I think giving the five strongest nations veto power was one of the major blunders in setting up the U. N. That's been the stumbling-block that has rendered it relatively ineffective all these years.

". . . but I am against them being allowed to bring up a child. . . ."

Not arguing with you, David, this is just for your information and something you might want to take into consideration.

I know a same-sex couple (who, incidentally have been married in a church ceremony, even though this state doesn't recognize same-sex marriages—yet), two prominent attorneys in this area, who have adopted two children from Chinese orphanages. I've watched with some interest and curiosity (I, too, initially had my doubts) as these youngsters grew. They are bright, well-adjusted, and happy, and although they are aware that some people regard their family situation is unusual, this does not seem to matter to them. They call one of their fathers "Daddy" and the other "Papa." As far as feminine contact is concerned, they have a couple of aunts who spend considerable time with them.

I submit that these two youngsters are now having, and will continue to have, a far better life with Steve and Dave as their parents than they would had they grown up in an orphanage, where the Chinese policy of "one child" meant that they would never have been adopted, nor experience any kind of family life.

Apart from their sexual orientation, Steve and Dave are as straight-arrow as any two guys around. Pedophilia is no more of a concern here than it would be with heterosexual parents, if that's what worries you.

Don Firth

P. S. By the way, I won't be in anybody's hair for the rest of the day. The writers' group I belong to will be arriving within half an hour, and after that, I'm making music with friends.