Happy International Human Rights Day

On December 10, 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights.  The Declaration holds forth humanitarian values such as equality, justice and freedom.

Ironically, Milwaukee County Emperor Chris Abele again felt the need to proclaim an international holiday as a holiday.  He seems to like to partake of such activities, as he did with Purple Heart Day.  

I find it ironic that Abele would do so, since he is rather selective on what parts he wants to honor.  

Case in point is Article 23 of the Declaration (emphasis mine):

1. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment
2. Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
3. Everyone who works has the right to just and favourable remuneration ensuring for him and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
4. Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Abele has a lot of issues with this article.

In regards to Milwaukee County employees, suffice it to say that he has come out in favor of Act 10 which all but eliminates the rights of public sector workers and prevents them from protecting their interests short of filing lawsuits.  (Abele has yet to win one of these lawsuits, which might explain some of his hatred of unions.)  And that doesn't even begin with his assaults on workers' civil service rights.

He has also actively fought against letting private sector workers, such as the housekeepers at a yet-to-be-built hotel, from earning a living wage and/or becoming unionized.  His concern was that housekeepers making $11 an hour would bust a project worth millions of dollars.

Come to think of it, he doesn't really care for some of the rights put forth in the Declaration, when one considers the way he is treating the county's most vulnerable citizens.  

Tell me again how he is supposed to be the opposite of Scott Walker. I keep forgetting.

Happy Human Rights Day

Today is the 60th anniversary of the creation of Human Rights Day, founded by the United Nations:

Human Rights Day 2009 on 10 December will focus on non-discrimination. “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights”. These first few famous words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights established 60 years ago the basic premise of international human rights law. Yet today, the fight against discrimination remains a daily struggle for millions around the globe.

“Our main objective is to help promote discrimination-free societies and a world of equal treatment for all,” says the High Commissioner who this year will mark Human Rights Day in South Africa.

She encourages people everywhere - including the UN family, governments, civil society, national human rights institutions, the media, educators, and individuals - to seize the opportunity of Human Rights Day 2009 to join hands to embrace diversity and end discrimination.

The realisation of all human rights - social, economic and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights – is hampered by discrimination. All too often, when faced with prejudice and discrimination, political leaders, governments and ordinary citizens are silent or complacent.

Yet everyone of us can make a difference. You are encouraged to celebrate Human Rights Day by advocating non-discrimination, organizing activities, raising awareness and reaching out to your local communities on 10 December and throughout 2010.

And a good video explaining the history of human rights, one that even right wingers can understand and appreciate.