THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 11, 1996 TAG: 9605110008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 31 lines
I was disgusted at reading an Associated Press report in my newspaper about the United Nations having gone broke! I learned from this article that the United States has contributed to this calamity by owing close to $1.4 billion in back dues. Is this true?
The article went on to explain that the United States has withheld its obligatory payments in protest of the U.N.'s lack of reform. What is all this about?
I am embarrassed at my country's stupidity in this situation. We are the host country, for Pete's sake! How can we stand by and undermine the efforts of this unique organization on the eve of it's 50th anniversary? We may be a superpower in this world, but we surely aren't setting an example for the world where fiscal responsibility is concerned.
I should have figured . . . this news comes in the wake of a brand-spanking-new budget - seven months late for fiscal year 1996! These are sad days.
KEVIN M. FRY
Norfolk, May 1, 1996 by CNB