Shifting Baselines

Posted by Jack Sterne, jack@oceanchampions.org

Just when it looks like the Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST) might actually get through the Senate, the black helicopter crowd is at it again, claiming that ratifying the treaty would give the U.N. control over practically every activity the U.S. could ever want to undertake anywhere, at any time.

In the face of a concerted effort by the Bush Administration and the extractive industries that would benefit from the treaty to get it passed, those who fear a "one world government," are putting up a valiant effort, led by Sens. Vitter (R-La.), DeMint (R-S.C.) and Inhoffe (R-Ok.), to completely obfuscate what the treat would do.

Here's a sample of the kind of claptrap they're spouting:

The Taxing of U.S. and other corporations which mine the ocean floors would constitute the first source of independent revenue for the UN. This is the model for a global taxation system, and the transfer of wealth and technology to the third world. It doesn't matter if they call it permits, fees, or royalties. This will be a global taxation plan and another step towards world government.

Not extreme enough for you? How about this:

Under current US law, the United States has the authority to stop and board any ship on the high seas, suspected of carrying terrorists or WMDs. Under LOST, the United States would be required to get UN permission FIRST. The US may also be required to provide detailed technological (and often sensitive) information on the required permits for any activity. LOST allows this information to be openly shared with other nations, even our enemies.

Unable to bring the US into the Kyoto Treaty, forces at the UN attempting to use LOST to diminish the sovereignty of the United States and redistribute wealth and power to third-rate regimes set on destroying America. Warning - if this treaty is ratified by the US Senate, the sovereignty of this country may be lost.

Google "law of the sea treaty" and you won't believe what turns up.

I'm surprised they don't allege that the treaty will result in the regulation of when I can brush my teeth.

If you want to know the real deal with LOST, here's a patiently argued rebuttal to some of these wacko myths.

The bottom line is that we are the only major industrialized nation that hasn't ratified the treaty, and without us, it will be virtually meaningless. The treaty actually sets up a rational scheme for regulating development of the deep seabed.

For crying out loud (as my Dad is fond of saying), this is a treaty that has the support of both the environmental community and the oil and gas industry. How bad can it be?

Do you really want the fate of your oceans controlled by this?