[1rudeboy]

I don't know about you, but when I hear or use the term "collective," I think:

"We are the Borg. Lower your shields and power down your weapons. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."

[Toddsterpatriot]

Definitely the best Star Trek movie.

[hedgetrimmer]

With that, let me reiterate that the United States remains committed to multilateral collective action. The President believes that American interests are best served by addressing problems with strong partners. Multilateral collective institutions multiply the strength of freedom-loving nations and so the United States is committed to lasting institutions like the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, the Organization of American States, and NATO as well as other long-standing alliances.

As we look to the multilateral collective institutions best able to promote transformational diplomacy, the U.S. will always view the United Nations as an essential partner. When the UN Charter was flown from San Francisco to Washington in June 1945, it was given its own parachute even though the diplomat who was carrying it had to travel without one!

Kristen Silverberg, Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs