Do you think the Senate should ratify the "Law of the Sea Treaty"? Do you agree or disagree?

Question

The Law of the Sea Treaty is a dangerous threat to our nation’s sovereignty, places the U.S. under an international authority, subjects our nation to direct taxation by the United Nations, and may hamper our military.

http://www.grassfire.org/95/petition.asp?PID=14746975&NID=1

Why or Why not?

Answer 1

I can't believe this question!

Back in the early 1980s, I wrote a research paper on the "Law of the Sea Treaty" for my university political science class. I had to research it exhaustively because, it turned out my professor was a recognized expert on the topic!

What sticks in my mind about this treaty was the strident, arrogant demands of many third world nations, many of whom are land-locked, who acted like their country practically invented modern navigation and helped chart the four corners of the globe. It was preposterous, not to mention galling.

These third world gimme, gimme, gimme countries (often bellicose, illegitimate, rogue criminal states) insisted the oceans to be considered as the patrimony of all mankind, to be shared equally.

Well gee, why don't we say the same thing about other natural resources like oil. It shouldn't matter where it physically located. We could even dream up catchy phrases, ala the O.J. Simpson trial. How about, "If it looks like grease, you must release!"

No, the Law of the Sea Treaty is even more flawed than the (often misunderstood) Kyoto Protocols, which would give a free pass to "developing" countries like India and China. If a country hasn't invested the hundreds of billions of dollars necessary to farm the elusive and often hard-won riches of the sea, they have no legitimate right to demand an equal share.

Answer 2

I have no research to back my own claim. But I do know with the opening up of northern sea routes as the polar cap melts.. Russia and the darn flag thing? This is nothing to take lightly. WE do not have to agree with the UN and perhaps it needs further review. Thank you. Amazing 25 yrs ago !

* note the US owed the UN some 400 million under Clinton for back taxes... I wonder what this is all about!

edit: Looks like Reagan had some very serious points. Hand over 2/3rd's of the planet to third world nations control!! NOWAY ! OK I'll send in the petition !

Answer 3

Personally, I think we should. It seems like the only reason the government won't ratify it is not because it would be a threat to our sovereignty, but rather destroy our chances to get all of the precious mining rights that could possibly be found in international waters.

Basically, it's America being greedy with traditionally international affairs. Nothing new.

Answer 4

HELL NO! we dont want to hand our soveirenty over to a bunch of third world armpit nations that hate us and then be told we can sail our ships or fly our planes over 70% of the earth. whats left travel through the center of the earth? How about the law of the jungle treaty where the strongest rules I could live with that.

Answer 5

Hey I'm with Tony again's answer.