A few years ago, I was preparing for a demonstration rally in New York City, and to do that you mostly have to get police permits even to be in a park. It is a fairly complicated process, and unless you are there all the time, it is tough to organize an event. I spent a lot of time in NYC police station houses to get permits approved for a free speech demonstration. They had to get approved by NYC police detectives and police officers. It was very time-consuming, laborious, with many many delays.

One NYC detective had me in his office with my permit as we talked about an event I was scheduling. He asked the purpose of our demonstration and I explained it was to promote the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and universal human rights for all people. So then, the detective asks me again, “But human rights for what people?” I reply, “all people.” He tries a different way, thinking I misunderstood. He asks, “but what types of people exactly will be at this event? what rights are looking to defend?” I reply, “All types of people. We are looking to support the universal human rights for everyone. That’s the point of universal human rights.”

I never did get that permit approved. We did speak to New Yorkers in Union Park.  But I understand that many people do not get and may not like the idea that Responsible for Equality And Liberty is focused for all human rights. We are for action. But we also are trying to change our culture, where our human rights are not just important for those we like and those like us, but for everyone. So, we will be over-extended. We won’t always accomplish what we want. We will disappoint. But the cause we are really fighting for – is everyone, and more importantly everyone’s way of viewing our shared human rights.

People think the idea is preposterous, it makes no sense, and that it can’t be done, that we must only focus on one cause. Their rejection of the idea that we must stand for the universal human rights for ALL is why it is so important that we pursue this, even when we can’t. It’s not about “winning.” It’s about having the courage and confidence to fight together for human rights.

Our goal is to be responsible for equality and liberty, not just for some, but for everyone, and we seek you to help us in that campaign for global human rights, dignity, and justice for all.

It is always a good day to be Responsible for Equality and Liberty.