The United Nations (UN) is hated by some, respected by
others, and even some regard it as just a useless mechanism often manipulated
by the United States through its political and economic power. That was certainly
not the case on December 21, 2017, after Ambassador Nikki Haley delivered her
threatening speech and high political tit-for-tat ramblings to the UN Council
concerning President Donald Trump’s and the U.S. support declaration of
Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Their response in terms of voting 128-9 to
condemn US Embassy move to Jerusalem even after Ambassador Nikki Haley’s
warning was essentially their “Eat My Shoes” response to her obnoxious speech
which offended both allies and enemies alike.
Nikki Haley’s speech is typical Donald Trump language
and mentality and the UN members obviously will not tolerate such disrespect.
The vote was more about respecting allies and not trying to hold aid over their
heads. In general, people dislike when you do something for them or give
something to them and then hold it over their heads as leverage. Such action is
often perceived as despicable and devoid of real sincerity or generosity. One
can only imagine how many would have probably considered voting otherwise before
threats from Haley and Trump, and an insensible Netanyahu’s insult.
This was a bad political move to begin with, and using
threat to gain support was another big mistake! Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu also added insult before the vote by referring to the United Nations
as a “house of lies”. Thus, the two main messengers for support for Jerusalem
as Israel’s capital, Nikki Haley and Benjamin Netanyahu, showed no respect for
their colleagues at the UN – and by this virtue alone, should not have expected
any other results.
Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador-U.N.
The United States has perhaps been overestimating its
power of persuasion, as well as political and economic power, and this has
increased with new showman president Donald Trump.
If
nothing else, a 128-9 vote means “Eat My Shoes” Nikki Haley!
Dr.
Donovan A. McFarlane
is an experienced college educator, who over the last two decades, has taught
thousands of students in the fields of Management, Marketing, International
Business and Leadership. He also currently teaches American Government and Political
Science. He can be reached at drd.a.mcfarlane@gmail.com
