THEY'RE BAAACK – AT 8:20 A.M. ET:  More traffic tie-ups.  This is the week – we endure it once a year in New York – when international windbags gather at the UN to deliver speeches and leave small tips in our fine restaurants.  All you see on the streets are police cars and limos.  The contribution to world peace is overwhelming.

Naturally, our president, international rock star that he is, will be back to shake a few hands and say a few words.  He's still big at the UN, and there's a good, ugly reason for it, as the Washington Times points out:

When President Obama speaks to the United Nations this week, he'll highlight gains from his policy of engaging the world body, but critics say that will come at the expense of U.N. reform - a Bush-era priority that, at least publicly, seems to have taken a back seat.

The White House has not permanently filled a key reform-centered ambassadorship to the United Nations after Mr. Obama's first nominee, Jide Zeitlin, withdrew his name late last year amid controversy about some business dealings.

Despite evidence of mismanagement at the massive organization, critics say, the U.S. delegation has backed away from the tough watchdog role it played under President George W. Bush.

Of course it has.  The crowd around Obama fairly loves the UN.  What a neat place to practice foreign languages.

The Obama administration said its multilateralist approach has helped advance interests on scores of issues, including nuclear nonproliferation and female empowerment.

Officials say the delegation continues to air grievances on management shortcomings, but does so privately and strategically.

Yeah.  We can't wait to hear the details.

The lack of pressure for UN reform has been one of the many embarrassments of the Obama administration.  Bush understood what the UN really is – a place for corrupt dictators to get their way – but Obama doesn't seem to care.  He even lent the prestige of this nation to the UN's Human Rights Council, one of the most corrupt bodies in the world, when he had the U.S. join it.  There has been no positive result.

So look for Obama to get his usual warm welcome, as contrasted with the ice that greeted Bush.  I'd prefer the ice.

September 20, 2010