Letters to the Editor

‘Foner’s Folly’As a historian finishing up a project on James Polk, I read with attention R. Emmett Tyrrell’s article of December 8 comparing President Bush with President Polk. A comparison between the two presidents is apropos [Oped, “Foner’s Folly,” December 8, 2006].Polk, like Mr. Bush, responded to an aggressive attack on American soil with a military response that was greeted initially with wide public support which faded as the war progressed. Both presidents were blamed personally for the wars and were thought to be pursuing an aggressive war for questionable motives, despite gaining congressional support. The Mexican-American war was called “Polk’s war” by the president’s opponents, just as the war on terror is derided as being “Bush’s war.” Both presidents’ motives were twisted by the opposition and the press, which the enemy used as public relations for its cause, and had to deal with dissention in their own parties’ congressional delegations.Mr. Bush and Polk also maintained a spirit of steadfastness and devotion to their beliefs and the country. Polk’s decisions, I feel, have turned out to be beneficial to the country, though vilified by some and misunderstood by most. We can only hope, and I feel we have good reason to be hopeful, that Mr. Bush’s decisions are proven historically beneficial to America as has Polk’s.KRISTINE WITHERSJackson Heights, N.Y.‘Ban Ki Boondoggle’With reference to your editorial, the facts are pretty simple [Editorial, “Ban Ki Boondoggle,” December 7, 2006]. The residence of the secretary-general was built in 1921 and last renovated in 1950, a refurbishment which did not address the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems, all of which have deteriorated and are not up to code. The laundry list of problems might be the makings of a sitcom if the decline in the physical structure and systems was not so dire — steam leaks, water leaks, and frequent power outages are commonplace, while telecommunications equipment is obsolete. The cost estimate of $4.3 million is lower than prevailing rates for renovation of comparable spaces. High-end renovation projects in Manhattan typically come in at between $350 and $500 a square foot, whereas the cost outlined for this renovation has been estimated at $255.The figure of $3 billion for the renovation of the United Nations headquarters has no basis in fact. The General Assembly is currently considering approval of $1.88 billion for the first thorough refurbishment of the complex and security upgrades since it was opened in 1952. At stake is replacement of equipment and systems that have become outdated, improved energy efficiency, compliance with New York City building codes, and the health and safety of occupants, neighbors, and first responders. Both projects will be subject to a public and competitive bidding process, and tenders from firms or contractors that can meet the exact specifications for less than the budgeted amount are welcome.SHASHI THAROORUnder-Secretary-General for Communications and Public InformationUnited NationsNew York, N.Y.

Letters to the Editor

Letters to the Editor

More from the New York Sun

Democrats’ Lynch-Law Justice Comes for Accused Cornell Fraternity Men

Tucker Carlson: ‘Apologist for Adolf Hitler’

To the Barricades — Over France’s Crisis of Debt

Newsom Calls for Threat Assessment as Trump Critics Defend President’s ‘Rambling’ Comments on Iran Nuking L.A., San Diego

Germany’s Spy Scandal Shaping Up as Biggest Since End of World War II

Mayor’s Office Demands NDAs Before Lawmakers Can Visit Veterans Shelter at Center of Funding Dispute Over Transgender Housing

Democratic Talk of Affordability Is Absolutely Hilarious

Former CIA Officer Pleads Guilty to $194 Million Scam

More from the New York Sun

Democrats’ Lynch-Law Justice Comes for Accused Cornell Fraternity Men

Tucker Carlson: ‘Apologist for Adolf Hitler’

To the Barricades — Over France’s Crisis of Debt

Newsom Calls for Threat Assessment as Trump Critics Defend President’s ‘Rambling’ Comments on Iran Nuking L.A., San Diego

Germany’s Spy Scandal Shaping Up as Biggest Since End of World War II

Mayor’s Office Demands NDAs Before Lawmakers Can Visit Veterans Shelter at Center of Funding Dispute Over Transgender Housing

Democratic Talk of Affordability Is Absolutely Hilarious

Former CIA Officer Pleads Guilty to $194 Million Scam