While criticism of the contemporary American scene may be important, the one thing criticism doesn’t generate is a vision of a better world or the Next Democracy. That task has already been started for us and we need only to go back one century to benefit from studying that clearer vision. The Chair of United Nation’s committee authoring that vision was Eleanor Roosevelt herself. Real politicians artists, poets, athletes and states persons frequently with humility describe themselves as standing the shoulders of giants. This century and the USA could once again stand the shoulders of Eleanor Roosevelt. We need to protect that legacy and not lay low in the shame of our recent performances as a nation.

This Project is going to help us review the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in bite size chunks. We need to understand that this declaration came out of the shattering trauma of World War II. If we insist we want a World War III we should anticipate the inventory the losses and understand how it is we yearn to start a war that no one could possibly win. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a recipe for peace on the globe. A human enjoying their inalienable rights has no need or stomach for war. In a just world war has no attraction. Lets start with the Preamble and see where we end up.

Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom , justice, and peace in the world.

Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind and the advent of a world in which human being shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people.

If you want to make good decisions, the language of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a guide for behavior and senses. Use your bannisters for good young and old. We are a facing a multigenerational crisis. Standing on our worthy predecessor’s shoulders might just be the humility we need to overcome the hubris of this government and age. That would be good.