<p>::Sovereign nations cannot do anything they want. As part of international organizations, they are bound by the rules thereof. If the World Trade Organization says America has unfair trade practices after Brazil files a complaint and we're assigned a $10 billion fine, we <em>will</em> have to pay that $10 billion fine. If the UN had such teeth, the world would be a much safer place.::</p>
<p>Sure, America can pay it right out of its UN operating budget. </p>
<p>What I'm primarily referring to, however, is a situation of national security. In such a case, America should do whatever it deems necessary to protect itself, even if it is against what the UN suggests. First America follows its own policies, and then looks to international policies. If there is a conflict, American policies of course take precedence.</p>
<p>::And Mavin...while you are correct in saying that America foots most of the UN bill...you're also kind of showing any Canadians, Europeans, Jews, Chinese, and anyone else on this thread that we are arrogant SOBs.</p>
<p>It's uh, not helping our image.::</p>
<p>There is a difference between acting arrogant in a personal context as opposed to a political context. I don't have anything against any individual due to his national identity, but I definitely have something against different governments. </p>
<p>Canadians, for example, often show their dislike of the American government by displaying the arrogance described in this thread. I think that it is absurd to be personally arrogant to the citizens of an entire country because of a political opinion. However, I don't think you should hide your political opinions for fear of sounding "arrogant" either.</p>