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Without a majority on the Security Council, the United States cannot stop the inspectors from returning to Iraq.

Getting a majority on the Security Council isn't the big deal Reese thinks it is.

These votes are for sale. Russia wants support for its war against the Chechens, and repayment of Iraq's debt, and a share of the oil concessions. They have said this explicitly. France wants a share of the oil concessions. China wants our previous support for the Chinese Turks withdrawn. And so on. UN approval does not represent moral authority.

Quite the opposite. Not going to the UN means not having to bribe the Security Council, meaning that unilateral action is inherently, potentially, more moral. To get UN approval we have to mortgage Iraq's future income to the hyenas. If we go in alone, Iraq is free to make its own deals and starts with a clean slate.

But don't worry, we'll go with the UN, and everyone will get their cut.

And by the way, pay your back dues on the way out

If we pay our back dues, and then bill the UN for the cost of executing UN mandates (a decade sitting on Iraq, 7 years occupying Bosnia) I think the UN owes us money. Hey, if we get UN authorization, we can even bill the UN for the cost of overthrowing Saddam. Sweet.

Getting a majority on the Security Council isn't [a big deal]. These votes are for sale. Russia wants support for its war against the Chechens, and repayment of Iraq's debt, and a share of the oil concessions. They have said this explicitly. France wants a share of the oil concessions. China wants our previous support for the Chinese Turks withdrawn. And so on. UN approval does not represent moral authority. Quite the opposite. Not going to the UN means not having to bribe the Security Council, meaning that unilateral action is inherently, potentially, more moral. To get UN approval we have to mortgage Iraq's future income to the hyenas. If we go in alone, Iraq is free to make its own deals and starts with a clean slate. But don't worry, we'll go with the UN, and everyone will get their cut.

Fabulous! The truth has never been spoken more plainly! Your statement should be sent to all conservative media, radio and newspaper personalities.