do people in seattle see vaccines for the covid viruses and people experiencing homelessness as human rights issues? some of us do and some do not. have most people even given these issues- as human rights- much thought at all?
Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home — so close and so small that they cannot be seen on any maps of the world. […] Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere. Without concerted citizen action to uphold them close to home, we shall look in vain for progress in the larger world.”
concerted citizen action is a rare bird. political fights rule the news headlines and social media posts. and apathy abounds. citizen action is spotty at best. caring, these days, can primarily be seen in holiday gift giving that bows at the altar of consumerism. genuine care about people on the streets or those who can get covid and other social issues has plateaued long ago for most seattleites.
on december 10th 1948, the universal declaration of human rights so today is human rights day (https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day)
as a claretian, an important part of our spirituality is love through peace, justice and the integrity of creation. to me, to promote and act towards human rights is a way of loving neighbor and God. the universal declaration of human rights is still needed by our world to address what it means to be human, live right and flourish. yes– in seattle too.
our world and we have a long way to go. may the Holy Spirit inspire, lead and guide us; may we respond with generosity and kindness.
let us pray:
Lord of Wisdom, awaken us
to our duty to care for the basic needs of all people.
Strengthen with hope
people denied their human rights and freedoms.
Provide us all with the voice to cry out
for justice for the poor and the oppressed. Amen
Art and Sol Podcast ... Random Musings 