B19 wrote:
The point needs to be made that all other Western countries have taken a more civilised approach and that politicians like him are so out of step with international opinion that comparisons with Somalia are embarrassing to all US citizens. Campaigns like this can be helped along by the recruitment of celebrities who take pride in their own UN status - like the Jolie-Pitts - they are worth lobbying through their agents too, as they want to maintain their reputation as UN ambassadors.. you need to point out that there is a serious anomaly here and raise public awareness through letters to the media etc.
These things aren't as impossible to achieve as people think, the power of citizens can and does lead to change, politicians and celebrities are very sensitive to embarrassment by exposure of their double standards, though they rely on public apathy to avoid being confronted with their double standards. People underestimate their power to achieve change, though concerted attempts that persist over time are usually required to bring about change.
I'm making these observations based on experience, not just theory. New Zealand signed and ratified UNCROC in 1989 - it led to important changes for children that were extremely beneficial.
Yes, you have the power. just like in the sixties with all those protests and demonstrations that led to the government to stop forcing black people to take the back seat in buses. When people protest loud enough and long enough, it leads to a change.
I read years ago the authorities wanted to put an eleven year old in jail for several years for stealing ice cream. the newspapers kept talking about it, and people demonstrated and screamed their heads off, and the authorities were forced to relent. They always try to wait out the demonstrations, but if they see they dont stop, they'll give in, they'd have to.
20 Jan 2015, 1:30 am
