being stonewalled, and Annan isn't alone in enriching himself, his relatives, and his hangers-on with the proceeds a particularly sordid graft. These aren't mosquito-bites, it's serious hemorrhage.

I'm honestly sad about having to say "no" in answer to the question in the headline. Perhaps we can replace it, but it doesn't look like it's going to be worth reforming.

[Ptarmigan]

No, not worth it.

[Charlespg]

NOPE,NADA,NYAT

[sport]

No.

[A6M3]

NO.

[saxxa]

NOPE

[F16Fighter]

The UN building is a cockroach motel, and the organization is an asp's nest.

What was the question again?

[Designer]

Seems this thread is now a Poll, therefore:

Put me down for; Don't even try to "save" the U.N.

Fact is, we will all have to work very hard at destroying the U.N.

[The Mayor]

Get rid of it!

NYS Senate Suspends UN Expansion Proposal

(Albany, NY) AP 11/19/04 - A bill allowing the United Nations to expand its Manhattan building is withdrawn from the state Senate agenda under sharp criticism.

A state bill is required for the United Nations to renovate its building and erect a 35-story structure next door. The bill had gained the favor of legislative leaders and Governor Pataki.

In opposing the bill, Senator Martin Golden noted the United Nations's oil-for-food program, which is being investigated by Congress for alleged corruption. The Brooklyn Republican said if the United Nations was Enron, the secretary general would be in handcuffs.

Senate Majority spokesman Mark Hansen said the bill is expected to be back on the Senate floor in December. The Assembly is expected to pass the measure next month.

http://www.wokr13.tv/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=3BEFD7E3-1C05-4F2D-81D3-030D10DF00E1