In Maryland and California, it is extremely important that those of us who want to establish a real culture of human rights here in the U.S. get out and vote. © AFP/GettyImages
In 1941, FDR enunciated the Four Freedoms, signalling U.S. commitment to basic rights for all. In 1948, Eleanor Roosevelt led the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the foundational document for human rights in the modern world. But despite these hopeful beginnings more than half a century ago, a culture of respect for human rights has not taken root here in the USA. The seeds were planted, but the soil has not been fertile.
From torture and executions to discrimination in things like education, or even marriage, the U.S., at the federal and state level, often engages in policies that are willfully contrary to human rights norms accepted (if not always practiced) in much of the rest of the world.
That’s why, in Maryland and California, it is extremely important that those of us who want to establish a real culture of human rights here in the U.S. get out and vote.
In Maryland, voters can affirm their state’s laws supporting marriage equality (Vote Yes on Question 6) and a statewide DREAM Act (Vote Yes on Question 4), and in California (Vote Yes on Prop 34), voters can end their state’s killing of prisoners (and redirect money saved to support victims of crime in more authentic and effective ways).
While Election Day is not the only day we should be striving to make our voices heard on these issues, it is a day when our voices are all brought together, and their impact amplified. Passage of these initiatives will demonstrate that a real culture of human rights can and is taking shape right here in the USA.
It may have been a U.S. President and his widow who planted the seeds for a human rights culture in this country, but it will be up to us, together, at the state and local level, to ensure that those seeds take root.
Vote on Tuesday!
Hopefully your urging of votes doesn't work… marriage is between a man and a woman. Illegals don't deserve any benefit or special treatment, send them home, we don't need a sanctuary state!
You need to do some traveling if you really think the USA is stomping on your human rights. Go to Iran, Saudia Arabia or Africa if you really need to complain about something while living your cushy life here in America. You have no idea about hardship or how women are treated in other countries.
Do something for the women around the world who have REAL problems not your little inconviences.
Ms. Brickner: I command you for disputing Mr. Evans' assertion that asks "Can Election Day Votes Bring Human Rights To The USA?" You have just discounted in a single paragraph AIUSA nonsensical claim. Bravo to you…
You are right that women's plight around the world needs to be addressed. I urge you to travel to the countries/continent you mention, roll up your sleeves and get to work…
I think election day votes bring human rights to the USA. It speaks the pulse of the nation. As a democratic nation, elected officials were chosen by more number of voters. But then, election day is not the only event where citizens' voices matter, but by practicing the rights, the country is shaping its future.
-Glenn W., Roofing Allentown PA
This is an interesting conversation going on here in the thread. I definitely do agree with Linda, people think it's tough in America for women, but the truth is it's nothing like a lot of the other areas around the world. Though that is something to think about, the point is definitely heard that we should still be making an effort to have these issues be addressed none the less. Too many folks are sitting back waiting to talk about how our country is doing until it's trendy every 4 years. It's time to get involved.
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