Afghanistan: Public Murder of Woman by Taliban

In Afghanistan,  the Taliban have reportedly publicly murdered a 22-year old woman Najiba, who was gunned down in the streets while in her burqua.  Media reported that the woman was surrounded by 100 Taliban men who cheered when the helpless woman was gunned down in the street.

This is yet another disgrace against women’s human rights and dignity, with this latest atrocity by the Taliban committed on June 23 village of Qimchaq (Qimchok), in Parwan province’s Shinwari district in Eastern Afghanistan, just an hour’s drive from the Afghanistan capital of Kabul.

In the video, the Taliban extremists can be heard chanting “Allahu Ahkbar,” (God is Great) during the shooting, as also reported by CNN.  Their actions and words disgrace peaceful Muslims respecting human rights around the world.

Afghanistan Woman Najiba Publicly Murdered by Taliban in Qimchaq Village - A Disgrace to Human Rights and Dignity Everywhere

The Los Angeles Times reported that a video of the Taliban murder showed “a woman in a white shawl kneeling in the dirt. Crouching in terror, she could not speak even a word in her own defense. She then crumples after apparently being shot dead at close range by a gunman before a crowd of more than 100 shouting men arrayed on a dusty terraced hillside.”

CNN reported that the defenseless woman was shot more than 9 times by the cowardly Taliban murderers.   CNN also reported that the woman was murdered because of dispute over her between two rival Taliban gang leaders.   CNN reported that after the Taliban murder, the killers concocted a story of crimes of “adultery” to rationalize their public murder.  In the CNN report, the Parwan province governor Abdul Basir Salangi was quoted:  “In order to save face,” they accused her of adultery, Salangi said. Then they “faked a court to decide about the fate of this woman and in one hour, they executed the woman..”

This is another in the many instances of the World War on Women.   In this case, the oppressors of women are the Taliban extremists and their ideological acceptance of hate and violence to rationalize their actions.  The Taliban have a long history of their organized and institutional War on Women. Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) urges all Afghan people, all Muslim believers, and all human beings around the world to renounce the cruel and violent ideology and activity of the Taliban.

The amateur video was loaded onto YouTube.  It is, and photos of such abuse, are disturbing and revolting to all decent human beings.  But for those who think the Taliban is simply a different cultural group, it is important for them to see the abuses that the Taliban perform:

R.E.A.L. has reported many times on the human rights abuses and criminal violence of the Taliban – especially its violence and oppression against women:
Afghanistan: Pregnant Woman Whipped, Murdered by Taliban
Afghan women live in fear
Afghanistan: Taliban Stone Young Couple to Death
Afghanistan: Aid Workers Murdered – Taliban Claims Responsibility

In addition, R.E.A.L. continues to caution the American government, its leaders, and other world leaders regarding the fallacy of negotiations with a Taliban organization that rejects and renounces our Universal Human Rights for all people, and that has continued a ceaseless campaign of deliberate and methodical violence and terrorism against fellow Afghani citizens, Muslims, and other fellow human beings.  This is a women’s rights issue and a human rights issue.

R.E.A.L.' s Jeffrey Imm Outside White House in Washington DC Protesting Calls for Taliban Reconciliation, Concern for Impact on Women's Rights

R.E.A.L. will continue to protest any support or negotiations with Taliban war criminals who seek to regain power in Afghanistan and to further return Afghanistan to a nation of fear and oppression for women, children, and all of Afghanistan’s citizens.

President Obama: Afghanistan Women's Rights Matter

We urge members of the Taliban to renounce their ways, renounce their ideology of hate and violence, and to accept Universal Human Rights and Dignity for all people.

We urge the Taliban to Choose Love, Not Hate.

Egypt: Another Disgraceful Attack on a Woman in Tahrir Square

Egypt: Another Disgraceful Attack on a Woman at Tahrir Square – Women’s Human Rights Must Be a PRIORITY for people around the WORLD – We Must END the Global War on Women!

Natasha Smith – Journalist: “Please God Make It Stop”

Communist China – We Remember the Tiananmen Square Massacre

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) stands with the Chinese people in remembrance of the martyrs who died on June 4, 1989, in the Tiananmen Square Massacre.  On June 4, 1989, I stood outside the PRC embassy in Washington DC in my first protest against totalitarianism.  It was not and will not be my last.

Today’s reports:

In addition, this year, we also have a statement from the U.S. State Department:
Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 3, 2012

On this the twenty-third anniversary of the violent suppression by Chinese authorities of the spring 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations, the United States joins the international community in remembering the tragic loss of innocent lives.

We encourage the Chinese government to release all those still serving sentences for their participation in the demonstrations; to provide a full public accounting of those killed, detained or missing; and to end the continued harassment of demonstration participants and their families.

We renew our call for China to protect the universal human rights of all its citizens; release those who have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted, incarcerated, forcibly disappeared, or placed under house arrest; and end the ongoing harassment of human rights activists and their families.

The Power of One

tiananmen-square-tanks

To Chinese people and the Tiananmen martyrs, we will never forget you.  We will never forget your sacrifice.

We will continue to fight for your freedom.

China Support Network – History

Video: Remember Tiananmen Square

News reports:

Epoch Times: Tiananmen Square Commemoration, Hong Kong Suppressed By Beijing
Wall Street Journal: Thousands Attend Tiananmen Vigil in Hong Kong
AP: 21 years later, quiet day on Tiananmen Square
BBC: Tiananmen marks 21st anniversary
BBC: Chinese paper prints ‘Tiananmen’ cartoon
AFP: US urges China to free activists on Tiananmen anniversary
Tiananmen Square memoir claims China decided to ‘spill some blood’

 An estimated 50,000 people, many of them students, gather in Hong Kong's Victoria Park for the annual candlelit vigil to commemorate the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre.  (Photo: AP)
An estimated 50,000 people, many of them students, gather in Hong Kong's Victoria Park for the annual candlelit vigil to commemorate the anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre. (Photo: AP)

Names of Known Tiananmen Square Victims
Per Remember64.org program

An Ji
Bai Jing Chuan
Bao Xiu Dong
Ben Yun Hai
Bian Zong Xu
Cao Zhen Ping
Chen Lai Shun
Chen Sen Lin
Chen Zhong Jie
Chen Zi Qi
Cheng Ren Xing
Cui Lin Feng
Dai Jin Ping
Dai Wei
Dong Lin
Dong Xiao Jun
Du Guang Xue
Du Yan Ying
Duan Chang Long
Gao Yuan
Gong Ji Fang
Guo Chun Min
Guo An Min
Han Jun You
Han Qiu
Han Zi Quan
Hao Zhi Jing
He Guo
He Jie
He Shi Tai
He An Bin
Hu Xing Yun
Huang Pei Pu
Huang Tao
Huang Xin Hua
Jiang Jia Xing
Jiang Jie Lian
Kou Xia
Kuang Min
Lai Bi
Lei Guang Tai
Li Chang Shen
Li Chun
Li De Zhi
Li Hao Cheng
Li Hui
Li Li
Li Meng
Li Ping
Li Shu Zhen
Li Tie Gang
Li Zhen Ying
Li Hui Quan
Liang Bao Xing
Lin Ren Fu
Lin Tao
Liu Chun Yong
Liu Feng Gen
Liu Hong
Liu Hong Tɑo
Liu Jian Guo
Liu Jin Hua
Liu Jing Sheng
Liu Jun He
Liu Qiang
Liu Yan Sheng
Liu Zhan Min
Lu Chun Lin
Lu Xiao Jun
Lu Jian Guo
Lu Peng
Luan Yi Wei
Luo Wei
Ma Chene Fen
Ma Jian Wu
Mu Gui Lan
Nan Hua Tong
Ni Shi Lian
Peng Jun
Pu Chang Kui
Qi Li
Qi Wen
Qian Hui
Qian Jin
Ren Jian Min
Ren Wen Lian
Shi Hai Wen
Shi Yan
Song Bao Sheng
Song Xiao Ming
Su Jin Jian
Su Sheng Ji
Su Xin
Sun Hui
Sun Tie
Sun Xiao Feng
Sun Yan Chang
Tao Mao Xian
Tao Zhi Gan
Tian Dao Min
Wang Chao
Wang Dong Xi
Wang Fang
Wang Gang
Wang Hong Qi
Wang Jian Ping
Wang Jun Jing
Wang Nan
Wang Pei Wen
Wang Qing Zeng
Wang Tie Jun
Wang Wei Ping
Wang Wen Ming
Wang Yao He
Wang Yi Fei
Wang Ying
Wang Zheng Sheng
Wang Zhi Ying
Wei Wu Min
Wen Jie
Wu Guo Feng
Wu Xiang Dong
Xi Gui Ru
Xia Zhi Lei
Xiao Bo
Xiao Jie
Xie Jing Suo
Xiong Zhi Ming
Xu Jian Ping
Yan Wen
Yang Han Lei
Yang Ming Hu
Yang Ru Ting
Yang Yan Sheng
Yang Zhen Jiang
Yang Zi Ping
Ye Wei Hang
Yin Shun Qing
Yin Jing
Yu Di
Yuan Li
Yuan Min Yu
Zha Ai Guo
Zhai Shun
Zhang Fu Yuan
Zhang Jia Mei
Zhang Jian
Zhang Jin
Zhang Lin
Zhang Luo Hong
Zhang Ru Ning
Zhang Wei Hua
Zhang Xiang Hong
Zhao De Jiang
Zhao Long
Zhao Tian Chou
Zheng Chun Fu
Zhonq Jun Jun
Zhong Qinq
Zhong Gui Qing
Zhou De Bao
Zhou De Ping
Zhou Xin Ming
Zhou Yong Qi
Zhou Yu Zhen
Zhuang Jie Sheng
Zou Bing
Zou Zuo Wu

R.E.A.L. Postings on Communist China

R.E.A.L. Postings on Totalitarianism

April 2010 Reports:

DC: Tibet and Falun Gong Activists Protest Outside Nuclear Summit for China Freedom

Washington DC: 150 Chinese Americans and Supporters Rally for Chinese Freedom

April 11, 2010 – Tuidang Rally, “Freedom Plaza,” Washington DC, USA – Jeffrey Imm

May and June 2009 Reports:

DC: China Embassy – Responsible for Equality And Liberty Challenges Chinese Govt

DC: Capitol Hill Rally Remembers Tiananmen Martyrs

Washington DC: Many Attend Candlelight Memorial Remembering Tiananmen Square Martyrs

The Power of Many United

May 30, 2009 Candlelight Vigil for Tiananmen Square Martyrs - DC's Washington Monument
May 30, 2009 Candlelight Vigil for Tiananmen Square Martyrs - DC's Washington Monument
April 11, 2010 - Washington DC - China Freedom Activists Banners Recognizing Chinese People Leaving Chinese Communist Party
April 11, 2010 - Washington DC - China Freedom Activists Banners Recognizing Chinese People Leaving Chinese Communist Party

============================

“I Have A Dream for Freedom for the Chinese People”

April 11, 2010 – Tuidang Rally, “Freedom Plaza,” Washington DC, USA – Jeffrey Imm

MP3 Audio Version Link

Good afternoon.  My name is Jeffrey Imm, and our group’s name is Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.).

I appreciate all of you here today fighting for freedom.

We share your fight for freedom around the world.

Today is “Holocaust Remembrance Day.”  Around the world, people say “Never Again.”

But “Never Again” is not just history.  In the People’s Republic of China (PRC), “Never Again” is now.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, people talk about concentration camps.

But that’s not just history, in the PRC that’s now.

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, people talk about cultures being destroyed.

But in the PRC, “Never Again” is now.

So when we stand in solidarity with those that remember the Holocaust today, we say to them that in the PRC, “Never Again” is now.

Compassion is passion.  We share your passion for freedom.

This is “Freedom Plaza.”  It was named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Near here, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. worked on a speech called “I Have a Dream.”

I have a dream – that the people in China will be free.

I have a dream – that the Tuidang – will be remembered as heroes.

I have a dream – that the 71 million who have left the Chinese Communist Party – are just the start of waves of freedom – that will Free China Now!

Share with me: Free China Now, Free China Now, Free China Now!  (crowd chants in unison).

We have a dream, but we also have a responsibility.

President Obama, you have a responsibility, under House Resolution 605, to meet with the people fighting for freedom and the Falun Gong.

President Obama, you have a responsibility, to have a foreign policy where human rights are our first priority, not our last.

(Holding up poster of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)

These represent the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  They were signed by the Republic of China on December 10, 1948.

Less than a year later, the People’s Republic of China broke these (speaker tosses sign of Declaration of Human Rights to the ground, indicating the PRC’s rejection of them).

We must pick this Declaration of Universal Human Rights up.  We fight for these human rights.

We fight for universal human rights for China.

With its original signature of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, China has signed a promissory note, a promise guaranteeing human rights.

We tell the PRC government today – Free China Now!

Chant with me: Free China Now, Free China Now, Free China Now!  (crowd chants in unison).

The Power of the International Language of Freedom

Washnigton DC: Replica of Tiananmen Square "Goddess of Democracy"
Washington DC: Replica of Tiananmen Square "Goddess of Democracy"

U.S. Department of State Message: “Message on the Twenty-Third Anniversary of Tiananmen Square”

Press Statement
Mark C. Toner
Deputy Spokesperson, Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
June 3, 2012
On this the twenty-third anniversary of the violent suppression by Chinese authorities of the spring 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations, the United States joins the international community in remembering the tragic loss of innocent lives.

We encourage the Chinese government to release all those still serving sentences for their participation in the demonstrations; to provide a full public accounting of those killed, detained or missing; and to end the continued harassment of demonstration participants and their families.

We renew our call for China to protect the universal human rights of all its citizens; release those who have been wrongfully detained, prosecuted, incarcerated, forcibly disappeared, or placed under house arrest; and end the ongoing harassment of human rights activists and their families.

China slams U.S. over Tiananmen statement

Sharing Our Human Rights Values When Blindsided by Hate

The ongoing trial of confessed Norwegian terrorist Anders Breivik not only demonstrates the degree of hate that he had for others, as he justifies murdering over 70 children. It also draws attention to others who share his view. On April 18, Norwegian news media reported on a “pen pal” for Mr. Breivik in the United States who believes that the murder of such innocent children was “necessary.” The ideology behind such hate is important, but it is not the point on this article.

Let us simply agree that no ideology of any kind justifies murdering children. Let us simply agree that any ideology — that would hate others of any identity group so much that they believe innocent children or any people deserve to be murdered — has an inherent basis in HATE. It could be any ideology that is against people of a given race, gender, religion, ethnic background, culture, nationality, or any other identity group. It is not just objectionable in this instance; it is objectionable in ANY instance.

Sadly, Mr. Breivik is not alone in his views on the expendable nature of our fellow human beings’ lives. Too many can rationalize violence, murder, and hatred of others, and there is no end to extremists with such cruel and inhuman ideologies. In the American national press, Mr. Breivik’s friend was identified (which I will not do here other than “Mr. F.”). Moreover, the press also posted a link this Mr. F.’s Facebook web page.

Suddenly, all the person’s “Facebook friends” were suddenly the “friend” of a person who thinks it is acceptable to murder children. Can you imagine how cruel and shocking to expose your “friends” or even acquaintances to this? One day, on Facebook a young man is a student busy at school, or a woman is a waitress, or someone is a relative, or watches the same mainstream television program. The next day, they are the “Facebook friend” of someone who applauds the murder of children. No one deserves to be blindsided by such hate. (I specifically waited until Mr. F’s Facebook page was taken down before I wrote this article.)

They were no doubt in stunned shock. Then of course, the natural response would be that they don’t agree with such extremist positions! One day, you are busy at school, at work, or at home. The next day, you are associated with an extremist. It is not fair.

But there is something we can do about this. I understand all of us are busy, but we must make time for our social responsibility. Social responsibility is an essential part of our balance in life that helps define who we are, and what we believe. We must let our friends, our associates, and our families know that we support: human rights, equality, and compassion for all.

— Human Rights for All. We must make time in our lives to demonstrate our individual and personal commitment to universal human rights, dignity, and respect for others. This applies to all of us. When we support such human rights, they are not just for one race, one culture, one religion, one gender, one nationality, but for ALL of our brothers and sisters in humanity. The most essential of our universal human rights is our right to life. This was a right that Mr. Breivik and countless other extremists around the world in various identity groups are willing to deny to our fellow human beings. Such right to life is an inherent part of standing for human rights. It is codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is part of the inherent declaration of what it means to be an American. As the UDHR states in Article 3, “Everyone has the right to life…” and as U.S. Declaration of Independence states that among our unalienable rights “are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” So when we state we support human rights, it is important to understand the magnitude of what we support. It is also important to let others know what we believe.

— Equal Rights for All. The other aspect of such human rights is a commitment to equal human rights for ALL people. There are those who object to such commitment to human equality. They find the very word “equality” to be offensive. You will find the anti-equality extremists in a broad range of identity extremists and supremacists. But we support such equal rights as an inherent definition of such universal human rights, including the right of freedom of conscience, religion, speech, and expression. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men and women are created equal.

— Compassion for All. The final and most important part of human rights is human compassion. We cannot live in hate and support human rights. We must Choose Love, Not Hate. We cannot be a coherent society based on cruelty and indifference. There is no “other,” there is only just our fellow human beings, no matter how we agree or disagree. We must find a way to offer an outstretched hand, not Mr. Breivik’s upraised fist, to our fellow human beings.

— Let Others Know Who You Are. Our friends know a lot about us. They know our appearance. They know the books we read, the entertainment we enjoy, and the foods we eat. But do they know our stand on human rights? Let others know who you are. Certainly, your shared commitment to human rights, equal rights, and compassion is just as important as such other aspects of life. Send a message today to your friends, your acquaintances, your family: “Human Rights, Equal Rights, and Compassion for All.” In your social networking, make sure that those you know understand your commitment.

If they don’t accept you as a friend with that position, then you need to find out why. We can’t expect that everyone has an “understanding” on these essentials in the world today.

We need to constantly remind others and ourselves what we believe in:

  • Human Rights
  • Equal Rights
  • Compassion

For ALL.

Who knows what life you may change by standing up for these values? Who knows what person may have to think twice before something they say or do? Maybe it will even be you or me.

When we stand for human rights, equal rights, and compassion, we can never be blindsided by hate.

The darkness of hate will see us coming a mile away by the light of life and conscience in our views. No, we will not be blindsided by hate. But those who have come to believe that hate is acceptable choice in our society will see that there are other alternatives in life.

They will see that we can make other choices. We can choose human rights, equal rights, and compassion for all.

Together, we CAN be Responsible for Equality And Liberty.

======================

P.S. To my Facebook friends, I have created a little icon on human rights and equality that you can use as a badge to replace your profile picture anytime you feel the need to make a statement.

I will continue to make such icons that you can use to spread the message of hope to others.  I also provide this link to instructions on how to change your Facebook profile picture.

Pakistan Court Decides on Women Reported Kidnapped

The Pakistan Supreme Court made a decision on April 18 on the Hindu women reportedly kidnapped.  The women returned to their husbands, who their families stated kidnapped them an denied them their freedom of religion.  Rediff, Pakistan Christian Post, and others have reported on this.  Some decried the lack of an open court to hear the judgment.

The Los Angeles Times reports on “a society where Hindus are often terrorized by Muslim extremists.”  In the article, the Los Angeles Times reports that “The issue was thrust into the spotlight by the case of Rinkle Kumari, a 17-year-old Hindu girl from the town of Mirpur Mathelo in the southern province of Sindh. The case was one of three that recently went before Pakistan’s Supreme Court.  Kumari’s parents, who are not related to Rachna’s family, allege that five men broke into their house in late February, subdued Rinkle with a chloroform-soaked cloth and took her away. The parents say the girl was forced to convert to Islam and marry Naveed Shah, a neighbor.”

The Hindu reported that relatives and rights activists’  “contention is that the three had been threatened by Pakistan People’s Party parliamentarian Mian Mithu with dire consequences if they returned to their parents. The former federal Minister, Amar Lal, said though Rinkle Kumari and Lata were kept away from their families and husbands in a shelter home, Mian Mithu was able to access them over phone and had threatened to kill their families if they returned to their parents.”

R.E.A.L. supports our universal human rights and justice for all people, and we will continue to work for such freedoms for all.

PepsiCo Responds to R.E.A.L. on Pakistan Human Rights

Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) did hear back from one company on the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council regarding our concerns on the human rights abuses of Pakistan Hindus and Christians — Pepsi Cola. R.E.A.L.’s initial message, and Pepsi’s response is provided below.

Please express your appreciation to PepsiCo by letting them know you appreciate their stand on human rights.

=================================

R.E.A.L.’s Message to PepsiCo:

Pepsi-Cola Public Relations –
My name is Jeffrey Imm, I am a human rights activist. Pepsi is on the board of directors of the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council promoting business in Pakistan. Human rights activists have been expressing their concern about the growing human rights abuses against Hindus and Christians in Pakistan, including forced marriage and forced religious conversion of Hindu and Christian girls. This is against the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Pakistan constitution. We are looking to see if your company is willing to make a positive statement in support of human rights for all people, including Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan.

We are holding a public rally in support of univesal human rights for all on Saturday, April 14 in Washington DC. If you have such a statement, we would be glad to share this with the public.

Thank you.

Jeffrey Imm
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) human rights coalition

=================================

PepsiCo responds:

“Dear Jeffrey,

Thank you for contacting us to share your concerns about human rights abuses.

As a global corporation, PepsiCo strongly supports fundamental human rights for all people, and we commend the efforts of all those who are working to protect those rights around the world. In our own businesses, we have a very clear global policy on human rights in the workplace (which is communicated annually to our associates in more than 20 languages), and we do not tolerate any infringement or abuse of human rights. In addition, we are a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact, which also guarantees human rights in the workplace.

We agree that the protection of human rights around the world requires constant vigilance on the part of international organizations and human rights coalitions such as yours. Please know that we will continue to do our part to strengthen and promote that commitment.

Thanks again for writing.

Kind regards,
Asheley
Consumer Relations Representative”

=================================

THANK YOU PEPSICO!

Thank You Pepsi - for Your Commitment to Global Human Rights!

Human Rights and Global Capitalism

The future of global business is freedom. In the 21st century, global capitalist businesses and business associations that do not understand this future will increasingly find themselves on the outside of markets and rejected by a growing global customer base. In business, every customer matters, and a business cannot have effective customer service if it ignores the necessity of human rights and dignity for all of their customers. Successful businesses will grasp this reality. Successful businesses will also realize as their brands are associated in their home nation with respect and rights for others, their global brand must also demonstrate such commitment to universal human rights and dignity for all. It is simply good business.

Every Customer Matters: When we appeal for consistency on our universal human rights for all people, it is not only a call to individual human conscience. For the global capitalist community, it is also a call for good business practices in respecting all of their customers in humanity.

Those of us working for or involved with capitalist businesses all of have such choices in our lives. We can choose a life which allows us to work and live in a business world, where we continue to urge respect, dignity, and human rights for all. It is a balance that we can and that we must maintain.

Our society is more than numbers, goods, services, and profit. First and foremost, our society is built upon people. Our society is comprised of people with universal human rights – in every identity group and every part of the world – without exception.

To my friends in business, let us never forget that our commitment to such universal human rights is to our ultimate customers in humanity. Without those customers, we will have no business. This is not about politics. This is about customer service. Our businesses must have a consistent commitment to universal human rights and dignity to their customers in humanity as a fundamental aspect ofgood business practices. Every customer matters, every customer deserves the respect and dignity required by our universal human rights.

Global Business Ethics and the UDHR Guideline: When it comes to international capitalist business, we need to be consistent on global business ethics, just like American businesses are committed to such business ethics in their home country. In businesses across America, you will see signs affirmatively stating their unequivocal support for various business ethics, including the American Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which businesses post in multiple languages.

It wasn’t always like that. I grew up seeing signs in Virginia that stated “white clientele only.” But just like America could change, our businesses could also change and today you will see across the country their open support of such human rights for people of different races and genders in this country. American businesses hold classes on diversity and respect for other Americans.

Some may think that we need an Equal Opportunity Act for our international business. But in fact, we have such guidelines today. Adopted in December 1948 by the United Nations, the world has a Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is posted in the languages of people around the world. It is supported by later covenants, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

For American multi-national corporations and companies doing business around the world, a commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) must be as much of our global business as a commitment to America’s Constitution and the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Act is a part of American business practices. Just like our customers in America know that our businesses support the EEO Act, our customers around the world must know we support the UDHR. It should be a standard for global capitalist business operations and initiatives around the world. Global businesses and business councils should be proud of their stand on the UDHR, and it should be part of their global corporate identity.

Will such consistent commitment to universal human rights offend some cultures? In our history, we have seen that business commitment to Equal Opportunities and human rights for Americans certainly offended some cultures, including those who that sought racially segregated services and operations. It no doubt offended those who thought that black Americans had to sit in the back of the bus, those who desired segregated schools, restaurants, and other places. Yes, those who seek to deny human rights and dignity to their fellow human beings get offended by those who consistently support such rights and dignity. But as you can see, America and American business survived. Our conscience did not destroy capitalism.

Global capitalism’s commitment to the standards set by the Universal Declaratation of Human Rights won’t destroy capitalism either. Our global customers must know that we respect their human rights and we respect their dignity – without exception. Our business and capitalist organizations must demonstrate that they don’t only support the rights of some, but support the rights of all. Our businesses and capitalist organizations must demonstrate they support the human rights and dignity for all of our fellow human beings. It is good business.

Captains of Industry Chart Their Courses: There is no course in business that is a straight and simple path. Every business requires the ability to recognize new products and services, new markets, and adaptation to market and customer changing needs. This requires businesses to take quick and decisive action.

We have also seen industry leaders take quick and decisive action, when they are engaged with other organizations as well, based on their corporate and individual conscience and in the best interest of society.

So it was in November 2011, that U.S. Steel CEO John Surma had to make difficult and unpopular decisions at the Pennsylvania State University, while he was a member of the Board of Trustees and faced with reports regarding a child sex abuse case at the university. No one will mistake a tough business such as U.S. Steel for being a social activist group, or financial expert Mr. Surma as a street activist for human rights. But industry leaders can make decisions that are challenging and even unpopular, when human rights and dignity are challenged.

A challenge to the human rights of one of your customers is a challenge to the human rights of all of your customers. Because every one of your customers matter, and every one of your customers will remember the values and standards that your business brand represents.

Successful business industry leaders think ahead, because their business growth is not only based on what they do today, but also based on where they plan to go tomorrow. Global capitalist ventures know that for every business success they make today, they must be planning to equal or better such success the next day.

The world will continue to become more free. In the 21st century, the concept of dictatorships and oppression of human identity groups will continue to become old news and bad business.

The future of business is freedom.

For global businesses to be successful with the changing marketplace, they must ensure that their corporate identity is associated with this reality and that their corporate activities and public relations are based in a clearly communicated commitment to our universal human rights.

Our global businesses cannot have effective capitalist growth or customer service – without a consistent commitment to global human rights. The bottom-line is that such capitalism is dependent on people – and people are ultimately dependent of the freedoms of their universal human rights.

Global Capitalism's Customers -- and Where Our Universal Human Rights Apply...

DC: Saturday April 14 Rally for Pakistan Hindu and Christian Rights

On Saturday, April 14,  a rally will be held in support of human rights and dignity for Hindus and Christians in Pakistan.  The event will be from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at 1615 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20062 – in front of the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council and across the street from Lafayette Square Park.  It is a short walking distance from either the Farragut West or Farragut North Metro subway stops.  The part of H Street we will be on will be between 16th St NW and 17 St NW, however, the closest intersection will be H Street and Connecticut Ave/Jackson Place.

U.S.-Pakistan Business Council, 1615 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20062

The coalition supports our Universal Human Rights for all people, including freedom of conscience for all people in every part of the world.

Organizations represented will include: Pakistan Christian Congress, Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.), American Friends of Balochistan, and other activist groups and individual human rights activists.  R.E.A.L. has submitted an Assembly Notification to the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.

The coalition objects to the efforts to deny universal human rights and dignity to religious minorities in Pakistan. As reported by human rights groups, there are hundreds of abductions and forced conversion cases of Hindus and Christian women every year in Pakistan which go unreported.

You can find out more on these issues at the Pakistan Hindu Post and Pakistan Christian Post.

Recent news has reported on a Hindu family reporting the kidnapping of a 19 year old Hindu girl in Sindh, Rinkle Kumari, who was forced to convert from her religion. The Hindu American Foundation has reported on this as well and the Pakistan Hindu Post issued an online petition to U.S. Secretary of State Clinton, for those concerned about human rights to sign, calling for the U.S. Government to intervene on behalf of Hindu girls kidnapped and forced to deny their religious beliefs.

According to the BBC report, “Human rights activists say that other reported abductions of members of minority communities in Pakistan, which is overwhelmingly Muslim, have not been properly investigated by the authorities.”   The Pakistan Tribune also reports on Hindu and Christian girls who have been forcibly converted to Islam.

The Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) coalition calls for the universal human rights of all people, including their freedom, their freedom of conscience, and their right to human dignity. We urge the Government, courts, and the people of Pakistan to act immediately to end abuse of religious minorities, to stop and punish the ongoing kidnappings, and to stop and punish those who would forcibly deny anyone their universal human right of religious freedom and freedom of conscience.

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Event Logistics

Date: Saturday, April 14

Time:  1:30 to 3:30 PM

Location: on the sidewalk area outside 1615 H Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20062 – in front of the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council and across the street from Lafayette Square Park.  The part of H Street we will be on will be between 16th St NW and 17 St NW, however, the closest intersection will be H Street and Connecticut Ave/Jackson Place.  There is a Starbucks coffee shop near H Street and 18th St NW at 801 18th Street.

Subway / Travel: It is a short walking distance from either the Farragut West or Farragut North Metro subway stops.

Walking Directions from Farragut West Metro
FARRAGUT WEST METRO STATION to H ST NW:
Exit station through 18TH & I (EYE) ST NW entrance.
Walk approx. 2 blocks E on I St NW.
Turn right on Connecticut Ave NW.
Walk approx. 1 block S on Connecticut Ave NW.

Walking Directions from Farragut North Metro
FARRAGUT NORTH METRO STATION to H ST NW:
Exit station through CONNECTICUT AVE & K ST NW entrance.
Walk a short distance S on Connecticut Ave NW.
Bear left on Unnamed.
Walk approx. 1 block SE on Unnamed.
Turn left on I St NW.
Walk a short distance E on I St NW.
Turn right on Connecticut Ave NW.
Walk approx. 1 block S on Connecticut Ave NW.

The part of H Street we will be on will be between 16th St NW and 17 St NW, however, the closest intersection will be H Street and Connecticut Ave/Jackson Place.

Driving and Other Directions and Parking from U.S. Chamber of Commerce Website

Via Metro:

Orange/Blue Line

Get off at the Farragut West Stop
Exit onto 17th Street
Walk towards the Park Place Gourmet (down I Street)
Take a right onto Connecticut Avenue one block to H Street, make a left
U.S. Chamber is on your left (Corner of Connecticut and H Streets)

Red Line

Get off at the Farragut North Stop
Exit onto K Street
Walk across K Street to Farragut Park
Walk south across the park toward the White House
At the Corner of Connecticut and I Streets walk 1 block south to H Street, make a left
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building will be on your left (Corner of Connecticut and H Streets)

From Virginia:

From 95

Take 95 North (stay in left lane) across the 14th Street Bridge
Stay on 14th Street until I Street
Left on I Street
Left on Connecticut Avenue
Left on H Street
U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be on your left (Parking on I Street)

From Fairfax/Falls Church Area

Take I-66 East to Constitution Avenue
Left on 17th Street
Right on H Street
U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be on your left

From Maryland:

From Silver Spring Area (495) Take 16th Street to DC

Right on I Street
Left on Connecticut Avenue
Left on H Street
U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be on your left on corner (Parking on I Street)

From Bethesda Area

Take Connecticut Avenue to DC
Connecticut turns into 17th Street
Left on H Street
U.S. Chamber will be on your left (Parking on H Street)

From Southern Maryland Area

Take South Capital Street
Left on Independence
Right on 3rd Street
Left on Pennsylvania Avenue
Right on 15th Street
Left on I Street
Left on Connecticut Avenue
Left on H Street
U.S. Chamber will be on the corner (Parking on I Street)

From Baltimore Washington Parkway

Take New York Avenue exit West (Route 50) toward DC
Left on 6th Street (Route 1)
Right on Pennsylvania Avenue
Right on 15th Street
Left on I Street
Left on Connecticut Avenue
Left on H Street
U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be on the corner (Parking on I Street)

Parking Research

For those driving, note that some garages are not open on Saturday.
I have found the following nearby Parking garages state they have Saturday hours:
COLONIAL Parking. 1620 I St NW (bet. 16th St NW-17th St NW) – 202-295-8200  – I talked to them and confirmed this on the phone
MID-TOWN Parking. 1750 K St NW (bet. 17th St NW-18th St NW) — NOTE: they close at 4 PM. 202-775-8819 – I talked to them and confirmed this on the phone
— CENTRAL Parking System. 1625 I St NW (bet. 16th St NW-17th St NW)
— I am also told there is another COLONIAL Parking lot at 1775 I St NW (bet. 17th St NW-18th St NW) – I spoke to a COLONIAL Parking attendant on the telephone that says it is open, but the Internet site for it says that it is not open

Women’s Rights: Congress to Announce Resolution to Extend Equal Rights Amendment

CARDIN TO INTRODUCE JOINT RESOLUTION TO REMOVE TIMELINE FOR ERA RATIFICATION

On the 40th anniversary of Senate passage of ERA, Cardin renews the commitment to achieve equality for women

U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) on Thursday, March 22 at 11:00am will introduce a Senate joint resolution to remove the deadline for states to ratify the equal rights amendment. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Senator Cardin will be joined by United 4 Equality and other supporters of women’s rights to announce this companion legislation to HJ Res 47, Removing the Deadline for Ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, introduced earlier this month by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Senator Cardin’s original co-sponsors include Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD), Senator Robert Menendez (NJ), Senator Dick Durbin (IL), Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (NY), and Senator Tom Harkin (IA).

The Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) passed the Senate for the first time on March 22, 1972. Later that year, then-Maryland Delegate Ben Cardin cast his vote to help Maryland become one of the 35 states that would ratify the constitutional amendment before the deadline expired in 1982. Senator Cardin’s joint resolution would remove the 1982 deadline, thus requiring just three more states to ratify the measure. This follows the precedent set in 1992, when the 27th amendment to the Constitution prohibiting immediate Congressional pay raises was ratified after 203 years. Article V of the Constitution contains no time limits for ratification of amendments, and the ERA time limit was contained in a joint resolution and not the actual text of the amendment.

WHAT: Introduction of joint resolution to remove timeline for ERA ratification

WHEN: Thursday, March 22 – 11:00AM

WHERE: 385 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, DC

WHO:
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin
United 4 Equality
Federally Employed Women
Coalition of Labor Union Women
Women’s Campaign Forum
National Conference on Puerto Rican Women
National Organization for Women
Feminist Majority Foundation
Indian American Leadership Council
Day of the Girl Campaign
Representatives of Nevada’s ERA Coalition

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Google Map: Capitol South Metro to Russell Office Building

Google Map: Union Station Metro to Russell Senate Office Building; walking; Metro walking map