HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT CARD

[Duchess]

The United States got a bad one. I thought it was a joke at first and then I began to read what the rest of the world had to say about us.

Every four years, each one of the 134 member countries in the United Nations gets a human rights review. The U.S. just had its turn.

This is what some of the countries had to say -

Egypt: "Investigate excessive use of force by police and put an end to such practices. ... Abolish practices that target Muslim minorities at airports and that criminalize homelessness."

China: "Recommends addressing the root cause of racial discrimination and eliminating the frequently occurring excessive law enforcement against ... minorities. Stop massive surveillance activities both inside and outside its territories to avoid violating the right to privacy of its citizens."

Pakistan: "We have serious concerns about the human rights situation in the U.S. and make the following recommendations. ... Use armed drones within existing international legal regimes. End police brutality against African-Americans and rectify the systems that systematically discriminate against them. Prosecute all CIA operatives held responsible for torture. Combat Islamophobia and racial profiling."

Story

[HairOfTheDog]

I'm not surprised. I think many of us in the US don't see ourselves as some people in other countries do.

One of the most developed and powerful countries in the world, the U.S. has by far the largest percentage of its population incarcerated. That's a problem.

Violent crime continues to decrease in the U.S. and yet the incarceration percentage remains steady. To me, that's indicative of too many people being jailed for laws that make what legislators consider immoral or self-harming behavior a "crime". Plus, there is financial incentive based on number of arrests and filling prison cells. On top of that, police investigate themselves when brutality is alleged which is a real conflict of interest. And so on... Our justice system needs reform, no doubt in my mind.

Fortunately, the American public has more exposure to the problems these days and more people are protesting and pushing for change. Some high profile politicians appear to now be listening and responding.

As for the privacy issues, well, I don't feel as negatively about that as some others do because I accept the increased monitoring in return for what I believe is better national security, and I believe that domestic terrorists are a real threat on our soil. But, I understand why many don't share my view when it comes to that trade-off.

As for the torture of political prisoners by the CIA, I think it's criminal and have yet to see any evidence or claim that such practices resulted in a benefit.

Having said all of that, I think many of the countries contributing to the Human Rights Report Card have similar and worse policies in regards to human rights overall. Also, it's difficult to assess something accurately when the evaluation is made from a far figurative distance. In any case, I love this country, but there's a lot of room for improvement on many fronts and I think we are sometimes hypocritical when assessing other countries as well.

[Duchess]

I thought China saying, "stop massive surveillance activities both inside and outside its territories to avoid violating the right to privacy of its citizens" is hilarious! It actually made me sorta snort. It's not that I disagree, it's just that the sentiment came from China.

[Carsman]

Well people from Egypt, China, Pakistan, if in such concern, need not come to the USA.

This country has it's flaws, however, it's still the best of the best, warts & all ! Black- White issue unfortunately is still a very slow work in progress.

When this country starts "decapitating" it's enemies & or prisoners, is when those countries can legitimately condescend USA.

"Profiling" dubious groups has been forced upon the USA due to demonstrated hostilities from certain groups against the USA.

Ultimate Security of the USA is of the utmost priority! The End.

[Blindgreed1]

I thought this was satire when I read it. Hi Pot! Hello Kettle! You're black!

[Blindgreed1]

Also, if I'm not mistaken, this is how these usually go. It's almost like an open invitation to roast the US.

[Maggot]

As in most profiles they are done by people that do not live as the average person in each country. Some issues in each country are propped up by ulterior motives and the people in power use their opinions and strength for personal benefit. In todays world the truth and personal greed is becoming the norm. It cannot be stopped and the only real way to change anything is by getting as much citizen support as possible for any given grievance. Its up to each individual to see through the haze and see the true picture.

[blueberryhill]

I have signed so many petitions in the past few months, one of which, was for more effective gun control (just keep your snarky remarks to yourself)...I know you have to list address, etc. to be legitimate signature on petition, but I was surprised to actually receive two replies from AZ Senators....i.e., one was McCain.....his letter was full of so much BS. There is power in signing petitions and the power of a "paper war." I will continue to do this for causes I believe in......and when i die, I am going to have one of you be my proxy.....

[Blindgreed1]

I have signed so many petitions in the past few months, one of which, was for more effective gun control (just keep your snarky remarks to yourself)...I know you have to list address, etc. to be legitimate signature on petition, but I was surprised to actually receive two replies from AZ Senators....i.e., one was McCain.....his letter was full of so much BS. There is power in signing petitions and the power of a "paper war." I will continue to do this for causes I believe in......and when i die, I am going to have one of you be my proxy.....

I will volunteer. I keep copies of all of the petitions I sign in the round file next to my desk. I'm passionate about filing them.

[cannongal]

Violent crime continues to decrease in the U.S. and yet the incarceration percentage remains steady. To me, that's indicative of too many people being jailed for laws that make what legislators consider immoral or self-harming behavior a "crime". Plus, there is financial incentive based on number of arrests and filling prison cells. On top of that, police investigate themselves when brutality is alleged which is a real conflict of interest. And so on... Our justice system needs reform, no doubt in my mind.

In the county Jail I volunteer at, at least 95 percent of the inmates I talk to are there because of heroin use. There are absolutely no services to help people stay clean once they get out of Jail, so many of them go back to doing drugs and stealing. I wish there were services in place to help people stay clean and get their lives back together.

Sober people are much less of a drain on the economy than someone that ends up being arrested every other week.

[HairOfTheDog]

Yeah, cannongal, local and county jails here regularly host a lot of drug-addicted (and homeless, and mentally ill) individuals too -- some of whom prefer to be there than out on the streets.

We, as a country, don't focus/invest enough on rehabilitation and mental health care to help curb the problem, in my opinion. But, the for-profit prisons certainly aren't complaining about being at full capacity.

Ah well, at least there's a strong move towards keeping individuals out of jails and prisons for marijuana possession.

[Donovan]

I have signed so many petitions in the past few months, one of which, was for more effective gun control (just keep your snarky remarks to yourself)...I know you have to list address, etc. to be legitimate signature on petition, but I was surprised to actually receive two replies from AZ Senators....i.e., one was McCain.....his letter was full of so much BS. There is power in signing petitions and the power of a "paper war." I will continue to do this for causes I believe in......and when i die, I am going to have one of you be my proxy.....

I don't know how the hell it happened, but somehow I got on the mailing list for the democratic party and they send me literally hundreds of shitty emails claiming to be from big names like Hilary etc, and claiming both poverty and doom if I don't help out immediately. Christ, no wonder the world thinks liberals are annoying.

I think I got on there because I'm going to Washington with my boy in August and was trying to get a look inside the White House, but you have to contact your senator or state rep.