Is the US Ready for Human Rights?

Document Actions

Creating the country we thought we were.

Table
of Contents

Issue 41

New Visions
Solving today's big problems will take more than a quick fix. These authors offer clarity about the roots of our problems and visions of a better way.

We Can Turn it Around

Rights begin at home. But only when the people lead the way.

by Doug Pibel

Sometimes a Great Nation

The U.S. has a proud history of advancing human rights—and sometimes forgetting them. A historian proposes we give humility and respect a try.

by Eric Foner

Yes. We’re Ready

Human rights are a powerful tool to break barriers, unite people in common cause, and show us the way to justice within and beyond our borders. Activists across the country are defining a new patriotism.

by Larry Cox and Dorothy Thomas

World & Community
New models that foster justice, real prosperity, and sustain the Earth's living systems. How can we bring these models to life and put them to work?

The Universal Declaration

In 1948, the world agreed on rights that belong to everyone. This Magna Carta for humanity sets a high bar that few governments clear.

Losing Rights
at the Border

Economic globalization is driving workers north. They increasingly leave their rights at the border.

by Justin Akers Chacón

Economic Rights

Is an adequate living a human right? It is, and many in the U.S. are stepping up to claim it.

by Carol Estes

Mere Justice

The drive to punishment is making us forget that prisoners have a right to be heard.

by Jesse Wegman

Online only:
extended prisoners interview

The Power of One
Stories of people who find their courage, open their hearts, and discover what it means to be human in today's world.

Humanity for the Crossing

Some provide water, others education and advocacy. Individuals in border states are making human rights real.

by Catherine Bailey

Education, by Rights

Parents and educators propose an innovative approach to fixing New York’s public schools: rebuild the system using human rights.
by Liz Sullivan and Cecilia Blewer

A User’s Guide to Fighting for Human Rights

Resources for learning about rights, finding organizations that are making a difference, and getting involved.
by Catherine Bailey & Sarah Kuck

Breaking Open
Humor, story-telling, and the arts—taking you into unexpected spaces where business-as-usual breaks open into new possibilities.

From A Brave and Startling Truth
Poetry by Maya Angelou

The Defenders
Portraits of modern heroes. Photographs by Eddie Adams

About the Cover
Photo by Krista Kennell
"I was covering the huge Los Angeles May 1 'Day Without an Immigrant' march. I took the picture at the beginning of the march. The energy was uplifting. The woman in the photo was listening intently to every word the speakers said. I was drawn by how beautiful she was, and the detail of her face paint. She seemed extremely proud and excited." www.zumapress.com

Features

Documentaries: Ready, Set ... Action

Documentaries could be just another form of entertainment. But some activists and filmmakers are teaming up to use film to change the world.

by Joseph Huff-Hannon

In Oaxaca, Women Rise

Putting their personal lives on hold, women in the Mexican state of Oaxaca helped shut down the government, took over a TV station, and stood up to police violence.

by John Gibler

Departments

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

READERS FORUM

SIGNS OF LIFE

PEOPLE WE LOVE

QUOTE PAGE:
Cornel West

FROM THE PUBLISHER
by Fran Korten