and no longer existed, Russia was allowed to occupy that chair despite it belonging to the now defunct USSR. This is the gist of what Ukraine is saying. This is the fact that the UN could hang its hat on. But, what of China? It seems that the UN has the same problems with its charter that many constitutions have. There is always a rule that impedes progress.
Maybe this is good, maybe this is bad. The checks and balances of any system are there for a reason. Now, I am in favor of booting Russia out. That doesn't mean I am right. It just means that I am personally sick.to.death of war and all the stinking politics which I never wanted to have to take note of in any way. If I were a country unto myself, I would have asked the Security Council to take up the question of whether Russia is entitled to that chair. But China, a permanent member, is always going to veto any action in that direction.
I am not impressed with the UN. But, apparently, they are doing well in voicing opinions, but not particularly well in taking any affirmative action. I see it as kind of a club. You join the club, get on a committee, and make decisions. But, you don't do anything substantive. You get people to agree that this is bad, this won't work...but that's all that you can do.
One thing that IS good is that there is visibility, and countries take their participation SERIOUSLY, to the point of very emotional and prideful presentations of their opinions. In this way, we get to socialize the world with other cultures and societies. This mixture is a good thing. And, one lousy country can destroy this.
Not the Russian people, but Putin is doing this. When we get rid of Putin, the Russians should rename their country something and then apply to the UN for proper membership. Not having veto power shouldn't deter them. It is, after all, a way of building credibility.
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