For Freedom: A Human Rights Reader 1948-2015

Human Rights are those freedoms intrinsic to our nature as human beings. They are not defined by courts; although courts may protect them. They are not legislated by elected bodies; although elected bodies may choose to codify them and so instruct the courts. They are not voted upon, debated, or subject to an either/or choice. They can and have been subject to interruption, abandonment and perversion; however those are acts performed by men against men – they do not touch the intrinsic truthful nature of Human Rights. As the American television journalist Rachel Maddow said: But here’s the thing about rights. They’re not actually supposed to be voted on. That’s why they’re called rights.

For Freedom: A Human Rights Reader 1948-2015 takes its starting point as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that was shepherded through the United Nations by Eleanor Roosevelt. From there, the book explores eight significant movements or events and the persons behind them. These include:

Dr Martin Luther King's Letter From a Birmingham Jail
Nelson Mandela and the Role of Violence in Fighting Apartheid
Playwright Robert Patrick on the Establishment of Gay Theatre in New York
Gender Equality
Jimmy Carter's Law Day Speech

...and more. 

The readings and commentary within For Freedom: A Human Rights Reader 1948-2015 are intended for anyone who takes an active interest in national or international news events. While the book is intensely researched, its journalistic prose avoids academic jargon and impenetrable density. Anyone who is bright and aware of the world will enjoy purchasing or receiving For Freedom: A Human Rights Reader 1948-2015.

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