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Let’s Take Another Look at U.N.

Click to see original imageJeane Kirkpatrick, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, gave the country something to consider awhile back when she said: “Our influence at the U.N. is trivial, despite the fact that we contribute $1 billion a year.” Yet, as the ambassador indicated. it is important that America persevere in the organization, working to achieve the global goals of peace and progress, while striving to strengthen our own role and influence. With the huge U.S. outlay, Congress should take a perceptive look at our financial contribution, especially in view of U.S. deficit spending and a national debt soaring out of sight. Rep. Gerald B. Solomon, R-N .Y., had a few remarks to make on this topic the other day as the House considered New York City’s request for reimbursement for police protection it provides the U.S.N. “I am in ‘favor of protecting foreign dignitaries when they visit the United States, and support the concept of nations meeting to settle their differences peacefully,” he said. “But we must wonder if we are gettinglour money’s worth out of t e U.N. when we pay over $1 billion a year, not including police protection. And for our money we receive continuous anti-American rhetoric from Communist countries and their client states…” Solomon called attention to any Albany Times Union editorial which said that from the U,N.’s inception in 1945 until 1973 the American share of the costs was 31.5 percent. “Congress then decided this proportion was askew, which it surely was. and cut back to 25 percent,” said the newspaper. “Throughout this period the Soviet Union and two of its republics had three votes in the General Assembly to one for the U.S. The three Soviet members kick in 13-percent of U.N. funds, a hair more than half our contribution.” Under the budget-cutting philosophy being pushed by President Reagan, the U.S. should call for a review of U.N. spending and our financial commitment. The budget of every agency of the organization should be scrutinized. At the same time, a continuing look should be taken at programs of each department. For example, the “new world information order” project of UNESCO which F amounts to news manage-ment, contrary to American principles of a free press. The U.S. supports UNESCO to the tune’ of $33.5 million annually. Taxpayers of the U.S. and other nations have a big stake in the United Nations. They deserve the assurance tbat their dollars are being spent wisely,