In his push for more diplomacy, President Obama has highlighted the role of the United Nations in helping preserve peace around the globe.
So the White House didn't take too kindly to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon describing the United States as a "deadbeat" because it is habitually late paying its dues.
White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Ban's choice of words in a private meeting with members of Congress on Wednesday -- a day after meeting Obama for the first time -- was "unfortunate."
"I think given the contribution that the American taxpayer makes, I do think it would be appropriate to acknowledge that role," Gibbs told reporters at his daily briefing, noting that the United States is the biggest funder of the UN, ponying up more than one-fifth of its nearly $5 billion annual operating budget.
5 COMMENTS SO FAR...
WHY ARE WE STILLTHERE? COLLECT THE FEES FROM THE PARKING TICKETS THAT THEY REFUSE TO PAY AND RUN THEM OFF.
The US has been spending billions all around the world, sending our soldiers not only off to war but other misions to help protect the people on this planet. You state our dues of 20% of the UN budget... that sounds like we're being taken. There are more than 200 countires on this earth. so why are we paying 20%. I don't want to hear that we are the richest country and other cliches. It is often proven much of the money we send to foreign countries ends up in the pockets of greedy rulers. The UN and the Pope have a lot to say about the US but what would they do without us.
Okay, move the UN to Luxembourg -- Brussels -- somewhere other than in the US. We'll take the property and rent it out to folks who might appreciate the good things Americans always do -- like giving generously whenever there's a disaster somewhere in the world..........
Maybe it's time to disband the U.N. it seems to me that they are just another company that can't pay their bills. We have enough of that kind of stuff in this country anyway.
What to say,The POWER Shifted.
No more Power for us.
This is our Reward.
We made it.
G20 rejected us.