Fourteen for 2014: A Human Rights Wishlist

As 2013 begins to draw into itself for holiday season and the arrival of the coming new year, it is worth thinking about what human rights issues might be put onto our collective front-burners. Of course there are unfortunately far too many issues to create a perfect list even if if we were to go into the hundreds. But fires start with a spark, so start with, here are fourteen for 2014.

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An Uncommon Disrespect for Human Rights: Prince Charles, Sri Lanka and the CHOGM

The Commonwealth of Nations was established in 1949 during the decolonization process of the British Empire. Meeting biennially in various of the fifty four member states, the Commonwealth is a voluntary and equal association of nations that is theoretically bound by a shared respect for sixteen core values. 

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Meaning More Than Mere Music: RIP Lou Reed

The world lost an important piece of itself with the passing of Lou Reed and it's appropriate to stop and take stock of the greatness beyond the notes. My experience and time with Lou Reed was limited to two weeks in 1986 when I organized and oversaw concerts for human rights for Amnesty International. Bono of U2 had recruited Lou Reed to play on the "Conspiracy of Hope" tour, which was a six city tour of the USA for Amnesty International. 

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Concussing Jim Thorpe's Life: Pennsylvania's State of Denial

Planning to watch a game today? Figuring our your fantasy roster online? Weekends with football are as American as it gets and as surely as cooler weather arrives and leaves turn, we turn as a family to playing and watching games. On this last weekend before the month of Thanksgiving, take a moment and give thanks to Jim Thorpe before giving thanks to the game you love.

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