Human Rights?

Everyone of us should be advocating for the rights of all persons regardless of race, age, gender, ethnicity or religion. Every person is created by God. Nobody else has been able to actually create a unique human being. It's a little like the story about man challenging God to the making of a person. God reaches down, takes some soil and fashions a person, then breathes life into it. Then the man reaches down to grab some dirt and God says, "Wait a minute. Go get your own dirt."

The problem is that not everyone, in fact very few, are treated with respect, dignity and honor. Even in this nation, the greatest nation on earth, very few people are granted equal rights as humans. I am among the privileged and perhaps you are too. I grew up in a small Nebraska town, Superior, with two parents who loved me, cared for me and taught me the value to other people. At the age of 35 I entered the ordained ministry and was granted the title of Reverend. It's amazing what that title does for a person. I have called hospitals, prisons and military commands that had it not been for the title "Reverend" I would not have gotten past the receptionist. I don't like using that title, but I have to admit it has gotten me through closed doors that otherwise would not have been open. My point is that I have been granted privilege. Not everyone has that.

Many people don't believe we have a homeless problem in Nebraska and especially in our rural areas. These folk are in denial. I remember one small western Nebraska community that when I helped someone with the basics of life I would ask "what is your address?" Very often the reply would be "under the bridge." These "under the bridge" folks do not have the same human rights that I have. They are looked down upon, they are made fun of, they are cast out, called drunks (when many don't drink because they can't afford it) and they are generally looked down upon. There are literally thousands of homeless persons in Nebraska and tens of thousands more who are "near homeless."

Watch when you go into a discount store and there is a greeter, or a customer, who is in a wheelchair. Normally, it is assumed that these men and women and young people are hard of hearing since they are in a chair. Clerks will often address the person who is with them, as if they aren't smart enough to answer. Shoppers will seldom look these people in the eye. They do not have the same human rights as I do.

I was excited when I heard that President Obama wanted the U.S. to sit on the UN Human Rights Council. Others who will be seated include Cuba, China and Saudi Arabia. Come on, get real! China, Cuba and Saudi Arabia in the same sentence as Human Rights is an oxymoron. Some of the members of this council are among the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world. Perhaps the best way to assure human rights is to do as President Bush did when he shunned this council. Others include Russia, Bangledesh, Cameroon, and Azerbaijan. Yet, I am not surprised. It seems as if President Obama spends more time making nice with repressive regimes, terroristic nations and the like than he does on true human rights issues. With the red tape involved it is nearly impossible for the "have nots" the "down and out" those that use the food pantry regularly, those that can't pay the rent, dress their kids like others, or afford utilities to make it. Do you have any idea how long it takes to get "Section 8" housing? What about SSDI, Medicaid, etc.? The part of the city where I currently work is filled with great people, honest people, hard working people, family people.........but the majority are among the working poor. How do they get out of this? They don't want a handout! But they do need a way out. Perhaps rather than glad handing with nations who are known for their human rights violations and terroristic actions, Mr. Obama should be more concerned about how to restore dignity to hope to the hurting of America. An old man at a mission once told me, "Homelessness is not the problem. Look into their eyes and if you don't see a sparkle, that is hopelessness and hopelessness is much worse than homelessness." Mr. Obama, rather than trillions on banks and greedy, ruined business leaders, perhaps you should spend that money on the hopeless and restore the twinkle in their eye. Restore the pride of a parent in their child who no longer has to dress in too small, worn out clothing. Remember, "hope does not disappoint us." Restore hope and you have restored America and we no longer need to give billions to "fat cats."

God Bless You and God Bless America!