New Home for the United Nations?

It occurs to me that with all of the congestion on the Eastern seaboard, perhaps we could kill several birds with the same stone. It also happens that Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota was named for closure in the last BRAC (Base Realignment & Closure) findings. So here we are - a need to reduce congestion in the New York City area and a closing Air Force Base with full infrastructure in place for other purposes.

Why not serve an eviction notice to the United Nations for it's current site and offer them the full facilities of Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota. Grand Forks, the neighbor city of 50,000 souls would appreciate a replaced mission for the base and the inherent financial fall-out, and the Mayor of New York would lose the headache of Diplomat's limos double parking all over Manhattan.

Every two bit despot in 150 countries around the world that take over their government and appoint their brother-in-law to live high on the hog as Ambassadors to the U.N. (on our money mainly) would appreciate the lower cost of living. A few extra parkas for the winters perhaps, but lower overall. There are visiting officers quarters, NCO quarters, and Dorms with all the basic amenities available. Even a couple of Base Commander quality houses, maybe even a spacious 2000sf, available for the Secretary General and other key officials. Those who insist on off base quarters could fill the Motel 6's and Days End Motels. There already is a great flight line to allow U.N. members to fly in for meetings and then get the hell out of here and fly home between sessions.

True, the bureaucrats wouldn't be able to hit Broadway shows and Maxim's every night but they could attend the local multiplex theaters, McD's and IHOP.

With all the money that the U.N. would save in operating costs, they could forgo the oil for food money and other doubtful sources of income that they now require.

What do you think - is this an idea whose time has come, or what?