Wednesday, March 26, 2003

[Re: Timothy Parker's letter March 19,] we will be forced to the mat by the weight of our convictions, Tim. Agree to disagree but I'll close by taking you to task on two points. You will note I won't bore the masses with four columns of the printed word after all they "watch reality TV and read very little anything of consequence." Do I detect the liberal elitist dogma that convinces the highbrow left the proletariat is incapable of self-government?

First, and most obvious, was your assertion that the "coalition" was limited to Spain, U.K. and the U.S. Even before the recent addition of numerous nations the "willing" were well over 30 in number and, God knows, I would welcome a Bulgar on my wing before any Frenchman I know! Certainly the unanimous agreement of every nation on earth would be the "feel-good," politically correct position, but I find no need to allow third-rate powers to dictate to our sovereignty, which neatly segues into the U.N. (Useless Nitwits) and point number two.

Major achievements of the United Nations (almost the length of the French military victories list):

1. Open to peace-loving nations to include Cambodia, China, Cuba Iraq, Syria, Libya and North Korea.

2. Promoting self-determination and independence. No need for a response to this ridiculous premise unless redistributing American wealth to mad tyrants, thieves and killers is a player.

3. Protection of the environment. Excuse me as I continue to cough through the pollution created by, arguably, the world's greatest eco-terrorist, Saddam Hussein and his torching of the Kuwaiti oil fields. Don't bring him to justice, though I pray he sits at Allah's right hand in light of today's successes from the "Shock and Awe" campaign in Iraq.

4. The benefits we receive from U.N. membership? For a mere 28 percent of their annual budget (and by far the largest donor to UNICEF and other U.N. independent agencies) we secure the enmity of the world, attacks from totalitarian nations and the sobriquet of greedy, arrogant, callous warmongers!

Let's resign and see how long this organization exists. Keep our bucks and spend them on booze, women and custom Detroit cars and trucks! An amusing pipe dream for an old guy such as I.

Les Dyer

Peachtree City