Trump Wants To Control Who Can Speak At The U.N.

The words above, from Colombian President Gustavo Petri, will probably shock many Americans. But they shouldn't. He has a point.

Donald Trump appeared at the United Nations last week, and among other things, he remarked about the organizations inability to solve world problems. I believe the UN does a lot of good in the world, but it does have some problems.

I wonder if Trump realizes that he is one of those problems. Last week, the UN debated the possibility of a two-state solution to solve the problems between Israelis and Palestinians. But not all parties were able to appear and speak at the UN. Trump refused to allow representatives of Hamas to enter the U.S. and appear at the UN. Whatever one might think of Hamas (and they deserve the criticism they receive), shouldn't all sides be heard if a solution is to be found?

Then, after President Petro joined a demonstration supporting Palestinians, Trump revoked his visa and forced him to leave this country. Petro did not commit or support violence. He just peacefully demonstrated with others. Shouldn't that be his right (since our Constitution affords the same rights to everyone in this country - even visitors)?

We are currently having a problem with the Trump administration trying to suppress free speech in the United States. But we need to also support free speech at the United Nations. How can solutions be found when only some are allowed to speak? If the United Nations is to work, everyone must be included.

But Donald Trump thinks he should have the right to restrict who can enter this country to speak at the United Nations. He should not have that right! 

As long as Trump tries to control who can appear before the UN, President Petro has a point. Maybe the UN should be moved to a country that will respect everyone's ability to address it - even those with unpopular views.