.
Feedback

Do You Know the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Hoping to start a conversation about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I wonder how many people, or even just Americans, are as much as aware of the existence of this document, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Of that small group, I wonder how many have read it, or even scanned it.

The UDHR is arguably one of the most profound documents ever drafted, a testament to the better side of humanity. Much like the Declaration of Independence, although, obviously broader, it paints the picture of a world in which all people ...not just Americans, but all people .... have inalienable rights. If you have any sincere interest in a world of cooperation rather than a world of perpetual conflict, power struggles and war, I suggest you at least read the first twenty articles — and while doing so, consider how, if applied, they would change our world.

I hope you will converse about the salient points listed in any article of your choice here.

Here is the text from The Unverisal Declaration of Human Rights, taken from www.un.org:

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,

Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms, Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.   

Brian Carlson July 29, 2012 at 05:30 pm
Ok, so far the BBQ is me, Lyle and Hoffa. Who else is in? Doesn't have to be BBQ....just a word. Maybe some sort of outward bound experience.... No...jk.
But I think....think.....mind you, that a meeting would be interesting. Maybe Patch could send Lyssa along!!! Do a story! Debaters meet in public and ....STILL don't like each other!!! Haha
James R Hoffa July 29, 2012 at 05:43 pm
@Brian -
"Debaters meet in public and ....STILL don't like each other!!!" Thanks for the laugh! I've always been meaning to get together with Lyle, but would love to meet you as well! It would be nice if we could get McBride, Greg, not greg, Craig, Bren, HRG, Gearhead, skinnyDUDE, anti-Alinsky, and some others as well. Just for Lyle, we'd have to see if we could get Alfred, oak creek resident, and AWD to join us! Maybe we could get Mark Maley to feature a get together article on all the SE Wisconsin Patches. That way, everyone could confirm in the comments and we could set up a date, time, and place. Hoffa only owns an antique pass me down shotgun, so he won't be packing. We could have it at my place, but I'm way out in the boonies. Probably more convenient if Hoffa came to everyone else as opposed to vice versa. But then again, maybe everyone would be up for a trip - who knows!
David Tatarowicz July 29, 2012 at 06:19 pm
@JRH You're in the Boonies !!! I thought you were settled in an urban setting, like the foundation of some skyscraper in Detroit LOL
James R Hoffa July 29, 2012 at 06:28 pm
@David -
You're forgetting that the concrete was Teamster concrete, so it naturally didn't last very long before it started crumbling all around me ;-) BTW - Are you in for the get together?
J. B. Schmidt July 29, 2012 at 06:40 pm
@Lyle
Explain to me the limits of legal success (please do not muddy the waters with illegal actions) that the US Constitution imposes. Explain in the constitution were redistribution of wealth is promoted in order to make every ones existence fair and equal. Limitations and regulations shouldn't be direct excuse on success. Not unlike my grill, when I place the cover on a lit charcoal, the various setting of the vents hamper the ability of that fire to succeed. As I close the vents, eventually that fire will go out do to lack of freedom to take in oxygen. Progressive notions as listed in this document close the vents on an economy and slowly choke of its ability to succeed. Just like my grill, portions will stay hot, but they become fewer and farther apart. Until magically we have economic growth like what we are currently seeing in the US.
David Tatarowicz July 29, 2012 at 06:42 pm
In the discussion above, regarding whether human beings are born inherently good or inherently evil --- I believe the answer is both. And I would add that nurture can modify the tabula rasa in either direction, but not always.
If you believe in God and are also religious, your religion more than likely accepts de facto that Good and Evil are both present. If you are an Aetheist you don't define it, but you know it when you see it, and there is a lot of both to see. But the most pertinent point is that there is no Pure Good or Pure Evil --- and that there never will be, if history is any indication of the future. Unfortunately, as much (or maybe more) Evil is done in the name of Good, as that perpetrated by Evil itself .........and Indifference and self righteousness are perhaps the greatest Evils of all.
J. B. Schmidt July 29, 2012 at 06:49 pm
@Lyle
So are you arguing that children a born a blank slate or born good? Either way that is not a logical explanation. If born as a blank then neither dignity nor the lack of dignity exist; thus nothing is inherent. If children are born good, then the good is the parents responsibility to maintain that and any variation from good should we not hold the parents responsible? I never said children were born evil; rather they are born imperfect. That imperfection is why inherent dignity is impossible. It is also why they require parents to help them understand this and live as socially acceptable individuals.
vocal local July 29, 2012 at 06:49 pm
Jb, I think your missing the part on law. Someone commented that some would have more children but the law could place limitations on reproduction. At times I think we should have involuntary sterilization laws here in the US. Serilize all children at age ten and all immigrants. Establish desired parenting guidelines and if an individual meets and can implement the guides allow reversal.(sure would cut the birth rate and amounts of unwanted children now wouldn't it?) Also, on success if we take your argument from individuals to countries perhaps the ideology will be more understandable. We, are the largest polluters in the world. China I believe is second. Neither country will join the environmental control accord. I can't remember what it's called. Each year, Korea for long periods of time in the summer months eats the dust and dirty air blown on their shores from China. An individual in Korea has rights to clean air but is denied by China's success. China also seeds for rain. Should Korea suffer drought because the water vapors have been removed again in the name of success?
David Tatarowicz July 29, 2012 at 06:49 pm
@JRH --- as a former Teamster I resemble that ;-)
And it was the Evil Contractors at the concrete plant that put all the extra sand and water in it --- you know, those Evil Capitalists !!! We just hauled it. Yeah --- I would be down with the get together --- whatever form you folks agree to --- my preference would be a good and loud Blues Band that would make conversation or argument impossible, but would make the beer go down better. BTW --- if you want to pack, I can lend you a sling for your shotgun ---- just think how macho you would look with a bandoleer of shotgun shells across your pinstripe suit.
J. B. Schmidt July 29, 2012 at 06:59 pm
@Brian
Please put real world numbers to the following passage from Article 25: "Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control." What I mean is, explain exactly what material possessions I and my family have a right too? For example, what size house? How much food? What brand of clothing? What quality of health care? How much retirement money? How much vacation time? After you have set levels for the above then answer this. If I have decided to work a part time job at McDonald's making $15K per year, am I still entitled to those rights? If they are "rights" I should be, correct? Who then makes up the difference between my salary and those rights? If you are taking from the 'rich', why wouldn't everyone work at McDonald's instead of trying for better work if we are guaranteed the same 'rights'? Especially when better work only means I am supporting those that have chosen to work at McDonald's?
J. B. Schmidt July 29, 2012 at 07:06 pm
@Brian
"more powerful politically and manipulate international law" Really? What weight does have the US have in the UN? Little to none, even though it is our money that keeps it afloat. Maybe we are smarter or better, so. You are questioning if we should regulate our own success because the rest of the world can't succeed? That would be like Patch asking you write at a poorer level because other don't have the same ability as you. Or asking US auto manufacturers to produce lower quality cars because the rest of the world needs to catch up. Our capitalism has done more and spread more money through the globe then any other nation, ever! Please tell me another country that sends as much money across their boards as America does.
Brian Carlson July 29, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Hoffa, I am thinking sitcom here.... this could be big. We get Alan Alda to play Lyle, I am thinking Russell Crowe for me...na...too soft.... you could be...well, anyone that can do Hoffa... maybe Leo DeCaprio.... etc.
Brian Carlson July 29, 2012 at 11:23 pm
Vocal Local,
You sound familiar and crazy. Good god...sterilize all children at age ten.... lets see that gives two generations until no one is home right? I hope you are joking but on this thread...it is impossible to know. You should give us a clue.
James R Hoffa July 29, 2012 at 11:55 pm
@Brian -
Only Nicholson can do Hoffa right ;-)
Brian Carlson July 30, 2012 at 11:07 am
Hoffa.....Perfect! I will call Jack today. I understand now why you live in the woods. Crowe is tied up...think he did it himself so I am looking for a second option. Maybe Mickey Rourke without the sleaze.
skinnyDUDE July 31, 2012 at 02:12 am
And your human rights enforcement mechanism is ? I am still waiting.....
Brian Carlson July 31, 2012 at 02:28 am
Similar to UN peacekeeping forces. Also economic sanctions.
Brian Carlson July 31, 2012 at 02:30 am
"The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces are employed by the World Organizaton to maintain or re-establish peace in an area of armed conflict. The UN may engage in conflicts between states as well as in struggles within states. The UN acts as an impartial third party in order to prepare the ground for a settlement of the issues that have provoked armed conflict. If it proves impossible to achieve a peaceful settlement, the presence of UN forces may contribute to reducing the level of conflict.
The UN Peacekeeping Forces may only be employed when both parties to a conflict accept their presence. Accordingly, they may also be used by the warring parties to avoid having a conflict escalate and, in the event, also to have a struggle called off. The Peacekeeping Forces are subordinate to the leadership of the United Nations. They are normally deployed as a consequence of a Security Council decision. However, on occasion, the initiative has been taken by the General Assembly. Operational control belongs to the Secretary-General and his secretariat."
skinnyDUDE July 31, 2012 at 08:38 pm
So basically it is the same situation we are in now without the paperwork. Its a pipe dream and another liberal Jump the shark moment as its not tied to anything realistic. The UN is a worthless body. Under your rules I assume Syria has violations of this amazing human rights paper. But Russia is cheering for Assad to keep it together. Even has armed sales to him. Its just the obvious point that the concensus you seek is laughable and always will be . Nations act in self interests that will never change. A piece of paper to make some liberal elitist feel good about themselves will never have no bearing in this world. Its a waste of time which Liberals like to waste along with money.
Brian Carlson July 31, 2012 at 10:22 pm
SD, I am very glad I dont have your mindset. You are locked into repeating endlessly the world of the past...a world of conflicts, greed, power grabs and gross violations of anything that makes being a human worthwhile. Your anger is at the surface... obviously you are in the know and the people who disagree with you or see other possibilities in life, are ignorant, misled or just plain ridiculous. I hope your life choices bring you some satisfaction.... from my standpoint, the sentiments you hold to are sad, regressive and without any potential for real progress.
Lyle Ruble July 31, 2012 at 10:34 pm
@skinnyDUDE....All great things begin with only an idea. Our nation was only an idea at one time. I don't know you except for what you write, but I think you seriously fear the unknown and the possibility of change. That's a natural human reaction and usually change doesn't happen until we are forced into it by circumstances out of our control. Quit fearing the future and help us attain a better place for all of us.
skinnyDUDE July 31, 2012 at 11:17 pm
@BRIAN
Pipe Dreams are not progress. Reality is . This is a pipe dream as the very body you hold up to implement it is a joke. Many are a joke on human rights your prescribing. . That's why its laughable. That's just the fact of the matter .. Try again......
oak creek resident August 1, 2012 at 06:28 pm
Supporting this document would in fact reduce the United States to the former Soviet Union. A mass of cookie cutter pod-people run by corrupt communist party members.
Yep, we'd all be equal - equally poor, unhealthy, unhappy and unproductive. A liberal paradise!!!!
oak creek resident August 1, 2012 at 06:34 pm
@ Lyle
"quit fearing the future". I wonder if General Mao, Hitler, et al, used the same phrase to appease the fears of their citizenry? You have no moral high ground or right here, quit acting like it.
oak creek resident August 1, 2012 at 06:36 pm
UN is a joke. They bend to petty dictator thugs, and then even go as far as to put those same thugs on some human rights committee.
In a way, the UN is the realism of liberal socialism: all countries are the same, America is not great, where the words of some terrorist or dictator thug carry the same weight as say an Italy or UK. Again, no wonder liberals want dedicate themselves to that rotten corrupt body.
Lyle Ruble August 1, 2012 at 07:02 pm
@oak creek resident....I think if you'd read about Hitler, Mao, Lenin, etc; you'd find that they counted on painting a fear of the future. They used this fear to motivate others to voluntarily give them power. When enough fear was generated they provided an answer that people willingly accepted. So come up with another example and a better argument.
Lyle Ruble August 1, 2012 at 07:05 pm
@oak creek resident....What do you propose as an alternative?
Brian Carlson August 2, 2012 at 12:56 am
The US, historically, as supported petty dictators... do you know the history of US involvement in Latin America for instance. We have taught them, through institutions like the former School of the Americas, HOW TO BE thugs...we have trained the folks that ran their death squads and interrogation/torture teams. You really need to do some more research. The UK, an empire, has a horrific history of human rights violations and Italy, Mussolini aside, is rife with corruption. You need to get out of Oak Creek now and then.
Brian Carlson August 2, 2012 at 12:58 am
Skinny Dude....you push off the UDHR as a pipe dream in favor of "reality." What is the reality you propose? You forgot to mention it.
Brian Carlson August 2, 2012 at 10:59 am
Vocal local.......had we begun with your policy of sterilizing immigrants you would not be here suggesting we sterilize the new Americans.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Port Washington-Saukville Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Collin Richter, Waukesha North Badger Boys State Representative
BRM Management June 10, 2013 at 05:11 pm
Update! Collin was just selected as one of two STATE TROOPERS for Dodge County. He and otherRead More representatives were interviewed yesterday. Word is that he may be assisting Governor Scott Walker off the helicopter when he arrives at Badger Boys State later this week. Governor Walker is a past Badger Boys State representative.
Tourquise & silver from AZ
priscilla June 11, 2013 at 05:28 pm
I LOVE the squash blossom necklace.
je.081796 June 13, 2013 at 09:03 am
Kate or priscilla, Give me a call if really interested in the jewelry, 414-426-6268, on ebay theyRead More are very high, My brother paid $900 long ago, and passed away 2 years ago. For that price I would sell both or name what you think they might be worth.
Kate Schwid June 13, 2013 at 09:12 am
Might want to check out e-collectique in Theinsville
Cheryl M Levy-Meunier June 7, 2013 at 11:02 am
I have been trying to upload a picture, but it won't let me :(
Sarah Worthman (Editor) June 7, 2013 at 03:22 pm
Oh no! What happens? If you don't mind, email me directly and let's see if we can fix this up forRead More you! sarah.worthman@patch.com