THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 16, 1995 TAG: 9511160638
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 74 lines
I want to let all the people of Norfolk know about a wonderful neighborhood I call home.
On Sept. 20, a devastating fire rendered my home in Norva Homes useless. Since that time, the outpouring of materials and care-giving assistance has been phenomenal. I would like to recognize the extraordinary help of the Norview High School ROTC, the Masonic Brotherhood, Crossroads Elementary School, the Senior Citizens Duck Pin Bowlers and the kindness and generosity of friends and neighbors. They have all helped me to endure one of the most difficult and emotional times in my life.
Paul L. Leiphart
Colin Drive Living in a different world
Get the United Nations out of the United States.
We have heard this before and for good reasons. It is unfair to any nation to have to send representatives for world government to any other nation. It is especially difficult for those who are in various levels of disagreement with us to have to send their diplomats into a hostile environment. It is also unfair to U.S. citizens to have to obey laws that foreigners are exempt from.
I want to offer some constructive criticism. If the United Nations weren't in the United States, then where on Earth would the United Nations go? Certainly not to some other country. The problems would still exist but be relocated. No gain there.
What I propose is that the United States (and the world) give up the state of Hawaii. Turn the whole state over to the United Nations for its headquarters. And, as the nations are far from ``united,'' I would change the name to ``Earth'' or ``World'' government.
Think about this. Hawaii is separated from all the nations of the world. It is in as central a location as you can get. It is some distance from all countries by about 2,500 miles. Yet, modern transportation and communications makes it not really far from any of them. It has a beautiful, year-round climate. It is a true mixing pot with wonderful people of every race and color. Perhaps even of every nationality.
There is ample room to spread U.N. offices and staff over a wider area without saturating and spoiling any one particular place. Main offices would be on Hawaii, away from any big cities but with access to a substantial international airport and adequate shipping port. Communications and security would be small problems. Other offices and/or functions could be located on Oahu or Maui, or elsewhere. Not too far away, yet not too close together and overcrowded.
I propose that every citizen in Hawaii denounce allegiance and citizenship to/of any country and pledge only to ``Earth'' government. All who will not would be bought out and/or exported to their native land. Also, the ``official'' language of the U.N. would be Hawaiian and that Hawaiian only would be spoken officially. That way no nationality would have the advantage of language. Everyone would have the same degree of understanding of what is being said or written.
I also propose that anyone and everyone going to work for the United Nations would be required to speak, read and write Hawaiian and would learn Hawaiian geography, history, laws and customs and be tested by Hawaiian scholars before being allowed to work there. Also, all businesses would be owned by citizens of Hawaii, in time, within limits. This would help eliminate one possibility of outside influence. And, of course, everyone on the islands would be governed by Hawaiian laws.
I say let's free the United Nations from U.S. influence, due to location, and free us from saturation of New York City by the politicians of the world. I think it would make the United Nations a much better place to work and would enable them to do a better job for the good of the whole world.
Ray L. Manley
West Seaview Avenue by CNB