[permaculture-oceania] the 'rights-based' approach'

[Mike Edmonds]

As I understand it, the idea of a 'right' is a legal term. Through
precedent or agreement, or even constitution, we bestow rights upon
people. The entities that are parties to that agreement recognise those
rights and are bound, within their jurisdiction, to honour and recognise
those rights. Most agreements do not say that those rights should be
exercised responsibly (how do you exercise the right to life responsibly
- for example).

To say that there is a right in nature is a nonsense. And to say rights
cannot be violated is also a nonsense. In a more general sense, rights
are a nonsense outside the jurisdiction of the agreement. Does the UN
have jurisdiction over nature? Of course not. Does the US have
jurisdiction in Africa. Well, despite the very best efforts of the US
president to extend his jurisdiction to everything and everyone, no.

And while I am on the topic, when someone claims a right (as in 'I have
a right to do this'), then ask them what court case, what constitution,
what agreement gave them that right. Moral rights don't count. They are
also a nonsense.

This also applies when people say that 'with rights come
responsibilties'. No they don't. That is exactly why they are called
rights. Take the right to free speech (that applies in the US - it
probably doesn't apply anywhere else, show me the court case if you
think it does). How the hell do you apply that responsibly without
jeopardising the very right you are exercising?

It would appear, at this juncture in history, that the only real right
is might. As disappointing as that may sound.

So, in this respect, I'd agree with Dave. Who said it in far less words
than I did.

Mike


P Ferguson wrote:
>  
>
>     David wrote.
>     Generally I find talk of "rights" a bit self-righteous.
>
>     What is glaringly obvious is that there is a lot of talk about
>     rights, but hardly any about responsibility - not in the same
>     breath, and not from the most outspoken 'rights' people.
>      
>     To me the two are a pair and should not be separated.
>      
>     P Ferguson
>     Illawarra NSW
>
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