Senate Votes to Reduce U.S. Dues to U.N.

How about this one? If it wasnt for the U.N. we may all still be vulnerable to smallpox. Did we forget about that wonderful program people? Have any of you fellows actually dogging the U.N. been to the website and taken a look at the accomplishments and achievements?
Here let me help you all out a little bit.

1. Deploying more than 35 peace-keeping missions. There are presently 16 active peace-keeping forces in operation.

2. Credited with negotiating 172 peaceful settlements that have ended regional conflicts

3. The UN has enabled people in over 45 countries to participate in free and fair elections

4. Development - The system's annual disbursements, including loans and grants, amount to more than $10 billion.

5. UNICEF spends more than $800 million a year, primarily on immunization, health care, nutrition and basic education in 138 countries.

6. UN Human Rights Commission has focused world attention on cases of torture, disappearance, and arbitrary detention and has generated international pressure.

7. UN Conference eon Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, resulted in treaties on bio-diversity and climate change.

8. Has helped minimize the threat of a nuclear war by inspecting nuclear reactors in 90.

9. Over 300 international treaties, on topics as varied as human rights conventions to agreements on the use of outer space and seabed.

10. The International Court of Justice has helped settle international disputes involving territorial issues, diplomatic relations, hostage-taking, and economic rights.

11. The UN was a major factor in bringing about the downfall of the apartheid system.

12. More than 30 million refugees fleeing war, famine or persecution have received aid from the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.

13. Aiding Palestinian Refugees with free schooling, essential health care, relief assistance and key social services virtually without interruption. There are 2.9 million refugees in the Middle East served by UNRWA.

14. Alleviating Chronic Hunger and Rural Poverty in Developing Countries, providing credit that has benefited over 230 million people in nearly 100 developing countries.

15. The Africa Project Development Facility has helped entrepreneurs in 25 countries to find financing for new enterprises. The Facility has completed 130 projects which represent investments of $233 million and the creation of 13,000 new jobs, saving some $131 million in foreign exchange annually.

16. Promoting Women's Rights ­have supported programs and projects to improve the quality of life for women in over 100 countries, including credit and training, marketing opportunities, etc.

17. Providing Safe Drinking Water ­ Available to 1.3 billion people in rural areas during the last decade.

18. Eradicating Smallpox ­ through vaccinations and monitoring. Helped wipe out polio from the Western Hemisphere, with global eradication expected soon.

19. Pressing for Universal Immunization of polio, tetanus, measles, whooping cough, diphtheria and tuberculosis ­ has a 80% immunization rate, saving the lives of more than 3 million children each year.

20. Reducing child mortality rates, halved since 1960, increasing the average life expectancy from 37 to 67 years.

21. Fighting parasitic diseases, such as saving the lives of 7 million children from going blind from the river blindness and rescued many others from guinea worm and other tropical diseases.

22. Promoting investment in developing countries ­promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance, industrial cooperation and technology transfer and cost-effective, ecologically-sensitive industry.

23. Reducing the effects of natural disasters ­early warning system, which utilizes thousands of surface monitors as well as satellites, has provided information for the dispersal of oil spills and has predicted long-term droughts.

24. Providing food to victims of emergencies ­ Over two million tons of food each year. 30 million people facing acute food shortages in 36 countries benefited from this assistance last year.

25. Clearing land mines - The United Nations is leading an international effort to clear land minds from Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, El Salvador, Mozambique, Rwanda and Somalia.

26. Protecting the ozone layer & global warming­highlighting the damage caused to the earth's ozone layer. As a result there has been a global effort to reduce chemical emissions of substances that have caused the depletion of the ozone.

27. Preventing over-fishing

28. Limiting deforestation and promoting sustainable forestry development ­in 90 countries.

29. Cleaning up pollution ­encouraged adversaries such as Syria and Israel, and Turkey and Greece to work together to clean up beaches. As a result, more than 50% of the previously polluted beaches are now usable.

30. Protecting consumers' health ­have established standards for over 200 food commodities and safety limits for more than 3,000 food contaminants.

31. Reducing fertility rates ­ Family planning programs. Women in developing countries are having fewer children ­ from six births per woman in the 1960s to 3.5 today. In the 1960s, only 10% of the world's families were using effective methods of family planning. The number now stands at 55 percent.

32. Fighting drug abuse ­Reduce demand for illicit drugs, suppress drug trafficking, and has helped farmers to reduce their economic reliance on growing narcotic crops by shifting farm production toward other dependable sources of income.

33. Improving global trade relations ­ The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has worked to obtain special trade preferences for developing countries to export their products to developed countries with fair prices.

34. Promoting economic reform ­ Together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations has helped many countries improve their economic management, offered training for government finance officials, and provided financial assistance to countries experiencing temporary balance of payment difficulties.

35. Promoting worker rights ­worked to guarantee freedom of the right to association, the right to organize, collective bargaining, setting worker safety standards, the rights of indigenous and tribal peoples, promote employment and equal remuneration and has sought to eliminate discrimination and child labor.

36. Introducing improved agricultural techniques and reducing costs ­Resulted in improved crop yields, Asian rice farmers have saved $12 million on pesticides and governments over $150 a year in pesticide subsidies.

37. Promoting stability and order in the world's oceans ­global agreement for the protection, preservation and peaceful development of the oceans.

38. Improving air and sea travel ­Setting safety standards for sea and air travel, making air travel the safest mode of transportation.

39. Protecting intellectual property ­Protection for new inventions and maintains a register of nearly 3 million national trademarks. artists, composers and authors worldwide.

40. Promoting the free flow of information ­free of censorship and culturally unbiased, aid to develop and strengthen communication systems, established news agencies and supported an independent press.

41. Improving global communications ­ Regulated international mail delivery, coordinated use of the radio spectrum, promoted cooperation in assigning positions for stationary satellites, and established international standards for communications, thereby ensuring the unfettered flow of information around the globe.

42. Empowering the voiceless ­recognize the needs and contributions of groups usually excluded from decision-making such as the aging, children, youth, homeless, indigenous an disabled people.

43. Establishing "children as a zone of peace" ­ From El Salvador to Lebanon, Sudan to former Yugoslavia, provide vaccines and other assistance desperately needed by children caught in armed conflict.

44. Generating worldwide commitment in support of the needs of children ­more than 150 governments have committed to reaching over 20 specific measurable goals to radically improve children's lives by the year 2000.

45. Improving education in developing countries ­60% of adults in developing countries can now read and write, and 80 percent of children in these countries attend school.

46. Improving literacy for women ­Raise the female literacy rate in developing countries from 36 percent in 1970 to 56 percent in 1990.

47. Safeguarding and preserving historic cultural and architectural sites ­protected through the efforts of UNESCO, and international conventions have been adopted to preserve cultural property.

48. Facilitating academic and cultural exchanges encouraged scholarly and scientific cooperation, networking of institutions and promotion of cultural expressions, including those of minorities and indigenous people.

Now I understand that many of you are still not satisfied with these accomplishments. Maybe it just stilll doesnt explain the billions of dollars? You see the problem is that this is a very big world, and even though lets say $10 billion dollars still goes very far, it is not possible to make the world a perfect place.

The United Nations and all its agencies and funds spend about $10 billion each year, or about $1.70 for each of the world's inhabitants. This is a very small sum compared to most government budgets and it is just a tiny fraction of the world's military spending. Yet for over a decade, the UN has faced a debilitating financial crisis and it has been forced to cut back on important programs in all areas. Many member states have not paid their full dues and have cut their donations to the UN's voluntary funds. As of December 31, 2004, members arrears to the Regular Budget topped $357 million, of which the United States alone owed $241 million (68% of the regular budget).

Many proposals for UN reform deal with restructuring the UN’s funding. Some suggest that the UN must seek alternative financing sources to fund its programs. Proposals include instituting a global tax on currency transactions, while others propose environmental taxes and taxes on the arms-trade. However, member states responsible for the highest contributions are reluctant to reform the system, fearing they would lose political leverage. This section examines the UN’s financial condition and offers proposals for alternative financing of the UN.

Myths and Realities about the U.N.( You will have to click on about the U.N. in the navigation bar on the left)

Myths and Realities

MYTH #1- The activities of the UN do not have an impact on the average citizen.

REALITY - As our world becomes increasingly interdependent, we can not ignore problems that may seem beyond our borders. The UN serves to coordinate international cooperative efforts to fight terrorism, control disease, counter drug trafficking, stem the tide of refugees and the proliferation of weapons, and improve the quality of our environment - all concerns which matter to Americans. For instance, coca growers in Peru will inevitably contribute to the supplies of coc aine that enter the U.S. on a daily basis. In addition, the UN and its agencies set standards that impact our daily lives. These activities result in improvements in international trade, telecommunications, airline safety, postal services, and health care. Moreover, the UN generated about $404 million in contracts for U.S. businesses in 1997.

MYTH #2 - Financial support for the UN is too expensive.

REALITY - According to government officials, the U.S. spends about one-tenth of 1% on the entire UN system on an annual basis. This figure equates to just over $7 per American annually (or about the price of a movie ticket) and covers the costs of all the UN's work — the majority of which concerns child survival, refugee assistance, and social/economic development. By way of comparison, about $900 per American is spent annually on the U.S. military.

MYTH #3 - The UN's budget is out of control.

REALITY - UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan has expressed publicly his commitment to reducing the Secretariat's administrative costs by one-third and channeling these resources into development programs, and the 2000-2001 budget demonstrates this. It was passed as a virtually no-growth budget with an estimated increase of only $2 million. The 1998-1999 budget of $2.533 billion was over $70 million below the previous budget and $100 million below the 1994-1995 spending level.

I dont feel that the problem lies in the U.N. at all. The problem lies in the member states alone. The person who stated that 1/4 of all children in U.N. refugee camps are molested? Well the question is would they be better off with no place to go and fending for themselves in a hostile environment? Instead of recieving food and medicine and education through U.N. aid they would most likely be selling their bodies for drugs like alot of children in the poorly developed world outside of any agency help already do.

Devilwasp already pointed out the Anti-Landmine program. Thanks to this program people can live in peace in their towns and villages and enjoy the wilderness without having to worry about losing limbs or death from wars long forgotten. We need to look at how far we have already come and figure out what we need to go further into the future. Hell for $10 billion dollars of spending a year the U.N. has done quite alot.

Originally posted by DrHoracid
How many children have died in the last 10 years under UN control? UNICEF now spends money on abortions instead of food.

What?
Since when has any country been under UN control?
The UN has done all it can to do what it can..because it cant save everyone its wrong?

Devilwasp. Why do you hate America so much? What have we done wrong to your country?

Originally posted by zman
Sorry Devilwasp , but since we have different mindsets , that is what is right and what is wrong or knowing what is right and what is wrong , we will not agree.

Actually we agreed on it...remember the international law?
Geneva convention...
Human rights?
Or where they exceptions?

What is all this talk of war , are you saying that we want war ? .. We want justice , understand , we want someone to be with us to support the wrongs of the world , but it in't going to happen , please read above.

Sure looks like you want it.
Justice! Hah!
What about the justice for the men and women that where killed thanks to american weapons and money given to the terrorists or to sadamm?
Huh?
Where is the justice?
Our countries agreed what was right and wrong, read about it.....if they wanted to change it they would have done so..

Sorry Devil wasp . maybe more than 75 percent , but who cares since the USA does not want to support a dead fish anymore.

Where are you geting these ridiculaous percentages from?
We care because the UN is not a dead fish, only you americans dont have the bottle to stand with it. You cant be seen to stand with an orginisation that isnt your lapdog...

Originally posted by christconserv
Devilwasp. Why do you hate America so much? What have we done wrong to your country?

I dont hate america, I hate thier forign policy and the men and women who done wrong to the people of the world.

[edit on 26/02/2005 by devilwasp]

Originally posted by djohnsto77
I hope this is just the first phase of getting rid of the UN. Kofi should be thrown in jail, the rest kicked out of the country and the land reclaimed for some nice apartments. The UN is an embarrassing shameful organization and the sooner it is dismantled, the better.

I personally have known UN people who went to a great length, in all senses of this word, to help those in need, the opressed and the hungry.

Kofi is a saint compared to the Haliburton crop of people now in control of the US. Do you suggest the US should be dissolved? No if I can help it.

By and large, the UN is an indispensable forum and a tool to make this world a better place. I think they made some poor decisions in the past, but what's remarkable, when the US finds the UN position disagreeable, mud starts flying and the US bypasses the UN. This is sick.

And one of the posters said 75% of the UN members hate the US. This is a crock of crap. That's simply not true.

If the US decides to pay less for peacekeeping, fine. With all the money gone into the stupid and unnecessary war in Iraq, I suppose peacekeeping should indeed take a back seat.

Devilwasp. You speak about how many people have been killed by American weapons. What about the Russians and Chinese.? How many people have lost there life from russian and chinese landmines and AK-47's?

Originally posted by christconserv
Devilwasp. You speak about how many people have been killed by American weapons. What about the Russians and Chinese.? How many people have lost there life from russian and chinese landmines and AK-47's?

Cambodia has one of the worst problem with the mines.

Here's the list of manufactureres (here)

Thus, it is up to the people to clean up their country from the deadly weapons manufactured and sold by Americans, Russians, Chinese, Italians, French, Turkish and Serbs.

I know American weapons have caused a lot of problems. However, we are not the only ones.

Originally posted by christconserv
Devilwasp. You speak about how many people have been killed by American weapons. What about the Russians and Chinese.? How many people have lost there life from russian and chinese landmines and AK-47's?

The russians and chinese are supporting the UN in anti land mine actions...
The sell of AK-47's is wrong and thats one of the major faults of china and russia.

Originally posted by devilwasp
The russians and chinese are supporting the UN in anti land mine actions...
The sell of AK-47's is wrong and thats one of the major faults of china and russia.

Hmm, sale of what weapons isn't wrong?

Originally posted by Aelita
Hmm, sale of what weapons isn't wrong?

Every weapon selt is wrong...
Whether it be AK's or sidewinders.

Take measure of:

- the contrary arguments to yours - these "Christian Patriots" are simply regurgitating what their neoconservative icons are spouting. THey are to be credited for being such unquestioning foot soldiers.

- look, historically, to the Brownshirts & the Blackshirts movements. It's good to understand with who you argue.

Here's the perspective they're mouthing in full goose step agreement with their 'leadership'.

How can you have a "New American Century" without removing the group of nations who keeps marking & calling out your transgressions?

Originally posted by christconserv
Why do you hate America so much? What have we
done wrong to your country?

Ah ... it's easier for folks to hate others and to vent anger and frustration
at others, then it is for them to look at their own sad situation and take
responsibility for it. Oh .. and jealousy too. Don't forget that gem.
Definately jealousy.

As I said flyers I dont hate america but hey bait me all you want into an arugment...besides why would I be jelous of a country that has bush the second in charge...More like pity I'd say...

Originally posted by Bout Time "Christian Patriots"

gee i like how bigotry is ok for you liberals as long as you assume someones christian, you all use these lines when others disagree with you all.

Originally posted by namehere
gee i like how bigotry is ok for you liberals as long as you assume someones christian, you all use these lines when others disagree with you all.

Yeah really like I have called anyone a christian dont generalise when insulting someone...

I love republicans, "NO The UN is evil!!!! They want to help the countries we plan on invading and slaughtering the people for oil!!! NO!!!! How dare they demand we pay money to help clean up the mess we leave behind!"

Anyways, you keep sacrificing virgins to Bush to keep him happy.

The US pays alot more than just 25% of the peacekeeping budget... We regularly cover other countries back dues, some of which are years in arrears. We also cover some country's staffing and housing/office space costs. We also have to deal with everyone elses drekhead diplomats putting profligate use to their diplomatic immunity.

The UN needs to be tore down to the foundations and totally rebuilt. Including a more fair Dues structure that doesn't put US taxpayers shouldering the burden.

Originally posted by Sugarlump
The US pays alot more than just 25% of the peacekeeping budget... We regularly cover other countries back dues, some of which are years in arrears. We also cover some country's staffing and housing/office space costs. We also have to deal with everyone elses drekhead diplomats putting profligate use to their diplomatic immunity.

The UN needs to be tore down to the foundations and totally rebuilt. Including a more fair Dues structure that doesn't put US taxpayers shouldering the burden.

Really...where is this percentage comeing from?
The UN has done quite a shed load of good.....but that always gets overlooked and never reported...

from devilwasp
I dont hate america, I hate thier forign policy and the men and women who done wrong to the people of the world.

Then you should be able to understand that many Americans do not hate the UN, but do hate the corruption, graft, and pedophilia carried out by it's members and officials:

The UN's Rape of the Innocents
by Michelle Malkin
Posted Feb 16, 2005


Kofi Annan must have the world's thickest set of industrial-quality earplugs.

How else can he block out the cries of Congolese girls raped by United Nations "peacekeepers" sent to protect the innocents from harm?

Fifty UN peacekeepers and UN civilian officers face an estimated 150 allegations of sexual exploitation and rape in the Congo alone. Last Friday, ABC's "20/20" program aired a devastating expose by investigative reporter Brian Ross highlighting some of the worst alleged crimes.

The accused include Didier Bourguet, a UN senior official from France charged with running an Internet pedophile ring in the Congo. According to ABC News and others, pictures taken from his personal computer contained thousands of photos of him with hundreds of girls. Police say Bourguet had turned his bedroom, plastered with mirrors and rigged with remote-control cameras, into a stealth porn studio. He was caught in a sting operation while allegedly preparing to rape a 12-year-old girl.

Really nice guys