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What are some "new" rights you'd like to see countries commit to? (lemmy.world)

submitted 11 months ago by sumofchemicals@lemmy.world to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world

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I know some places are more progressive in this regard. But from the U.S., I'd like to see every person entitled to:

shelter
food
healthcare
education and higher education

(As an aside, not sure "right" is the best term here, I think of these more as commitments that society would make because we have abundance. One advantage of the word "right" is that a person is justified in expecting it - it's not welfare/ a benefit / a privilege)

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[-] TheSaneWriter@lemmy.thesanewriter.com 7 points 11 months ago

I think you're using the word right correctly, ultimately you're pointing out things that you think people should have inherently and that shouldn't be based on merits or taken from someone based on crimes. I generally agree with your list, though to add on I think that the right to transportation is fundamental to enabling most opportunities in a society and that the United States could greatly improve upon their public transit system.

[-] sumofchemicals@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago

I guess the tricky part is when we think of something like freedom of speech, in order to exercise the right, a person can just start talking. If we think of the right to shelter, it's difficult for a person to just, have a place to live. It requires more active intervention by the government. And I think that intervention should happen. I only point it out because there does seem to be a distinction that could trip up the conversation. But I don't have a better term than "right." Anything less seems vulnerable to attack and gradual chiseling away by its opponents.

[-] MomoTimeToDie@sh.itjust.works -4 points 11 months ago

Anything less seems vulnerable to attack and gradual chiseling away by its opponents.

Almost like you're arguing for an aggressive policy agenda that a lot of people don't support. How about just discuss said policy instead of trying to find language that actively makes discussion more difficult?

[-] sumofchemicals@lemmy.world 0 points 11 months ago

It's not public opinion I'm necessarily concerned about, it's attacks by those who benefit from the way things are.

Also, choosing language that strengthens your position is the logical approach for anyone advocating for change. I'm not trying to obscure my position, I'm trying to make it clear.

this post was submitted on 15 Jul 2023

213 points (96.5% liked)

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