US to leave the UN?

[Skoob]

I'll preface by stating that I'm not all that current on world politics. This may sound like a dumb question.

While traveling in the car over the holiday a saw a couple signs advocating the US ceasing participation with the United Nations. I'm curious. Why would anyone want the US to leave the UN? Was it some certain event (or specific series of events)? Or, is it just general disdain for the UN.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the US should depart from the UN or knows why someone would want us to? Please explain this to me.

[TomCollins]

[ QUOTE ]
I'll preface by stating that I'm not all that current on world politics. This may sound like a dumb question.

While traveling in the car over the holiday a saw a couple signs advocating the US ceasing participation with the United Nations. I'm curious. Why would anyone want the US to leave the UN? Was it some certain event (or specific series of events)? Or, is it just general disdain for the UN.

Is there anyone out there that thinks the US should depart from the UN or knows why someone would want us to? Please explain this to me.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ever take a bunch of guests out to dinner, insult you continuously, then foot you the bill? The UN is a joke. Oh no! We will write you a letter to tell you how angry we are!

[ebranig]

[ QUOTE ]

Ever take a bunch of guests out to dinner, insult you continuously, then foot you the bill? The UN is a joke. Oh no! We will write you a letter to tell you how angry we are!

[/ QUOTE ]

Tom,

The U.S. has not paid U.N. dues in a long time. Japan and others contribute a lot to the U.N.

[iron81]

The main reason given for the US withdrawing from the UN is that the UN is seen as a hinderance to US foreign policy objectives. The Bush Administration and neo-conservatives want a free hand to control and invade countries they deem a threat to America and the UN is one of the major reasons why we can't. The first instance I recall of this is Kosovo, but it reallly ramped up with the opposition to the Iraq war. Also, the UN is perceived as anti-Israel.

Another reason is that the UN is perceived as incompetent (failure to stop Iran's nuclear program) and corrupt (oil for food scandal).

Personally, I think this is all a bunch of bunk. The UN has an important stabilizing influence on the world and its charitable tasks like UNICEF and the WHO are important for improving the lives of billions of people.

[Skoob]

[ QUOTE ]
The main reason given for the US withdrawing from the UN is that the UN is seen as a hinderance to US foreign policy objectives.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm taking this answer to mean general disdain for the UN.

Follow-up question:
Did this sentiment surface during the current administration or has this been brewing for a while?

[iron81]

Its been around for a while. Remember people yelling about "black helicopters"? The helicopters were operated by the UN.

Internationalism is the shifting of power from national and local governments to international organizations like the UN and the WTO.

[Skoob]

[ QUOTE ]
Its been around for a while. Remember people yelling about "black helicopters"? The helicopters were operated by the UN.

[/ QUOTE ]
I don't recall this. Can you elaborate?

[iron81]

There was a fear among far right wing elements in America that the American government was being weakened and taken over by the UN. Foreigners were going to start dictating American policy and arresting American citizens.

[AlienBoy]

[ QUOTE ]
Its been around for a while. Remember people yelling about "black helicopters"? The helicopters were operated by the UN.


[/ QUOTE ]

??? UN helicopters are white/light blue:



The black helicopters most people talk about are operated by the DEA.

AB

[Misfire]

[ QUOTE ]
The UN has an important stabilizing influence on the world and its charitable tasks like UNICEF and the WHO are important for improving the lives of billions of people.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, all those places that were unstable before the UN was formed are so peaceful and prosperous now.