Last I heard this was supposed to come before the un this fall. Bush is pushing to get this passed with everything he has. Here's something you might find interesting. IMO, we're being blackmailed into ratifying this theft of sovereignty.
America and the Sea Treaty (1 Letter)
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Published: August 19, 2007
To the Editor:
Re ''The Great Arctic Oil Rush'' (editorial, Aug. 12):
Decisions with enormous economic, national security and environmental implications regarding jurisdiction over the Arctic seabed -- and other areas of the world's oceans -- are being made without the input of the United States. This compromise of American interests is a consequence of the Senate's long delay in ratifying the Law of the Sea Convention.
By joining the convention, the United States would greatly strengthen its ability to influence deliberations involving activities by Russia and other nations to extend their continental boundaries, as well as countless other national security and economic decisions.
These benefits would come without requiring changes to current laws, while enhancing our sovereign interests. President Bush, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, ocean-dependent industries and the environmental community all strongly endorse United States accession.
The time has come for the Senate to seize the opportunity to approve American participation in the Law of the Sea before our national interests are further eroded.
James Watkins
Leon Panetta
Washington, Aug. 16, 2007
The writers, a retired admiral and a former White House chief of staff, respectively, are co-chairmen of the Joint Ocean Commission Initiative.
~joanie