Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I would like to thank Mr. Alan Biddison for his letter ("U.S. not a party to Vienna Convention," Jan. 10 Readers Write). My apologies for creating a misunderstanding concerning this contentious treaty.

May I refer to the words of Mr. Frank Gaffney, who was Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Reagan Administration and currently heads the Center for Security Policy, when he explains the curious fact that we are bound by treaties, even if we don’t ratify them. "The Vienna Convention governing the status of treaties—to which we are a party—requires states that sign a treaty to refrain from any actions that undermine the treaty pending ratification until such time as a formal renunciation of the treaty is made. … This translates into actual compliance with the treaty, including often paying the dues we would be obliged to pay once we are parties (to the treaty after ratification)."

While the balance of power and the checks and balances within the Constitution are quite clear, the Constitution is likewise clear within the supremacy clause that laws can be repealed, but treaties cannot. The current plethora of treaties being sponsored by the United Nations involves virtually every facet of law and life applicable to U.S. citizens and none of those being positive to either the U.S. or its citizens. These treaties include: Law of the Sea, U.N. Control of the Internet, Global Environmentalism, International Criminal Court, Missile Defense and, yes, Gun Control.

The greatness of America was achieved through solid foundations of Constitutional law and support for life, and liberty. America’s success has become the envy of the world. That envy is nowhere more evident than in the U.N.’s attempt to redistribute America’s wealth and power amongst the world’s less successful regimes. This premise forms the basis of the many Machiavellian treaties. Unfortunately, many within the federal government are supportive of these U.S. goals of establishing a one-world government.

With America’s plight becoming more evident with each passing day, the ever-increasing national debt, continuous budget deficits, uncontrolled spending, greater currency creation, more involvement in foreign conflicts, scant attention is given to the machinations of the United Nations by either government or the media. We can expect continued usurpation of our laws and rights by the United Nations. It has been said that a people deserve the government that they elect.

Andrew Maggard

Port Haywood, Va.