One delegate too many

World Leaders Mark U.N.'s 60th Anniversary

Dozens of international leaders celebrated the 60th anniversary of the United Nations' birth, but warned that the organization must institute significant reforms to remain an effective global peacekeeper.

The Bush administration signaled its discontent with the world body by sending a single representative to the commemoration. Delegate Sichan Siv, who represents the U.S. on the U.N. Economic and Social Council, did not speak at the anniversary celebration.

While officials gave emotional addresses about human rights and the organization's successes in forging global peace, speakers emphasized that the U.N. must restructure and redefine its goals to counter terrorist threats.

Several delegates said it would be a mistake for the U.S. to give up on the world body at a time when the U.N. is poised to institute major reforms.

"In today's world, no state can protect itself alone," said Mary Robinson, former U.N. high commissioner for human rights and president of Ireland, in a speech at Grace Cathedral. "A transparent and accountable United Nations is in the United States' interest. We know the U.N. needs reform, but it also needs resources."

We shouldn't have sent any representatives at all. That would have been a message.

The U.S. does a far better job protecting itself on its own than with the UN's "assistance." If the UN had its way, Saddam would still be in power, with Kofi and his son getting kickbacks.

The article talks about people dressing in 1940s Red Cross clothes. In keeping with the anachronisms, did they have anyone play Alger Hiss, the Soviet spy who later presided over the UN as the first (albeit temporary) Secretary-General?