What the US is doing about Human Rights.

[spencerwatts]

I'm doing a report for school (yeah, I know. It's Summer :mad: ). One of the questions has to do with Human Rights, and I would like part of my answer to be what the US is doing to help other countries with human rights problems. If you would be so kind as to push me in the right direction, I would be forever in your debt.

[Peterkro]

Best of luck with that,I can't think of a single example. :rolleyes:
http://www.hrw.org/doc/?t=usa

[spencerwatts]

Thanks, that helped with an aspect of the report. :D

[Peterkro]

Your welcome,if you want some propaganda try this,
http://usinfo.state.gov/dhr/human_rights.html
:(

[GFLPraxis]

According to my political science teacher, the United States is the greatest violator of International Law.

And yes, this is my political science teacher in the US.

[humantech]

Hi- In the interest of making sure you are balanced and informed , why not ask a soldier who has been in other countries Recently. For those folks who dont think we are doing things to advance human rights, ask someone who has first hand knowledge. Dont rely on the news, nor on the government websites, nor on michael moore, nor on Bill oreilly. ASK SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN THERE FIRST-HAND.
And before people mouth off about how terrible the US is in human rights, perhaps it would be better if they forearmed themselves with the above knowledge ( first hand sources that dont get paid for sensational, anti-us stories) , and take a look at what other countries do for their civil rights ( For example, take a look at what " oh so loveable" france is doing to its muslim community..... In addition, take a look at what terrorists currently called " insurgents" do for human rights ( Sure , decaptiation and randomly blowing up children is bad, but its not like panties being put on someones head) -
All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
Human rights excel when we as a nation and individually say "Enough is enough" -
I would present that liberating iraq, and liberating afghanistan , and donating more money to africa than anyone else, and defending europe for 50 years + and defending japan and korea for 50+ years qualifies for " advancing human rights"

As always- my 2cents- Isnt it great to be able to say things in your country ( even bad things about your country) without fear that you will disappear in the night because the government is displaeased with you?


Tech

[humantech]

the last time he was abroad in a foreign nation that had little or no human rights protection. Hmm? Again- the goal is to be well balanced and informed. Know the truth students, know the truth- Dont take what your teachers tell you as gospel friends. Its fairly known fact that most teachers share an extremly limited world view currently - some people call it liberal, some call it " Anti u.s" - some call it " Anti Christian" Or "anti majority"-
doesnt matter what you call it- Its basically a single point of view- As you grow older, you need to see more sides of a picture- For example. Is the US record on human rights as bad as say , hmm north korea who routinely lets it people starve to death and exectues them for practicing their own religious beliefs? What about most of the wild african nations where thousands are routinely raped and slaughtered?
Guys, I'm not telling you that you are wrong- I am telling you to question authority and look up your own information. Dont rely on one source, EVER-
As always- my 2 cents-
Tech

[Xtremehkr]

Tech, that post gave me a headache.

[spencerwatts]

Wow. I love it when people pour thier opinions to me. I like them. Not exactly what I was looking for (More like what the US is doing, even if barely, to help other countries.)

Thanks for your opinion. I appreciate it. :)

[law guy]

the last time he was abroad in a foreign nation that had little or no human rights protection. Hmm? Again- the goal is to be well balanced and informed. Know the truth students, know the truth- Dont take what your teachers tell you as gospel friends. Its fairly known fact that most teachers share an extremly limited world view currently - some people call it liberal, some call it " Anti u.s" - some call it " Anti Christian" Or "anti majority"-
doesnt matter what you call it- Its basically a single point of view- As you grow older, you need to see more sides of a picture- For example. Is the US record on human rights as bad as say , hmm north korea who routinely lets it people starve to death and exectues them for practicing their own religious beliefs? What about most of the wild african nations where thousands are routinely raped and slaughtered?
Guys, I'm not telling you that you are wrong- I am telling you to question authority and look up your own information. Dont rely on one source, EVER-
As always- my 2 cents-
Tech

First off - you've used "liberal" as a synonym for "anti-us" or "anti-christian" - I'll refer you to follow your own advice and look up what is meant by "liberal" in a political context. Most teachers share a limited world view? Hmm. The people with the advanced degrees that have reviewed original sources, amalgamated works, often tend to incorporate travel into that research, keep up on current events, etc. - these are the ones with the limited world view?

Now, it may bother you that the areas of the country with the folks that have higher concentrations of advanced degrees are blue states, but that's hardly a reason to conclude that the educated have a limited world view. Perhaps it's a differnt world view? Perhaps it's even a much better informed world view - understanding the reasons for this or that.

Now on the US - one of the reasons that the US gets criticised is not for direct actions of the US within the boaders of the US, but for policies that support governments like Saudi Arabi, or even Iraq. Recall Rumsfeld had his picture taken with Saddam on a few trips in the 1980s when we were using the relatively secular Iraq as a means to counter Iran's influence in the region. That was a time of oppression of minorities in Iraq as well, so didn't bode well for the US. Yes, there are reasons why the US is criticised for actions or inaction within its boarders as well - poverty and hunger/malnutrition, access to health care, to education, and similar social human rights issues.


On N. Korea and Africa - with regard to the latter, yes terrible, can the US help to stop atrocities? Re N. Korea - there's a nutty country all right, but China has policies that lead to peasants working themselves to death, famine, religious oppression, etc. - except they make stuff for Wal Mart (and just about everyone) cheap and have a massive military, so let's give them "most favored nation" status; this would be another example of a policy that the US get's criticised for in its human rights record.

BTW - love the inland northwest Humantech - (I've always thought of it as in from the Cascade mtns for those of you not familiar - so Ellensburg, or Walla Walla, or Spokane, of Pullman/Moscow, Columibia river valley are all inland northwest areas - the Pallouse is really lovely)

[humantech]

Ah- Sorry-
Let me give you iinformation that may be closer to what you may need for your report-
How about after the liberation of afghanistan, women can now vote and go to school?
How about in Iraq, they had their first democratic election since the violent overthrow in which Sadaam took power - There is no longer a genocidal campaign to wipe out a portion of their popluation. There is no longer torture allowed ( Doesnt mean the thugs arent still doing it, its just that now, the country and our forces are mopping them up when they do )

look here- the US is a sponsor http://hrw.org/about/faq/

http://www.usaid.gov/ - Humanitarian aid ( I would argue that being able to eat and survive because the US is helping is a BASIC human right.)

Again- these are basic places to start- To do a truly good report, you need to call a soldier- one who has been around. They will give you a new point of view-
You can also check out http://www.freerepublic.com for a point of view ( A lot of soldiers post there)

Just remember- 1st point view is usually more accurate than what you see in the media- In addition, when you look at different human rights watch reports that may criticize the US, see who is writing them and take their valididty with a grain of salt- I've seen a few that come from china, who doesnt have the ummmm, greates human rights record on the planet, if you catch my drift LOL

Again- 2 cents- tech

[PlaceofDis]

and how is this not in the political forums yet? ;) :D

[law guy]

and how is this not in the political forums yet? ;) :D

Agreed, and I didn't help steer it away from that heading - it was a little more than I could just not comment on.

[humantech]

First off - you've used "liberal" as a synonym for "anti-us" or "anti-christian" - I'll refer you to follow your own advice and look up what is meant by "liberal" in a political context.

I understand the term liberal in a political context. I also understand that a textbook definition almost never has anything to do with the real world interpretation and manifestation. :-)


Most teachers share a limited world view? Hmm. The people with the advanced degrees that have reviewed original sources, amalgamated works, often tend to incorporate travel into that research, keep up on current events, etc. - these are the ones with the limited world view?

LOL. Which teachers are you talking about that have time and resources to travel, conduct research, keep up on current events ( Ie in a more strenous and complete way that anyone else) and review original sources? Teachers at most grade levels are stretched to the breaking point, not having time or ability to thoroughly educate our children, let alone become an authority for direct experience of world events outside of their own zone of influence. Not to badmouth teachers. I work with quite a few and its just that they have day jobs--- y'know? And the ones that do have time to travel and form these opinions are removed from the reality of the situation by neccesarily putting themselves into the role of observer - kindve a second hand information gathering. A degree as an educator really doesnt mean you are good at your job.... ( like anything else)

Now, it may bother you that the areas of the country with the folks that have higher concentrations of advanced degrees are blue states, but that's hardly a reason to conclude that the educated have a limited world view. Perhaps it's a differnt world view? Perhaps it's even a much better informed world view - understanding the reasons for this or that.

I'm not offended , but again, I have to chuckle here. Those same states, without fail have greater issues with just balancing their budgets, educating their minority children, controlling their crime and keeping their power grids active ( Let alone the borderline socialistic tax practices in those states) -I would think that if we took out all the federal aid to these same " blue states", we would probably have a federal budget that looks a lot better - Education is a great thing. I agree. But education is merely a part of being a whole, knowledgeable being. Nice point on the education level of the various states, but I think thats a paper tiger. Education and drive come from hard work and a real direct relationship with the real world ( business and social interaction), as well as from college level degrees. Again- nothing against high levels of education. It is just meaningless in this argument. Again. First hand knowledge of events is what I am pointing to for our young friends ( at least I am assuming they are young- they could be back in school for a degree)



Now on the US - one of the reasons that the US gets criticised is not for direct actions of the US within the boaders of the US, but for policies that support governments like Saudi Arabi, or even Iraq. Recall Rumsfeld had his picture taken with Saddam on a few trips in the 1980s when we were using the relatively secular Iraq as a means to counter Iran's influence in the region. That was a time of oppression of minorities in Iraq as well, so didn't bode well for the US. Yes, there are reasons why the US is criticised for actions or inaction within its boarders as well - poverty and hunger/malnutrition, access to health care, to education, and similar social human rights issues.
Understood and good points all. However, the 80's we quite a while ago. Eveyone knows the US was doing some bad things back at that point in time to try to stabilize that region directly after the US oil embargo and the hostage taking in Iran- Bottom Line, that was a screw up. We needed to take a harder line, much like we are doing now, with respect to Iran. The US problems within its own borders are are seperate issue I'm sure we could fill a thread with :-)




On N. Korea and Africa - with regard to the latter, yes terrible, can the US help to stop atrocities? Re N. Korea - there's a nutty country all right, but China has policies that lead to peasants working themselves to death, famine, religious oppression, etc. - except they make stuff for Wal Mart (and just about everyone) cheap and have a massive military, so let's give them "most favored nation" status; this would be another example of a policy that the US get's criticised for in its human rights record.
I for one hope that once we are finished in the middle east, we focus a lot more of our resources on helping the people in africa. I think we will. However, one thing at a time. As for China, you my friend, are preaching to the choir. However, there are quite a few things going on with china right now- trade status will likely change if a few things on their end dont. You have to remember ( as I'm sure you do) that most of these things have been around for a long time as a status quo type of thing- they need to be changed. The point being, Human Rights isnt a single issue. Its multiple issues that need to be addressed one after another. I want our young friends to realize that the US does much more good than evil in the world.
Make sure that armed conflict is sometimes needed to start advancing the cause of human rights- not just the " how many $'s does the government give to hot lunch programs"


BTW - love the inland northwest Humantech - (I've always thought of it as in from the Cascade mtns for those of you not familiar - so Ellensburg, or Walla Walla, or Spokane, of Pullman/Moscow, Columibia river valley are all inland northwest areas - the Pallouse is really lovely)


Thanks- I havent had a chance to check out your profile- where do you hail from friend? :)

[humantech]

Point should have stayed at
" Check a first hand source. My suggestion is a soldier"
Sorry to get of topic.... Dont get a mac user talking politics I spose hmmm?

Tech

[MacDawg]

and how is this not in the political forums yet? ;) :D

I think because it's Sunday and hasn't been noticed/reported yet...

Won't be long when it is.

Woof, Woof - Dawg http://homepage.mac.com/k.j.vinson/pawprint.gif

[Peterkro]

Point should have stayed at
" Check a first hand source. My suggestion is a soldier"
Sorry to get of topic.... Dont get a mac user talking politics I spose hmmm?

Tech
Checkout a member of an invading force that can't move outside its own bases freely and who have self selected as not understanding human rights,I don't think so.

[latergator116]

humantech, do you have any proof that "blue states" have a harder time controlling crime than "red states"?

[humantech]

Checkout a member of an invading force that can't move outside its own bases freely and who have self selected as not understanding human rights,I don't think so.
So you're saying that you arent willing to examine another viewpoint ? Sounds like you might be a little closed minded- bigotry applies in all direction friend.
What in the world makes you think they have "self selected to not understand human rights?
Question authority brother- Question authority----

B

[Peterkro]

Aarrf :)

[spencerwatts]

This has become an interesting discussion.

Thanks for the info, it helps immensly!

[gekko513]

Quote amnestyusa.com:
The death penalty is the ultimate, irreversible denial of human rights. By working towards the abolition of the death penalty worldwide, Amnesty International USA's Program to Abolish the Death Penalty looks to end the cycle of violence created by a system riddled with economic and racial bias and tainted by human error. Please join us in taking action against the death penalty.
And for the record, I agree with them.

[humantech]

humantech, do you have any proof that "blue states" have a harder time controlling crime than "red states"?


LOL I'm suprised people didnt ask me about proof on my wild claim of blue states having more finanical issues than red ( so far) -
check the following link to start-

http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm#cius
Takes some reading- Large PDF- there are also some that you can find that show The last 50 years or so of data.

However, Again, lets go to multiple sources of information because as the X-files stated- " the truth is out there" -
Watch the news. California. Florida. New York. Washington. Oregon- All have lots of criminal stuff in the news. Pretty frequently. The Red states occasionally get media attention for a crime, but its generally determined that the person came into those states from another " blue state" to commit the crime-
Where do you live? Is there a lot of crime there? Do you have to lock your doors? Are you worried about areas you arent allowed to go because they are " Too dangerous"? Are you in a red or blue state? Lot of graffiti? Gangs and issue? Are people MOVING because of crime and lack of opportunity? Dont take my word. Question then pay attention-
Thats the mantra of the day ----

this is getting really interesting---
Tech

[humantech]

Quote amnestyusa.com:

And for the record, I agree with them.

For the record, I dont. However, in this terribly unfair country, we are allowed to disagree without either of us being persecuted- right?
But thats a whole different forum which I would be happy to get onto as time presents-

Tech

[latergator116]

LOL I'm suprised people didnt ask me about proof on my wild claim of blue states having more finanical issues than red ( so far) -
check the following link to start-

http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/ucr.htm#cius
Takes some reading- Large PDF- there are also some that you can find that show The last 50 years or so of data.

However, Again, lets go to multiple sources of information because as the X-files stated- " the truth is out there" -
Watch the news. California. Florida. New York. Washington. Oregon- All have lots of criminal stuff in the news. Pretty frequently. The Red states occasionally get media attention for a crime, but its generally determined that the person came into those states from another " blue state" to commit the crime-
Where do you live? Is there a lot of crime there? Do you have to lock your doors? Are you worried about areas you arent allowed to go because they are " Too dangerous"? Are you in a red or blue state? Lot of graffiti? Gangs and issue? Are people MOVING because of crime and lack of opportunity? Dont take my word. Question then pay attention-
Thats the mantra of the day ----

this is getting really interesting---
Tech

So what exactly do those FBI stats prove (if anything)?

Sorry, but I have never seen California or Washington in the news any more than I've seen Texas or Georgia. Please show me some real evidence instead of your anecdotal stories.

[stubeeef]

The go to the soldier in the field advice is first rate.

The US is not the pure best unassailable paragon on HR, but then I don't know of a single government that is.

Good luck on your voyage, be sure and compare and contrast as you learn more about the US and the World in general.

[humantech]

The go to the soldier in the field advice is first rate.

The US is not the pure best unassailable paragon on HR, but then I don't know of a single government that is.

Good luck on your voyage, be sure and compare and contrast as you learn more about the US and the World in general.

It was getting lonely here- :D
Good advice for the youngsters-
B

[stubeeef]

It was getting lonely here- :D
Good advice for the youngsters-
B

It can very often be that way in the political spectrum, here at least.

[gekko513]

If you want field advice on human rights, soldiers can be a source, but it's definitely not the only view available from the human rights field. Soldiers are in a very special position when they are out on duty. They have a very important job they are assigned to do and orders to follow. They're told what they need to know to do their job, but that doesn't make them anthropologist who are there to study the social and cultural development in the area. Naturally soldiers need to know something about the culture and the reason why they're there, just keep in mind that it will be highly influenced by the role they have while they're in the field.

If you really want to get a good perspective from the "field" you would have to talk to people who see different sides. In addition to soldiers it would be great to talk to aid workers, Doctors Without Borders (http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/), the Red Cross (http://www.redcross.org/) and people who's been stationed at American embassies. I can't think of other field workers off the top of my head in areas where human rights are central, except of course Amnesty International (http://www.amnestyusa.org/) who are there just to work for human rights all over the world.

[Xtremehkr]

Here (http://www.guardian.co.uk/rightsindex/0,2759,201749,00.html) is some good information. Research is going to give you the best results.

Human Rights Watch. (http://www.hrw.org/)

Amnesty International Report 2005 (http://web.amnesty.org/report2005/index-eng)

US Department of State (http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2004/) releases their own report every year. Though it tends to focus on the rest of the world and not events that happen here at home. It is often more critical of nations whom it does not support critically.

China's State Council (http://english.people.com.cn/200503/03/eng20050303_175406.html) releases a report now that focuses on the US. Interesting reading for those who can handle criticism without losing all self esteem.

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Annual Human Rights Report 2004. (http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1099139303196)is a good contribution from the UK.

[law guy]

LOL. Which teachers are you talking about that have time and resources to travel, conduct research, keep up on current events ( Ie in a more strenous and complete way that anyone else) and review original sources? Teachers at most grade levels are stretched to the breaking point"

Thanks- I havent had a chance to check out your profile- where do you hail from friend? :)

HT - thanks for pointing that out, I was thinking only of professors, not K-12 instructors. I agree, my mom taught k-12 for 50 yrs (just retired at 70 something) - can't even afford supplies for students many places - very sad.

I grew up in the "WEST" - Nevada, then Arizona, then parts of the Pacific Northwest. My father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (Dept. of Interior for those wondering where that lives in the agency world) as a social worker, so we moved around a few times. I was in the west until I moved to DC for eight years, now in MA. I make it out at least once a year to see my father who's now retired in the lovely seaside town of Newport, OR. It's a beautiful part of the country the Northwest.

For SpencerWatts, there was interesting story in today's Washington Post about a gentlemen who publicizes conditions in factories: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/30/AR2005073001413.html - perhaps some interesting aspect for you there.