#PoliticalFreedom

[sutrala]

Free speech wins the culture war http://dlvr.it/TGqjqW

[recsspecs]

But part of living in a democracy and a free society is that we all have to deal with views and people we don’t necessarily like. That’s simply the price we pay—you could even say it’s the whole point of the system. And it seems more and more people are forgetting that. -The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck 

[thesipsavant]

Celebrating International Democracy Day: Embracing Diversity and the Right to Live by Our Values/Dr.Nowhera Shaik

Introduction

Imagine a world where every individual has the freedom to live according to their values, where, economic, political, and cultural differences are celebrated rather than suppressed. This vision is at the heart of International Democracy Day, a day dedicated to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy worldwide. In this article, we will explore the significance of International Democracy Day, the importance of diversity, and the inspiring story of Dr. Nowhera Shaik, the founder and CEO of the Heera Group of Companies, who embodies the spirit of democratic values.

The Essence of International Democracy Day

What is International Democracy Day?

International Democracy Day, observed on September 15th, was established by the United Nations in 2007 to promote and uphold the principles of democracy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic governance and the need to protect and promote human rights, freedom, and equality.

Why Celebrate Democracy?

Democracy is more than just a political system; it is a way of life that empowers individuals to participate in decision-making processes, express their opinions, and live according to their values. Celebrating democracy means recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of their background or beliefs.

Embracing Social, Economic, Political, and Cultural Differences

Social Differences: A Tapestry of Human Experience

Social differences, such as ethnicity, religion, and gender, contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience. Embracing these differences fosters a more inclusive and harmonious society. For example, multicultural festivals and events provide opportunities for people to learn about and appreciate diverse cultures.

Economic Differences: Bridging the Gap

Economic disparities can pose significant challenges to achieving true democracy. Addressing these differences requires policies that promote economic justice and equal opportunities for all. Initiatives like microfinance programs and social enterprises can help bridge the economic gap and empower marginalized communities.

Political Differences: The Heart of Democracy

Political differences are the essence of a vibrant democracy. Healthy debates and diverse viewpoints are crucial for the development of sound policies and governance. Encouraging political participation and protecting the right to dissent are fundamental to maintaining a democratic society.

Cultural Differences: Celebrating Diversity

Cultural differences enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives. Celebrating cultural diversity through art, music, literature, and cuisine fosters mutual respect and understanding. Cultural exchange programs and international collaborations can further promote global harmony.

The Right to Live by Our Values

Personal Freedom and Autonomy

At the core of democracy is the right to live according to one's values. This includes the freedom to make personal choices, pursue one's passions, and express one's identity. Protecting these rights ensures that individuals can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.

The Role of Education

Education plays a crucial role in promoting democratic values and empowering individuals to live by their values. By fostering critical thinking, empathy, and respect for diversity, education can help build a more just and equitable society.

Dr. Nowhera Shaik: A Beacon of Democratic Values

The Journey of Dr. Nowhera Shaik

Dr. Nowhera Shaik, the founder and CEO of the Heera Group of Companies, is a remarkable example of someone who embodies democratic values. Born in a conservative family, Dr. Shaik faced numerous challenges in her pursuit of education and entrepreneurship. However, her determination and resilience enabled her to overcome these obstacles and achieve remarkable success.

Empowering Women and Marginalized Communities

Dr. Shaik's journey is not just a personal triumph; it is a testament to the power of democracy to uplift and empower individuals. Through the Heera Group, she has created numerous opportunities for women and marginalized communities, providing them with the tools and resources to achieve economic independence and social empowerment.

Advocating for Social Justice

Dr. Shaik is also a vocal advocate for social justice and human rights. Her philanthropic initiatives, such as educational scholarships and healthcare programs, have made a significant impact on the lives of many. Her work exemplifies the democratic principles of equality, justice, and compassion.

Conclusion

International Democracy Day is a celebration of the values that unite us as human beings: freedom, equality, and the right to live according to our values. By embracing social, economic, political, and cultural differences, we can build a more inclusive and harmonious world. The inspiring story of Dr. Nowhera Shaik reminds us of the transformative power of democracy and the importance of empowering individuals to achieve their full potential. As we celebrate International Democracy Day, let us recommit to upholding democratic values and working towards a more just and equitable society for all.

"Democracy is not just the right to vote; it is the right to live in dignity." - Dr. Nowhera Shaik

For more information on International Democracy Day, visit the United Nations website.

By celebrating International Democracy Day and embracing the diversity that makes us unique, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to live a life of dignity and purpose.

[tmarshconnors]

Freedom for Alexey Navalny

After reading the article "Alexei Navalny: Russian opposition leader reappears in Arctic penal colony" I had to write this blog.

The world has witnessed the relentless pursuit of justice and democracy by individuals who are willing to stand up against corruption and authoritarianism. One such figure is Alexey Navalny, a prominent Russian opposition leader and anti-corruption activist. Navalny has been a vocal critic of the Russian government and its leadership, exposing instances of corruption and advocating for political change. However, his efforts to bring about positive change have come at a great personal cost. Currently serving a prison sentence in Russia, Navalny's plight has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom in the country.

The Story of Alexey Navalny:

Alexey Navalny rose to prominence through his fearless exposés on corruption within the Russian government. His investigations targeted powerful figures, uncovering embezzlement, fraud, and other illicit activities. Navalny's efforts gained widespread support both domestically and internationally, as people rallied behind his calls for accountability and transparency.

Despite facing numerous legal challenges and attempts to silence him, Navalny continued to be a formidable force for change. His influence reached new heights during the 2020 poisoning incident, where he fell gravely ill after being exposed to a nerve agent. Navalny's recovery and subsequent return to Russia only reinforced his commitment to the fight against corruption and his dedication to a democratic future for his country.

Navalny's arrest in January 2021, upon his return to Russia, sparked global outrage and calls for his immediate release. The charges against him, widely seen as politically motivated, have been condemned by human rights organizations and governments around the world. Many argue that his imprisonment is a clear violation of freedom of speech and a direct assault on political opposition within Russia.

This blog post is a call to action, urging the Russian Federation to release Alexey Navalny and respect the principles of democracy and human rights. It is crucial for the international community to unite in condemning the suppression of dissent and advocating for the freedom of individuals like Navalny who courageously speak out against corruption and injustice.

The international community has a vital role to play in holding the Russian government accountable for its actions. Diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and public advocacy can contribute to raising awareness about Navalny's case and pushing for his release. Governments, NGOs, and concerned individuals must work together to ensure that human rights are upheld and that individuals like Navalny can contribute to a more open and democratic society.

The struggle for freedom and democracy is ongoing, and the case of Alexey Navalny is a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those who dare to speak truth to power. By raising our voices collectively, we can send a powerful message to the Russian government that the world is watching and that the principles of justice and human rights must prevail. It is time to stand in solidarity with Alexey Navalny and all those who strive for a more just and transparent future for Russia and the world.

[weepingdreamerdefendor]

Celebrating International Democracy Day: Embracing Diversity and the Right to Live by Our Values/Dr.Nowhera Shaik

https://princesnowherashaikh.com/celebrating-international-democracy-day-embracing-diversity-and-the-right-to-live-by-our-values-dr-nowhera-shaik/

Imagine a world where every individual has the freedom to live according to their values, where, economic, political, and cultural differences are celebrated rather than suppressed. This vision is at the heart of International Democracy Day, a day dedicated to promoting and upholding the principles of democracy worldwide. In this article, we will explore the significance of International Democracy Day, the importance of diversity, and the inspiring story of Dr. Nowhera Shaik, the founder and CEO of the Heera Group of Companies, who embodies the spirit of democratic values. #internationaldemocracyday #democracy #globalcitizenship #humanrights #politicalfreedom #civicengagement #socialequality #culturaldiversity #drnowhera #heeragroup #democraticvalues #politicalsystems #civiceducation #globalaffairs #politicalparticipation #individualrights #economicfreedom #democraticinstitutions #worlddemocracy #freedomofchoice

[thegodbeyondreligion]

The struggle for freedom exists at many different levels and represents the core motivation within the individual if they are being honest and faithful to Knowledge within themselves. The struggle for political freedom, the struggle for economic freedom, the struggle for social freedom—the human spirit is not satisfied to be bound and slavish, adhering only to the dictates of culture, politics and religion.

Hear and read this revelation- The Freedom Journey: https://www.newmessage.org/the-message/volume-1/journey-new-life/freedom-journey

[heatherwagenhals]

So excited for my friends @rock_saber and @locastrobrothers who won the documentary category @thefreedomfest #FFest18 #voiceofreason #reason #freedomfest #freedom #liberty #economics #financialfreedom #personalfinance #politicalfreedom

[waltb31]

#WhiteWednesdays #IranCivilRights #IranHumanRights This courageous gentleman from Iran 🇮🇷, Siavash Rezaeian was given a prison sentence of three months in jail by the oppressive authoritarian fascist regime of pseudo “cleric” @khamenei_ir and tinpot despot @hrouhani. Why? For sending tweets supporting the White Wednesdays movement. More people in Iran are supporting the #GirlsOfRevolutionStreet. Men and women of Iran 🇮🇷 will prevail. Democracy is fragile and must be fought for and protected. #FreeSiavashRezaeian #FreeNasrinSotoudeh #Repost @centerforhumanrights ・・・ Political activist Siavash Rezaeian has been ordered to report to prison to serve three months and one day in central Iran for criticizing former Judiciary Chief Sadegh Larijani, criticizing Iran’s compulsory hijab law, and condemning the state’s suppression of street protests. “After all my years of university activism, I have always been cautious and shied away from trouble!” Rezaeian tweeted on April 27, 2019. One tweet by Rezaeian that was singled out by the prosecution was about the “Girls of Revolution Street,” a group of female activists who have peacefully opposed Iran’s compulsory hijab law since December 2017. “How could you not support the historic movement by the Girls of Revolution Street? I hope all civilized Iranians on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook support this peaceful campaign."⠀ ⠀ #Iran #GirlsofRevolutionSt #Hijab #Veil #WomensRights #FreeSpeech #UN #CivilRights #PoliticalFreedom https://www.instagram.com/p/BxLC9d-AQxI/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=dxua17q9fx2g

[thebardcce]

Crises of Democracy: Thinking in Dark Times

Written by Samantha Hill, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Studies, Assistant Director, Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities Office.

Last month the Hannah Arendt Center for Politics and Humanities at Bard College hosted its 10th annual conference on Crises of Democracy: Thinking in Dark Times. CCE sponsored the attendance of nearly 300 Bard early college and early college center students at the conference, including students from Baltimore, Hudson, Manhattan, Newark, New Orleans and Queens, as well as the Harlem Children’s Zone.

The conference was opened by President Leon Botstein who heralded the virtues of having a physical, public sphere, and Roger Berkowitz, Academic Director and founder of the Arendt Center, who discussed four prejudices underlying our crises of liberal democracy. During the two days, conference speakers and participants engaged the question: Has liberal representative democracy failed?

Thursday began with Masha Gessen who discussed the trials and virtues of living in exile. AfD representative Marc Jongen emphasized the necessity of nationalism to the nation state, and importance of sharing a cultural heritage. (Jongen’s speech attracted significant controversy following the conference. For a Bard faculty member’s insight, see Francine Prose’s excellent article from the Guardian: My students heard a far-right politician on campus. Here's what they learned.) Occupy Wall St. co-founder Micah White explained why Occupy, Black Lives Matter, and the Women’s March are failed protest movements, as Melvin Rogers, Professor of Politics at Brown University pointed us back to the past to take refreshment in our shared history, and find a non-theological political faith. Yascha Mounk, lecturer at Harvard, offered the audience a more traditional, liberal view of democracy while arguing that the crisis of democracy is not retreating anytime soon. The expansive conversation included a heated discussed between Walter Russell Mead, who pushed us to wrestle with the causes of populism in America, and Linda Zerilli, who defended an Arendtian conception of freedom and what it means to act collectively in the public sphere. Jim Fishkin took the audience on a journey through his public research project Deliberative Democracy, which tries to connect voters to their elected officials and policy making by polling representative, random parts of the population. The conference was drawn to a close by acclaimed novelist Teju Cole. Weaving together bits of classical music and images from museum exhibitions, Cole argued that the crisis has already happened, and that we are living in the disaster. He left attendees with a question to consider: “If we survive, who will be left after the disaster?”

To hear more, click on the link below to watch the conference in full. http://bit.ly/crisesofdemvideo

[elhijoejuanamorales]

Capitalist Freedom Is a Farce | jacobinmag.com #freedom #capitalism #socialism #economicfreedom #politicalfreedom #monopoly #oligarchy

Capitalist Freedom Is a Farce | jacobinmag.com #freedom #capitalism #socialism #economicfreedom #politicalfreedom #monopoly #oligarchy

“Rob Larson – 13Mar 2019

For all the changes of the last fifty years, the conservative classics have held their place surprisingly well. Milton Friedman’s Capitalism and Freedom and Friedrich Hayek’s The Road to Serfdom are still featured on Breitbart’s online bookstore. Rush Limbaugh tells his listenersthat “Milton Friedman should be the Bible for young people, or anybody, trying to understand…

[schuhbarberlin]

give me love (give me peace on earth) 🌹💗☮💙🕯 #lovenpeace #democracy #humanrights #legalequality #politicalfreedom #ruleoflaw #givemelovegivemepeaceonearth #georgeharrison #1973 #rose #foreveryone #mankind

[9mmed]

VOTED 🇺🇸 #vote2016 #politicalfreedom #getoutthevote #potus #election2016 #electionday (at Ravenswood, Chicago)

[aviatoreamericano]

Just don't do it. #America #LibertarianParty #Minarchy #Liberty #PersonalAutonomy #VoluntaryAssociation #FreedomofChoice #PoliticalFreedom #IndividualJudgement

[ljmunch-blog]

Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery; None but ourselves can free our minds.

Bob Marley, “Redemption Song”