July 14th is Bastille Day. It is hard to name another national holiday that truly commemorates the fight for human rights.
Bastille Day, also called "French National Day" in English speaking countries, is known in its native France as La Féte Nationale, or "The National Celebration". The holiday not only commemorates the French Revolution, but more specifically, the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789. The Bastille was a fortress prison that held people jailed on the whims of the king, as well as political prisoners whose writings offended the royal government. Even though only seven prisoners inhabited the Bastille at that time, the prison was a symbol of everything wrong with the French monarchy--autocracy, censorship, terror, and unquestioned power based on class. The revolutionaries, with the held of the crowd and household troops of the French Army, took over the Bastille and freed the prisoners.
In 1790, La Féte Nationale was celebrated for the first time. For four days, Parisians of all classes feasted, drank fine wine, and ran naked in the streets together to celebrate their freedom, equality, and common humanity. In 1880, the French Republic voted to have Bastille Day as a one day national holiday that would include a military parade. To this day, the French military parade is the oldest and largest military parade in Europe.
For a short time, the President used Bastille Day to pardon criminals who commit minor offenses; in 2007 President Sarkozy abandoned the practice. This break with tradition may be one reason why Sarkozy lost the recent election.
Today Bastille Day is celebrated in Belgium, Hungary, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and 50 cities in the United States...including the Twin Cities.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
Google's "Legalize Love" Campaign
Google is promoting safer working conditions for LGBT employees in any country where there is a Google office. They call this the "Legalize Love" campaign. Originally, reporters believed that this campaign supported same-sex marriage, but this is not the case.
The campaign will begin in Singapore and Poland.
The campaign will begin in Singapore and Poland.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
The Fourth of July: Independence Day
In the United States, we celebrate Independence Day on the Fourth of July. Independence Day commemorates the adoption of our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, thus declaring our independence from Great Britain. Many people use this date as the first day of the United States of America's existence as a free nation.
Many Americans view the Fourth of July almost the same way as they do Veterans Day and Memorial Day. We seem to commemorate the veterans of all of our wars, not just the Revolutionary War, as well as all of the enlisted men and women who fought and died to defend our country (or the Union, or the Confederacy), or those who fought and died to defend the simple concepts of freedom and democracy for all.
How long will the United States remain a free nation? Economically, the United States is subject to China. For decades Americans have purchased everything--from clothes to television sets to Barbie dolls to garlic--from China. We are hard pressed to find items actually made in the United States for sale.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
In spite of their economic turmoil, the currency of the European Union is worth more than the US dollar. EU members can enjoy a pretty reasonably priced vacation in the United States, complete with three full meals a day, and not really feel it in the wallet. In the meantime, our food prices are going up, American salaries and benefits are being frozen or cut back, and for the first time in a long time American children are not getting enough to eat.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
After 9/11, Americans have silently conceded to the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. These two federal departments have made domestic and international travel for Americans a criminal offense, as all Americans--even those taking a plane from one city to another in the same state--are scanned and patted, and subject to more invasive searches upon the whim of a high school graduate with a uniform, a badge, and a taste of power. We allow this, because the majority of Americans are convinced that terrorists walk among us, and we have nothing to fear if we are good, honest people. Unless we are wearing a controversial Tshirt, or a questionable complexion.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
We are not free to smoke or drink during our spare time.
We are not free to have casual sex.
We are not free to tell certain jokes or admit that we like certain celebrities.
But somehow...those in power have all the right, those with money have all the right, and those with money have all of the power and privilege without paying their fair share of federal and state taxes.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
We are being actively discouraged from questioning the powers that be, and their actions. In spite of corporate demands for employees with higher level critical thinking skills, American schools discourage students from asking questions and bombard them with standardized tests. If any learning does take place, hopefully it would happen outside of school...
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
Slavery was officially made illegal in the United States through the Thirteenth Amendment of our Constitution in 1865, but industrial farms and food processing plants still use contractors that provide illegal labor, so they can be paid less than minimum wage and no benefits...or perhaps nothing at all. There is no law on the books in the United States which states that a sex worker is entitled to her own earnings, which opens up the field for pimps and human traffickers. Then there are those who will cycle in and out of the prison system for generations, millions of wasted potentials.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
Many Americans view the Fourth of July almost the same way as they do Veterans Day and Memorial Day. We seem to commemorate the veterans of all of our wars, not just the Revolutionary War, as well as all of the enlisted men and women who fought and died to defend our country (or the Union, or the Confederacy), or those who fought and died to defend the simple concepts of freedom and democracy for all.
How long will the United States remain a free nation? Economically, the United States is subject to China. For decades Americans have purchased everything--from clothes to television sets to Barbie dolls to garlic--from China. We are hard pressed to find items actually made in the United States for sale.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
In spite of their economic turmoil, the currency of the European Union is worth more than the US dollar. EU members can enjoy a pretty reasonably priced vacation in the United States, complete with three full meals a day, and not really feel it in the wallet. In the meantime, our food prices are going up, American salaries and benefits are being frozen or cut back, and for the first time in a long time American children are not getting enough to eat.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
After 9/11, Americans have silently conceded to the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration. These two federal departments have made domestic and international travel for Americans a criminal offense, as all Americans--even those taking a plane from one city to another in the same state--are scanned and patted, and subject to more invasive searches upon the whim of a high school graduate with a uniform, a badge, and a taste of power. We allow this, because the majority of Americans are convinced that terrorists walk among us, and we have nothing to fear if we are good, honest people. Unless we are wearing a controversial Tshirt, or a questionable complexion.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
We are not free to smoke or drink during our spare time.
We are not free to have casual sex.
We are not free to tell certain jokes or admit that we like certain celebrities.
But somehow...those in power have all the right, those with money have all the right, and those with money have all of the power and privilege without paying their fair share of federal and state taxes.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
We are being actively discouraged from questioning the powers that be, and their actions. In spite of corporate demands for employees with higher level critical thinking skills, American schools discourage students from asking questions and bombard them with standardized tests. If any learning does take place, hopefully it would happen outside of school...
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
Slavery was officially made illegal in the United States through the Thirteenth Amendment of our Constitution in 1865, but industrial farms and food processing plants still use contractors that provide illegal labor, so they can be paid less than minimum wage and no benefits...or perhaps nothing at all. There is no law on the books in the United States which states that a sex worker is entitled to her own earnings, which opens up the field for pimps and human traffickers. Then there are those who will cycle in and out of the prison system for generations, millions of wasted potentials.
How long will the United States remain a free nation?
Saturday, June 30, 2012
The Truth About "Obamacare"
Too many people, armed with too little information, are panicking about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, familiarly known as "Obamacare".
Some facts:
1. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010.
2. PPACA requires individuals not covered by employer- or government-sponsored insurance plans to maintain minimal essential health insurance coverage or pay a penalty unless exempted for religious beliefs or financial hardship, a provision commonly referred to as the individual mandate. The Act also affects certain aspects of the private health insurance industry and public health insurance programs, requires insurance coverage of pre-existing conditions, expands access to insurance and increases projected national medical spending. Supporters claim it will slow health care cost inflation, and lower projected Medicare spending.
In other words, those who need the government to provide healthcare for them will be paying for it if they can afford it.
Some more facts from Statistical Abstracts 2012:
1. Between 2008 and 2009, the percentage of uninsured Americans increased...but not by much. In 2009, only 16.7% of Americans were uninsured. (Uninsured = NOT covered by private or government insurance.)
2. Of the uninsured, nearly 60% are between 18-34 years old--those in their prime working years.
3. Of the uninsured, 26.6% have household incomes of 0-$25,000, and 21.4% have household incomes of $25,000-$49,000.
Working people who get health insurance through employment have money taken from their paychecks to cover their insurance. Working people who do not get health insurance through employment will, instead, give a percentage of their income to a private health insurance plan. Low income or poverty level individuals would receive government subsidies in order to have insurance. This is not a bad thing. What is problematic, however, is that even after government intervention, a percentage of uninsured Americans will remain. Critics of "Obamacare" have not cited this as a problem...instead, they criticize the law for FORCING HEALTHCARE ON PEOPLE.
Some facts:
1. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was signed into law on March 23, 2010.
2. PPACA requires individuals not covered by employer- or government-sponsored insurance plans to maintain minimal essential health insurance coverage or pay a penalty unless exempted for religious beliefs or financial hardship, a provision commonly referred to as the individual mandate. The Act also affects certain aspects of the private health insurance industry and public health insurance programs, requires insurance coverage of pre-existing conditions, expands access to insurance and increases projected national medical spending. Supporters claim it will slow health care cost inflation, and lower projected Medicare spending.
In other words, those who need the government to provide healthcare for them will be paying for it if they can afford it.
Some more facts from Statistical Abstracts 2012:
1. Between 2008 and 2009, the percentage of uninsured Americans increased...but not by much. In 2009, only 16.7% of Americans were uninsured. (Uninsured = NOT covered by private or government insurance.)
2. Of the uninsured, nearly 60% are between 18-34 years old--those in their prime working years.
3. Of the uninsured, 26.6% have household incomes of 0-$25,000, and 21.4% have household incomes of $25,000-$49,000.
Working people who get health insurance through employment have money taken from their paychecks to cover their insurance. Working people who do not get health insurance through employment will, instead, give a percentage of their income to a private health insurance plan. Low income or poverty level individuals would receive government subsidies in order to have insurance. This is not a bad thing. What is problematic, however, is that even after government intervention, a percentage of uninsured Americans will remain. Critics of "Obamacare" have not cited this as a problem...instead, they criticize the law for FORCING HEALTHCARE ON PEOPLE.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Minnesota United: Don't Forget Saint Cloud!
In today's Minneapolis Star Tribune, there was a great article about Minnesotans United for All Families (MN United), and its work to get people across the state to vote "no" on the proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Not once did the reporter mention Saint Cloud, nor did they mention the tireless efforts of the Saint Cloud organizers and all of the residents of Saint Cloud, LGBT and allies, who phone bank and canvas like mad for this issue. Our Saint Cloud MN United contingent deserves recognition for going the ten extra miles to converse with locals on the issue of same-sex marriage.
Regardless of whether or not the amendment passes or fails, this issue has brought many different groups in Saint Cloud together for a good cause.
Contact Star Tribune reporter Baird Helgeson and ask him whether or not he thinks Saint Cloud is chopped liver.
If that gets no results, contact the Saint Cloud Times and see if they will give our Saint Cloud chapter of Minnesotans United for All Families a story.
Regardless of whether or not the amendment passes or fails, this issue has brought many different groups in Saint Cloud together for a good cause.
Contact Star Tribune reporter Baird Helgeson and ask him whether or not he thinks Saint Cloud is chopped liver.
If that gets no results, contact the Saint Cloud Times and see if they will give our Saint Cloud chapter of Minnesotans United for All Families a story.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
June What?
We know that June is LGBT Pride Month, but a lot of other important things are commemorated in June as well:
Juneteenth is the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Also known as "African American Emancipation Day", this holiday originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865. Juneteenth was declared a state holiday of Texas in 1980. Today it is celebrated in thirty six states, including Minnesota, although it is most often celebrated during a weekend, or at some point between June 13th and June 19th.
Father's Day is June 17th.
The Department of Justice was founded on June 22nd.
Some great people were born in June: Richard Scarry (June 5th), Jacques Cousteau (June 11th), Anne Frank (June 12th), Captain Kangaroo (June 27th), Helen Keller (June 27th), and Superman (June 30th)...all defenders of human rights and world peace.
Juneteenth is the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Also known as "African American Emancipation Day", this holiday originated in Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865. Juneteenth was declared a state holiday of Texas in 1980. Today it is celebrated in thirty six states, including Minnesota, although it is most often celebrated during a weekend, or at some point between June 13th and June 19th.
Father's Day is June 17th.
The Department of Justice was founded on June 22nd.
Some great people were born in June: Richard Scarry (June 5th), Jacques Cousteau (June 11th), Anne Frank (June 12th), Captain Kangaroo (June 27th), Helen Keller (June 27th), and Superman (June 30th)...all defenders of human rights and world peace.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
A Personal Story
I am the official blogger for the Saint Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission. Normally I do not post personal stories here, but I would like to share one with you all today.
I belong to many online communities, many of which address LGBT human rights causes. Even though the majority of online communities are hosted in English-speaking countries, we often forget that online communities are global communities. Anyone from around the world with access to the Internet can locate and join them.
Yesterday, through one of these communities, I encountered a young man from the Ukraine. His name is Sergei Dudnik. He is an art critic, an editor of the only gay magazine in the Ukraine, and somewhat of a gay celebrity in the Ukraine and Russia for his outrageous videos and outspoken nature. Americans and other Westerners may automatically assume that, because Sergei is well-known in his country, he would have privileges that others would not.
In fact, it's quite the opposite.
Sergei is considered a criminal in the Ukraine and Russia for exercising his freedom of speech. He has no personal safety, is beaten up by neighbors, and could be beaten and jailed by the police at any time. Although Sergei lives with his boyfriend, he is considered an illegal alien in his own country because he is an adult orphan with no residency papers. He makes no official income, and has a roof over his head due to the generosity of his boyfriend.
In the United States right now, it is LGBT Pride Month. President Barack Obama officially declared June as LGBT Pride Month in 2010, though it has been recognized as such for decades. Nearly every major city in our country will be recognizing and celebrating LGBT civil rights in some fashion, regardless of what state politicians believe. In the Ukraine, the government cancelled this year's Kiev's Pride Parade due to threats to the safety of participants. The government and police provide no protection against discrimination against queer people, and censor LGBT voices. As it is LGBT Pride Month in the United States, the Ukrainians are mulling over whether to adopt Law 8711, which would criminalize LGBT human rights work in the Ukraine, as well as limit (or completely cut off) freedom of speech for anyone supporting LGBT rights--most specifically, LGBT individuals.
As the Ukraine is also applying for EU membership, this law is especially problematic, as the EU took a stand against homophobia and transphobia in Europe.
Sergei would like to apply for asylum, to any country which would grant him safety and peace. In his own words, roughly translated into English, "If we could wake up in a land where we had sympathy for each other--it would be for me, personally, a much greater achievement than a gay pride parade in Red Square."
If you know anyone who can help Sergei (especially if they can converse in Russian), please comment on this post and I will send you his details.
I belong to many online communities, many of which address LGBT human rights causes. Even though the majority of online communities are hosted in English-speaking countries, we often forget that online communities are global communities. Anyone from around the world with access to the Internet can locate and join them.
Yesterday, through one of these communities, I encountered a young man from the Ukraine. His name is Sergei Dudnik. He is an art critic, an editor of the only gay magazine in the Ukraine, and somewhat of a gay celebrity in the Ukraine and Russia for his outrageous videos and outspoken nature. Americans and other Westerners may automatically assume that, because Sergei is well-known in his country, he would have privileges that others would not.
In fact, it's quite the opposite.
Sergei is considered a criminal in the Ukraine and Russia for exercising his freedom of speech. He has no personal safety, is beaten up by neighbors, and could be beaten and jailed by the police at any time. Although Sergei lives with his boyfriend, he is considered an illegal alien in his own country because he is an adult orphan with no residency papers. He makes no official income, and has a roof over his head due to the generosity of his boyfriend.
In the United States right now, it is LGBT Pride Month. President Barack Obama officially declared June as LGBT Pride Month in 2010, though it has been recognized as such for decades. Nearly every major city in our country will be recognizing and celebrating LGBT civil rights in some fashion, regardless of what state politicians believe. In the Ukraine, the government cancelled this year's Kiev's Pride Parade due to threats to the safety of participants. The government and police provide no protection against discrimination against queer people, and censor LGBT voices. As it is LGBT Pride Month in the United States, the Ukrainians are mulling over whether to adopt Law 8711, which would criminalize LGBT human rights work in the Ukraine, as well as limit (or completely cut off) freedom of speech for anyone supporting LGBT rights--most specifically, LGBT individuals.
As the Ukraine is also applying for EU membership, this law is especially problematic, as the EU took a stand against homophobia and transphobia in Europe.
Sergei would like to apply for asylum, to any country which would grant him safety and peace. In his own words, roughly translated into English, "If we could wake up in a land where we had sympathy for each other--it would be for me, personally, a much greater achievement than a gay pride parade in Red Square."
If you know anyone who can help Sergei (especially if they can converse in Russian), please comment on this post and I will send you his details.
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