CoUNterpoint.

• Position: Brief Article

In talking with my parents who are in their mid-80s, I discovered that they actually believe some junkmail articles that claim the UN is taking over the USA somehow. I know that we are fortunate to live in a country where free speech is a right, so those of us who are younger understand the corruption of free speech and how it can be misused to mislead.

I'm frustrated because my parents would not listen to any information my husband and I had to offer. We suggested they subscribe to a global newspaper that was unbiased, but they are not wanting change. Today, I found your Web site, and telephoned in a subscription to your magazine for them. I do not know if there will be sufficient information to get them back on track--I'm hoping. Do you have any current articles that address the mission statement of the UN? If my all-American parents think these things, perhaps the UN might want to print something (if they have not already) to outline what powers the UN does wield in the world, the purpose and intention of the UN, and so forth. [It] doesn't hurt to restate these things for the public.

If you can suggest anything for me to buy for them to read, I would appreciate it. Meantime, their new subscription will be in effect and future information about the UN will be in their hands. I'll just hope for the best.

Thank you,

Name withheld to protect the privacy of the family

Thank you for subscribing! The UN Chronicle continues to develop as a lively feature- and news-oriented publication, with articles that offer not only basic information, but also a variety of viewpoints from within as well as outside the UN. The magazine helps focus awareness on the human impact of the work of the UN system. Recent issues have provided a forum for an exchange of views on past practices and future directions for the UN. You and your parents can start by taking a look in this issue's "A Century in Retrospect" and "A Millennium of Minds".

As for general information about the UN, a good place to start is Image and Reality: Questions and Answers About the United Nations. It can be purchased for $5.00--or read online (www.un.org/geninfo/ir/). Image and Reality provides straightforward answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the UN, including: How and why are peacekeeping operations organized? What is the world body doing to promote human rights? And what reforms have been adopted to improve its work?

Another good source is Basic Facts About the...