[This is a work in progress and I put it out to each of you for comments, suggestions and reworking. I will edit it as I go along. If bell hooks has taught me one thing it is that every movement, every social change begins with imagining. You cannot achieve without first imagining that achievement. This is one such visualization. You cannot legislate goodwill, or ethics, or morals. However the long-term effect of our founding documents has the power to alter the direction of our country, to establish our priorities and our commitment to human rights and to justice. We have the means, the resources and the obligation to provide the basic needs and rights for every individual. Do we also have the will? This project is an attempt to imagine that will in action. I look forward to your comments.]
United States of America
Declaration of Human Rights
Section 1: Preamble
Whereas the first ten amendments to the constitution of the United States enshrined in that document certain fundamental rights to United States Citizens.
Whereas the ensuing two hundred years have seen an expanded society, economy and changing political climate, the need for additional rights has become apparent.
Whereas the United States has the privilege and obligation to set by example its governing documents in accordance to the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Whereas the authority of the governing documents of the United States of America is limited to those physical boundaries of its nationality (and to its citizens traveling abroad) and that human rights apply equally to all humans regardless of national origin.
Whereas oppression shall be defined as the absence of choices and opportunity.
Whereas the care and wellbeing of animals is the responsibility of their care providers.
Be it resolved that the following articles constituting this United States Declaration of Human Rights shall apply to every human being physically within its national boundaries, citizenship notwithstanding.
Be it further resolved that these articles supplement and expand upon previous amendments to the constitution of the United States and include in their substance the spirit of those rights as declared in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Be it further resolved the government of the United States of America has an obligation to protect and ensure these rights for all those living in its borders and that any breach of these rights shall be considered a violation of that person's human rights of the greatest gravity. Such aggrieved individuals shall have full recourse of the law to redress and suitable compensation.
Be it further resolved that the primary goals of the government of the United States shall be the care of its populace and that this includes not only the enshrining of rights, but also the elimination of prejudice and oppression.
Section two: The Articles
Article 1. Scope of these rights.
All human beings having been born alive are entitled to these rights and protections by virtue of their humanity. These rights shall be protected within the authority of these documents regardless of nationality, citizenship, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation as well as any defining factor not listed herein.
Article 2. Right to basic necessities.
No individual shall be deprived of food and water adequate for a healthy diet. Neither shall any individual be deprived of shelter, utilities and services needed to maintain an comfortable standard of living.
Article 3. Right to health care
No individual shall be denied health care for any reason. Neither shall the cost of health care become a burden to an individual, not to their immediate budget or their long term credit suitability.
Article 4. Right to education.
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It shall be the right of every person to be educated. Education at all levels shall be provide free of charge. Admission to institutions of higher learning shall be provided equally to all people, merit being established upon the same justification as these human rights, by virtue of the individuals status as a human being.
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Recruitment efforts shall focus on individuals from traditionally disadvantage categories to the extent that enrollment reflect the larger population of the region served.
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Federal, State, and local funding of educational institutions shall, at all times, be one of the top three funding priorities of any budget.
Article 5. Participation in society
No individual shall be deprived of full participation in society. This includes, but is not limited to, the marriage, religion, employment, politics, or any other institution whose exclusion (or limitation) of the individual would impede her or his enjoyment of life.
Article 6. Right to Marriage
Marriage shall be defined as a legal and social commitment between two or more, consent offering, individuals. No persons legally able to enter into a contract shall be denied the right of marriage.
Article 7. Family
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All parents of a child shall be entitled to one year of paid leave and be guaranteed of employment at the same or better (pay and responsibility) level upon their return.
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No parent shall be penalized in any way for taking time off work to care for their child.
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Child care shall be provided free of charge for all parents.
Article 8. Rights of Animals
All animals have the right to peaceful, caring and happy existences. All animal owners (including, but not limited to, individuals, farmers, corporations and research facilities) shall be charged with the care and happiness of their animals. Any owner who through neglect, ignorance, or intent significantly impedes their animal(s) happiness and well being shall be subject to substantial legal and financial penalty. Any animals bred and raised for food shall have these same rights protected up until their death, and such death shall be delivered in a way that does not induce pain or anxiety.
Article 9. Right to Environment
All individuals have the right to a clean and functioning environment. All businesses shall be accountable to negate their impact on the environment. All refuse collection shall reclaim recyclables and dispose of non-recyclable materials in an environmentally safe manner.
