To the editor:

Norman Cousins once wrote a book titled “Who Speaks for Man?” (1953). A few years earlier (1945), as World War II came to an end, 51 nations had formed a new entity, the United Nations. “We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war : to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small :” So it began, grand in purpose, restricted and limited in power and resources by the political situation of the time. Still, it did express hope for all humanity; it did – and does – speak for man.

Sixty years later, we live in a very different world. The U.N. system has promoted and empowered many improvements throughout the world and has often provided some mitigation where only horror reigned. Perhaps most importantly, it provides forums where world leaders can discuss, argue, share ideas and blast one another with words rather than having innocents blast other innocents with guns and bombs. Today, an amazing 191 nations make up the United Nations.

Let’s celebrate the United Nations’ 60th birthday on Oct. 24 with gratitude for its existence and accomplishments and participate in any community celebrations or information programs available between now and then – and insist that the government of the country that gave it birth and whose documents have served as models and inspiration stop sabotaging the United Nations and its treaties and, instead, support changes that will allow it to be effective for the world and all its people, independent of any national government.

Doris S. Dort,

Lawrence