Torture In America and Abroad

Human Rights Entitlements Include:

• Civil and political rights such as the right to life, liberty and freedom from torture and slavery, freedom of opinion, expression and religion.
• Economic and social rights such the right to health care, education, work, food and a reasonable standard of living.
• Environmental and cultural rights including the right to live in a clean environment protected from destruction and the right to cultural, political and economic development.
  

Even though human rights exist as a birthright, to be effective they need to be accepted by everyone and enforced. On an international level human rights enforcement happens through the UN. However at a local level, enforcing human rights is everyone's responsibility from the government, courts, police and human rights agencies to schools, hospitals and workplaces. Our own awareness and respect for human rights is one of the most important ways to enforce them.

Ultimately, neglecting human rights costs money. Slowly governments and businesses around the world are becoming aware of the importance of respecting and protecting our entitlements. They realize that a poor human rights record has consequences such as economic sanctions and consumer and trade embargoes.

But while such penalties are reserved for those countries and businesses with the worst human rights abuses, countries like the United States, Great Britain and Australia also face cost burdens associated with poor human rights protection. This is seen most clearly in the impact of entrenched racism. For example the impact and costs of racism in the community is ultimately reflected in the costs to the criminal justice system, seen most obviously in the imprisonment rates.

Research needs to be undertaken to determine just how much discrimination and other human rights abuses cost us as a community. Putting a dollar value on the effects of human rights abuse and neglect is a powerful way to get the attention of governments, business and the entire community and commit us all to take action.

We must also develop strategies to address the cause of racism and other forms of discrimination; the negative attitudes and behavior that prevent other people from enjoying their human rights entitlements.

If we are to minimize the costs of human rights neglect and grow and develop as a community that truly respects one another we need to commit to action.

Please take an hour each week and research the matters and sign petitions at Equestrian Travel Mall and Legal Services

Thank you for your immediate attention. -Kini-Administrator and Survivor of torture in America.
http://kinispolarbear.bravehost.com

Take Action>>>>>>>>>>Click Here.

Action Alert:
Standard Operating Procedure -
Film Coming to Your Area

April 30, 2008

Dear Kini,

The Bill of Rights Defense Committee is joining with other human rights groups to spread the word about a new film dealing with the U.S. government's torture policies at Abu Ghraib. There will be showings of director Errol Morris' film Standard Operating Procedure in New York and Los Angeles on April 25. Film distributor Participant Media has created a curriculum guide, using some Bill of Rights Defense Committee questions, for after-film discussions.

After-Film House Party

If you are interested in hosting an after-film discussion in your community, let us know right away. Film distributors are offering prizes for the first 50 people who sign up to host a house party following the viewing of the film. One of these house parties will include a conference call with film director Errol Morris.

* Find more information about hosting an after-film house party here.
* Read more about the film here and here.
* Interview with filmmaker Errol Morris here.

Your Chance to Help Override Bush's Veto of Torture Amendment

This could be a great opportunity for increasing public awareness, and mobilizing community members to action against U.S. torture policies. It's especially timely because President Bush has vetoed an Intelligence bill that would have prohibited U.S. torture. It's still possible for the House and Senate to override his veto if Congress sees demonstrable public outrage and insistence that the veto be overridden.

Bill of Rights Defense Committee
www.bordc.org
info@bordc.org

Check out the Standard Operating Procedure trailer >>>Click Here<<<

Dear: Board and staff): Allen J. Davis (Board Secretary), Kit Gage (Board), Ben Grosscup (East Region Organizer), Michael Berg, Nancy Talanian (Director), Chip Pitts (Board President), Hope Marston (West Region Organizer), Glenn C. Devitt (Board Treasurer), Barbara M. Haugen (Administrator), Flavia Alaya (Board), and Krishna Bhavsar (Board).

Thank you for your invite as a human rights individual spreading the word about a new film dealing with the U.S. government's torture policies at Abu Ghraib. And, the invite to host an After-Film House Party in my community. I do not party but you guys have a good time. I've only been to one party since my children were removed from my custody. I will present your offer on my blog at http://jew-mania.blogspot.com. -Kini-Administrator of Equestrian Travel Mall and Legal Services

Theatre Schedule So Far in Oregon...

PORTLAND, OR 5/23/2008 CINEMA 21
EUGENE, OR 6/06/2008 BIJOU ART CINEMA
CORVALLIS, OR 6/20/2008 DARKSIDE CINEMAS
BEND, OR 6/27/2008 PILOT BUTTE 6 PLEX