Saddam stole billions with U.N. knowledge
 

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For some reason nothing in this surprises me one iota. I think the UN is just as crooked as was the Iraqi government. So what do we do to stop it? How do you deal with an organization that is rotten to the core yet people think it's water walking talents have yet to be tested? If I might make a suggestion - We should get out - associating with known criminals is a crime.

Like China...
I don't know, lately. It seems with the politics board that I just keep seeing the same thing over and over again. People take the simplistic approach to a problem, making blanket statements, without considering the implications. And I'm not trying to pick fights, just point out what's going on, but I know no one's listening.

So do you you have solution? Anything to add? Or is this just a blanket statement?

Of course he did ( steal billions). I think everyone knew it. As far as the U.N. I'm embarrassed to say U.S. is a member. I think we should scrap it and start a much more exclusive organization. Some countries just have no right, based on their own actions, to belong to an organization that decides policy affecting events throughout the world.

I agree. The UN is broken and it has been proved time and time again. We should get out completely and let the self-righteous Euros pay the bills for a while. The last thing that we need is more twisted bureaucratic nonsense from a corrupt organization like the UN.

All forms of government that involve human decision are fundamentally flawed. I say we let the machines take over willingly.

I knew about the problems with the "oil for food" program back in the winter, when I found an article from the BBC about it. The idea that this is the fault of "the UN," as if they were some shadowy mysterious organization is ludicrous. We were a driving force behind the UN until GW started to steer us away. WE are the criminals here, as much as any other member. Further, given the precedent set by our actions toward Iraq and its oil, I don't doubt we would gladly pay the next leader of Iraq, whoever that might be, for fat oil contracts and ignore what he chooses to do with that money. We care about ourselves first and others second.
Regardless, the original thrust of my post was this. People choose to ignore the things that are inconvenient or detrimental to their cause/point, even going so far as to accuse others of fault X, while those they support are just as guilty of fault X.

I am going to make a blanket statement: Power Corrupts!! Get used to it, climb the ladder high enough, and you will find scandles, and dishonesties...some are simply better at hiding it. And some do not abuse power as much or in as socialy unacceptable ways as others.

The UN turning a blind eye to Saddam's corruption is nothing compared to how they have completely turned their back on war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been committed and continue to as we speak.

Maybe we should get that NY Times reporter to make up a story about that. He probably wouldn't even come close to scratching the surface. That's how disfunctional the UN is.

Very well put, Kadath.

I believe it is the US and not Europe that is billions of dollars behind paying their UN dues...

I say kick the deadbeat American's out until they can afford the fees... ;)

Again, as Kadath has pointed out, this is frequently, if not always, because the US has used its veto power to steer the UN away from these issues... If the UN were to seek out every perpetrator of "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity" there would be a backlog of America leaders on the docket...

It is also the reason why the US will not sign on with the world court. They will only sign on if they are exempt from being percecuted (ie Justice our way or no way)

This is an awesome idea, no more will the US have to send in troops into peace keeping missions, draining the resourses of the military and costing American lives.

Let the countries in the EU and Canada do some Peace keeping for awhile.

After they are over run with the horrors they WILL be back asking the US to rejoin the outdated quagmire that is the UN.

Agreed. Kick that dang US out of the UN.

As well as the other monetary benefits, New York needs more office space after 9/11.

They have, they are and they will.

"Americans express concern about the percentage of the UN budget they are assessed (25%) but they overlook the fact that the UN, its agencies and diplomatic and consular corps contribute $3.2 billion a year to the economy of the New York City area alone (according to former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani). That has generated 30,600 jobs, yeilding $1.2 billion in annual earnings."
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I am sure the parking tickets and fines amount to more than this.

Without taking sides, if the US isn't going to play by the UN rules why are we playing in the game?
Again not saying US is doing anything wrong just can't figure out why were paying gym dues when we know we aren't going to exercise?