U.S. United Nations Dues Bill

Re “Senate OKs U.N. Funds Bill, but It Faces Veto,” April 29:

The United Nations may have limited power to solve all of the problems in the world, but it is still the one and only institution that has a chance to maintain peace for billions of people all over the world and to be a mediator in situations that threaten that peace. Third World countries look to the U.N. for their own salvation, and they are paying their monetary dues. For years, the U.S. has succumbed to the gridlock in Congress, much to the satisfaction of isolationists who would just as soon see us get out of the U.N.

Now that the votes are finally there to stop embarrassing ourselves before the world, Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.) and the other ultraconservatives resort to the “poison pill” rider of an abortion-related issue, knowing full well that the president will veto it. When will we get fed up with these shenanigans and start voting for some sensible legislators who will contribute to progress?

PAUL VICTOR

San Diego

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The Republican insistence on a “no abortion aid” provision in any bill to pay our overdue U.N. obligations is a national disgrace. I have been a lifelong Republican, am a retired United Methodist minister still involved after 61 years of service, and I believe my party is committing political suicide.

Any public referendum of the Republican Party membership would show opposition to the extremist positions that now dominate it. Common sense and practicality are lost. The U.S. will become a pariah among cooperating nations of the world if we continue refusal to cover our fiscal obligations for the world’s only body capable of leadership.

Religious input is necessary in the public forums on the abortion issue--but the adamant Roman Catholic and fundamentalist positions (again not representative of their followings as revealed by public polls) make one ashamed of the powers that cripple the freedom of choice issues. It is clear to me and to many, many more Republicans I know that the party is destroying itself. Hopefully, a way will open for non-extremists in both major parties to establish a moderate new party capable of leadership adequate for the times in which we live.

CLARK ROBBINS

Rancho Palos Verdes