[Peace-discuss] an open letter in support of the occupy movement, on-line, by some Unitarians

[Karen Medina]

Some Unitarian Universalists have written an open letter of support to
the Occupy Movement:
Open Letter of Support for the Occupy Movement

I stand with people around the country and the world who are calling
for economic justice.

My values affirm that each person has inherent worth and dignity; that
justice, equity, and compassion should be the guiding principles for
human relationships; and that all people deserve access to the
democratic process.

My recognition of the inherent worth of every person compels me to
speak out against policies that privilege the demands of corporations
over the human rights of people. I support the Occupy movement in its
affirmation that protecting workers’ rights and ensuring that basic
human needs are met must take precedence. All people have a
fundamental right to a standard of living adequate for the health and
well-being of themselves and their families.

I also join the Occupy movement in decrying the wealth disparity that
leaves millions struggling for economic security. Policies and
legislation that promote economic marginalization are morally
unacceptable. Everyone is entitled to a government that recognizes and
promotes basic economic rights. Justice, equity, and compassion should
be foremost in our government’s decision making.

Economic oppression is not only a violation of fundamental human
rights, it is also a blow to democracy. When economic power is
concentrated in the hands of a few and when corporations are awarded
the same status as actual human beings, the democratic process is
fundamentally compromised. Basic fairness requires that all people
have equal opportunity to participate in political debate and to be
represented in government.

I envision a powerful and radically inclusive movement for economic
justice. I recognize economic justice as a right that is due to all
people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation,
language, religion, political or other opinion, immigration status,
national or social origin, property, birth, or other status or
distinction.

I sign this letter as an expression of gratitude to all who are
working for economic justice in the United States and around the
world, as an affirmation of my hope for fair and compassionate
economic reforms, and as a renewal of my commitment to help make it
so.

Sign the letter:
http://actnow.uusc.org/site/PageNavigator/occupy_open_letter.html

-- 
-- karen medina
"The really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." - Mark Twain