~ To Congressman Stearns ~

"Why Honor Cardinal O'Connor?
Why Favor 'One' Religion in the U.N.?"

Letter to Congressman Clifford B. Sterns, March 16, 2000

March 16, 2000
Clifford B. Stearns, Congressman
2227 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington D. C. 20515

Dear Congressman Stearns,

I take it seriously when you say you want to hear from your constituents when you can help us.

I had written to you earlier asking for information about why the House awarded a Congressional Gold Medal to Cardinal John O'Connor of New York. What national interests has he served? No response from you.

Now, please let me know why the House passed a resolution warning the United Nations that a Vatican ouster would further damage relations between the United States and the United Nations.

The Vatican is the only religious institution which has status as a Permanent Observer at the U.N. In that position, it has an advantage over every other religion in the world in protecting itself from any U.N. action it may consider to be detrimental to it. Why should we favor continuing this? Your response may be helpful to me in understanding other USA actions related to the Vatican.

The Vatican City is a nation. Its leaders chose not to apply for regular membership in the U.N. as it does not have military forces to provide for U.N. actions and has no desire to vote on U.N. military actions. Its unique status as a Permanent Observer has enabled the Vatican to do all it it wanted to do in the U.N. at essentially no cost to the Vatican.

Did you vote to approve the resolution to the U.N. ? If so, please let me know why.

Thank you for your attention and response to this request.

Sincerely,

James M. O'Hara

~ Top of Page ~