It looks like the UN has a worse image, now, than it had when the Soviet Union was systematically vetoing resolutions.
It lasted from 1945 till 1989 that way, but it didn't prevent the UN from existing.

At least, the UN , being an international organization, cannot depend solely on anything the US decides about it.
And it's precisely its international nature that makes it so important.

Plenty of countries did not agree with the US during the cold war, but this didn't prevent them from having a voice.
I saw a remarkable interview of Sergio Vieira de Mello, the new high commissioner for human rights.
He said it's member states who made it possible for mrs Najat al Hajjaji from Lybia to get elected.
It's perhaps shocking, but she isn't supposed to represent her country, but the commission. She's a woman coming from a Muslim country. And so far, those who are dealing with her can't fault her in her job.

Raoul