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Why do we continue to support the United Nations (UN), as if it actually has any credibility or influence left? Unfortunately, in many respects the UN has long since gone the way of the League of Nations.

Perhaps the most graphic example of the UN's many failures is their unwillingness to intervene in some of the world's most tragic situations, such as Rwanda and Darfur in Sudan. Paradoxically, Sudan has a seat on the UN Human Rights Commission.

Approximately 22 percent of the UN's budget is funded by the U.S., yet Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon recently called us a "deadbeat" nation for not paying our dues on time. And, although we give significant foreign aid to many of its members, there is a long list of nations that generally vote against us.

In addition to financial aid, the U.S. also provides substantial scientific, technological, medical and educational support to nations that not only fail to support America around the world, but often actively work against our interests.

The list of those who generally oppose us at the UN while reaching for our national wallet includes Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, Oman, Sudan, Pakistan, Libya, Lebanon, Syria, Mauritania and perhaps most troubling, Saudi Arabia, which has a record of voting against us 73% of the time.

When will Americans recognize that these nations are not our friends?

The U.S. has fostered the growth of a giant UN bureaucracy in our midst. It's accountable to no one, and we have allowed it to create a system of generous rewards and perks for themselves, all supported by our tax dollars. The UN's compensation and benefits plans provide a lifestyle and a retirement program that its employees could never achieve in their own countries. Many of the UN staff live and retire in relative luxury while consistently working against America's national interest, on our money.

It's time we play hardball. If the UN and its member nations want something from us, there should be some quid pro quo. Advancing our own goals should be an important consideration in exchange for our money and blood.

The fact that we are constantly being told how much the rest of the world hates us is often cited as evidence of how wrongheaded our policies are. How about simple jealousy being the real reason for their disapproval?

We are also told we should more sensitive to the feelings, beliefs and values of others, which is the reason that Muslims and many other people around the world hate us, that it's our fault they are so hostile toward us. Really?

Who is more sensitive to the values of others? Those Islamic Fundamentalists who are attempting to destroy our society, who behead innocent and helpless victims and murder women and children for no reason other than to terrorize, or Americans, who have been doing everything possible to help free those who are held in bondage? Is America, with its multi-cultural society, where all religions and cultures are accepted, really such an insensitive society compared to those of the people who criticize us so vehemently?

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