Dec 24th. 2008...we'll celebrate a birth...a child...

By José Blanco

Themes someway repeat themselves for some reason, many times - initially - unknown to 'the observer', that is, if one is 'aware'. Well, reading the AJC this morning, the local newspaper, I came across an article by Jonathan Todres, law professor at Georgia State University, titled "Human rights are fundamental to all". Coincidence...? Já!

Just a few hours ago this was the theme, one of the themes?, blogged about. "Concern for others was also at the heart of the origins of a milestone event commemorated earlier this month. On Dec. 10, the world celebrated the 60th. anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.", the author writes. Note the wording: 'concern for others is also at the heart...'. Not the head. Not a reference to jurisprudence. No. In our culture, a reference to 'heart stuff' is synonymous with touchy-feely, bland, no substance, weak, pusillanimous, Hollywood, etc., etc. Note also the the wording that follows: "origins of a milestone event".

Tomorrow, Christianity celebrates an event that fits these descriptors. The birth of a child. Away in a manger, surrounded 
by animals, loving parents, received by shepherds. Denied hospitality, either by intent or by circumstances. By willingness, or by fortuitousness. But certainly, denied the warmth of "accommodations", denied a 'welcome'.

The incredible figure from Assisi is credited with coming up  with much of the substance around the "Nativity scene", the Nativity 'creche'. . Interesting to have come across in Brussels, in a church that had nativity scenes from multiple ethnic groups, a manger that had St. Francis in what seemed to be a manger without the child: at the center was a figure of him, no child around...? That really got my attention. What were they thinking? What was this all about? Hmmmm: mind blowing. Something to think about. 
Nevertheless, the story of the child's birth, rich in meaning, does also bring in the heart, brings in compassion: for mother, for child, for father. A community of 'care' for each other, represented in the interaction within the three  of them. Interdependence, dependence, independence, playing together in a mystery for all of us to 'see'. Centered around a child. 

Yet the author of the article in the AJC, tells us that children in all nations keep on suffering all kinds of human rights violations. He mentions  that next year will be the 20th. anniversary of the UN convention of the Rights for the Child, "the most widely supported human rights treaty in the world. More than 190 countries are a party to the treaty". Wow!!! Almost the entire world has ratified that! How many countries are left out?, one might ask. Well, there are - depending on the counting 'framework', from 189 - 195 countries in the world. Check out http://www.worldatlas.com/nations.htm 

Know who did not sign the treaty?  tadá!...Somalia, and...tadá!...The United States of America!

Again..."as Anderson Cooper's..."what were they thinking?" Who knows.

As you celebrate this holiday, and as I celebrate this holiday... (let me add the ending of Professor's Todres article here)..."This holiday season, when the economy's woes have made life  harder for so many, let us...commit ourselves to fulfilling the mandate of the Universal declaration of Human Rights and ensuring the rights of all individuals". Let us "affirm...the inherent dignity and...the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family...(which) is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world". 

Is that what that child talked about when he grew up?...hmmm...

Peace on earth to all! 


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