Scott, it's all about comforting the weak...
..and pretending we are not the most powerful nation in the world and the last superpower on earth - when that is precisely what we are.
US:
Pwiddy pweeze UN may we take out badman Saddam?
UN: With our annointed sanctions yes. But to receive our sanction, remember you must bribe every member of the security council first with money, gifts and promises.
US:
Forget that! Fire up the stealths, let's go.
UN: Oh heavens you bad US, you didn't seek our sanction!
US: So what?
UN: Well the world will think poorly of you?
US:
Excuse me?! Like what else is new. Go back to asking us for interest-free loans to renovate your NY "penthouse" where your insiped diplomats spend time and stay away from their squalid despot nations.
;-)
SDAI-Tech1