Human Rights Day - 2007

As many people may (or may not) be aware, December 10th marks Human Rights Day, a day on which we celebrate the anniversary of the International Declaration of Human Rights, as adopted by the United Nations in 1948. [Visit the UN's Human Rights Day 2007 page here].

This year's theme is "Dignity and justice for all of us", and regardless of one's personal feelings as to the efficacy of the United Nations, it's hard to see how it could be seen in any other than a positive light by anyone who believes in the inherent rights of the individual, or in promoting a peaceful and prosperous planet for all individuals.

I've chosen to promote the idea of the Individual I, a grassroots Internet movement that promotes an individual's right to be free to express her or himself, move freely, love who they want, and to be free from surveillance.

You can read more about the "Individual-i" movement here.

In a month where we've chosen to highlight the "power of no", honoring the right of the people, or even a single person, to stand up and say no to undue government control, and corporate decimation of environments, lives and cultures is of the utmost importance. The Individual-i movement is one way in which to do this. By placing an image on your webpage, you are sending a message: We will not live enslaved. Thusly, I encourage everyone who feels strongly about the issue of human rights to consider supporting this movement.

There are many other ways to harness the "power of no" to support the rights of the individual.

1. Consider where you vote your dollar - Don't support business or industries that utilize sweatshop or child labor. Support local business, agriculture and industry that provide their employees a livable wage.
2. Get involved in your community - Know your government, and what it's doing to impact your life. Know the law; there is power in knowledge, and it lies solely with the lawmakers, if they're the only ones who take the trouble to inform themselves. Where possible and appropriate, attend local meetings about land use and development
3. Contribute - It's one thing to care, but quite another to care actively. If you champion an issue in thought, champion it in deed as well.
4. Speak out - If there is something you know about that inhibits your rights directly, or the rights of others, then share it! Write about it on your blog or website. Write your government representative. Alert the media!

This world belongs to all of us, and your life belongs to you and you alone. Align yourself with organizations, such as the UN or even the Individual-i movement, that continue to speak out about the harm done to this world when those charged with protecting your liberties, abuse that power to exert control for their own, selfish ends.

You, and only you, have the power to say no to those who would steal your spirit, or harness your life for their own ends, rather than allowing you to realize your own, uniquely self-defined goals. Say "No!" to those who would tell you otherwise, and "Yes!" to those who agree.