We support Non-interventionism, not Isolationism
Opinion: UN helps to preserve American Sovereignty, not give it up North Jersey
Friday, March 12, 2010
UN helps to preserve American Sovereignty, not give it up
dear editor,
In recent letter responding to an earlier letter by teacher Greg Matlosz, West Milford resident Mark Richards reacts negatively to Model U.N. as part of the West Milford High School program. He asked, "Do the parents of the participating students realize that the goal of the U.N. is and always has been a one-world government in which American independence and sovereignty will be but a memory?"
Actually, the goals of the United Nations are and always have been to prevent war, protect human rights, establish justice, and promote social progress in the world.
Mr. Richard’s touted the benefits of the John Birch Society (JBS) as a right-wing isolationist alternative to the leftist pro-globalization U.N. The goals of this group, as stated on the JBS website, are, "…to bring about less government, more responsibility, and — with God’s help — a better world by providing leadership, education, and organized volunteer action in accordance with moral and Constitutional principles."
As noble as this mission sounds, I must insist to Mr. Richards that the reason people don’t support JBS in greater numbers isn’t because it’s "controversial," but because they claim to have the answer before hearing the question. Providing leadership in places where peace, civil rights, and justice are lacking is not accomplished by bringing about less government. That’s not to say these principles aren’t relevant domestically, but if the US ceases to act on its interests globally, we will no longer be in charge.
Isolationism is a greater threat to sovereignty than supporting the UN. That’s how we ended up in the World Wars. I do believe Mr. Richards is right that James Madison would object to our foreign entanglements. Then again, Madison also rejected the right of the judicial branch to rule over whether or not a law is constitutional in Marbury v. Madison. In 1700s America, no doubt foreign entanglements should’ve been avoided. After all, it would take months to get to another country back then, but now we can be on the opposite side of the world in a day, information can be transmitting there in a fraction of a second. In this day and age, foreign entanglements are unavoidable.
But Mr. Richards’ examples of bad modern interventions don’t stand up either. Haitians would be more upset with the US if we didn’t send aid all regardless of how helpful they think we are now. Either way, I can’t believe sending earthquake relief fuels resentment against America.
The other example Mr. Richards gives is our interventions in the Middle East and support of Israel as the cause of Sept. 11, 2001. This is an area of great contention that could be debated indefinitely. However, no man is an island. No country can ignore the world. Had we adopted a more hands off approach, Sept. 11 would still have happened, maybe in 2010, maybe in 1994. Mr. Richards, you are among the very few who believe if you ignore it, it will go away.
In summation, I’d like to thank Greg Matlosz for giving high school students such a unique learning opportunity. It must be difficult to initiate a program like this given the current financial squeeze on our schools. Keep up the good work. Don’t let critics like Mr. Richards cause you to doubt yourself. Your students are no doubt learning the most important way to demonstrate leadership. Stand up, speak up, and get involved. Participating in the U.N. does not threaten American sovereignty, it strengthens it. After all, if we’re not the ones calling the shots, who is?
Mike Chazukow
Hewitt/West Milford
SOURCE: http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/87468807_UN_helps_to_preserve_American_Sovereignty__not_give_it_up.html