Preserving Democracy and Human Rights: A Call to Action by the Filmmaker of “15”

Upholding Equality and Defending Human Rights

As an activist and filmmaker deeply committed to upholding equality and defending human rights, I cannot remain silent in the face of the concerning challenges we are witnessing. The recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States have raised alarming questions about the future of our nation, our values, and the principles upon which it was founded. In this blog post, I aim to shed light on the potential consequences of these decisions and emphasize the urgent need for collective action to protect our democracy, human rights, and the well-being of all citizens.

The Threat to Equality

The 14th Amendment of the Constitution has been a beacon of hope for marginalized communities, ensuring equality under the law. However, conservative justices have repeatedly challenged this fundamental principle. Despite these challenges, all of my life, the Supreme Court has consistently upheld fundamental rights, until now. The recent shift in the Court’s stance poses a significant threat to the progress we have made. It feels as though the clock is being turned back on equality, human rights, and the power of the federal government to care for its citizens.

A Step Backwards

The current trajectory of the Supreme Court suggests a desire to dismantle the entire federal government and revert to a pre-Civil War era. This vision undermines the notion of “one nation undivided” and advocates for each state to become whatever Banana Republic it chooses making it free to establish their own laws and regulations as if they were its own individual and separate country with whatever dictatorship manages to get in control. Such a scenario could lead to the reinstatement of slavery, regression in voting rights, and the erosion of essential rights for people of color and women, potentially restricting suffrage to landowners alone. This regressive direction contradicts the vision of our framers and poses a severe threat to the principles of justice, equality, and democracy for all.

A Betrayal of Values

The recent ruling on Dobb’s decision sent shockwaves through my soul. It became evident that the Supreme Court is no longer committed to equality, they do not care for our federal government, or upholding ethical standards. This pattern of disregard for the law and ethical conduct has persisted, and it is disheartening to witness the erosion of the very foundations that our nation was built upon.

Upholding Equality and Defending Human Rights

As an activist and filmmaker deeply committed to upholding equality and defending human rights, I cannot remain silent in the face of the concerning challenges we are witnessing. The recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States have raised alarming questions about the future of our nation, our values, and the principles upon which it was founded. In this blog post, I aim to shed light on the potential consequences of these decisions and emphasize the urgent need for collective action to protect our democracy, human rights, and the well-being of all citizens.

The Threat to Equality

The 14th Amendment of the Constitution has been a beacon of hope for marginalized communities, ensuring equality under the law. However, conservative justices have repeatedly challenged this fundamental principle. Despite these challenges, all of my life, the Supreme Court has consistently upheld fundamental rights, until now. The recent shift in the Court’s stance poses a significant threat to the progress we have made. It feels as though the clock is being turned back on equality, human rights, and the power of the federal government to care for its citizens.

A Step Backwards

The current trajectory of the Supreme Court suggests a desire to dismantle the entire federal government and revert to a pre-Civil War era. This vision undermines the notion of “one nation undivided” and advocates for each state to become whatever Banana Republic it chooses making it free to establish their own laws and regulations as if they were its own individual and separate country with whatever dictatorship manages to get in control. Such a scenario could lead to the reinstatement of slavery, regression in voting rights, and the erosion of essential rights for people of color and women, potentially restricting suffrage to landowners alone. This regressive direction contradicts the vision of our framers and poses a severe threat to the principles of justice, equality, and democracy for all.

Page Content

• Upholding Equality and Defending Human Rights
• The Threat to Equality
• A Step Backwards
• A Betrayal of Values
• The Role of the Supreme Court
• The Role of the Supreme Court
• The Threat to Human Rights
• The Urgent Call to Action
• Conclusion

A Betrayal of Values

The recent ruling on Dobb’s decision sent shockwaves through my soul. It became evident that the Supreme Court is no longer committed to equality, they do not care for our federal government, or upholding ethical standards. This pattern of disregard for the law and ethical conduct has persisted, and it is disheartening to witness the erosion of the very foundations that our nation was built upon.

The Role of the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court, comprised of appointed judges, bears the responsibility of ensuring the constitutionality of our laws. It is essential that they comprehend the intentions of our nation’s framers and adhere to the principles enshrined in our founding documents. They must also be held accountable for any actions that betray the trust placed in them, and their decisions should not go unchecked. It is deeply concerning that the highest court dictates what women can do with their bodies, restricts the powers of Congress, and hinders efforts to alleviate the burdens faced by students burdened by high debt.

The Threat to Human Rights:

Each passing day, we witness a regression towards a socio-political culture where human rights, women’s rights, and the rights of individuals based on their gender or sexual orientation are no longer protected. The freedom to make choices about one’s body, the freedom to marry whomever one loves, and the freedom to exercise voting rights equally are all at risk. If we fail to take action, we risk reverting to a society reminiscent of a hundred years ago, where countless individuals suffered under the weight of oppression and discrimination.

The Urgent Call to Action

 We must escalate what we do to draw attention to what is taking place. The time has come for us to rise together, raising our voices in every way we can, to draw attention to the grave challenges we face. We are heading towards a future as horrific for those groups of people as it was a hundred years ago . . . or more. We must not stand idly by while the fabric of our democracy unravels. Our loved ones—our mothers, daughters, sisters, and those whose orientations and identities differ from societal norms—are in danger of losing the freedoms we have come to cherish. The rising maternal death rate over the past year serves as a somber reminder that lives are already being lost.

Conclusion

Can we simply stand by and witness the erosion of the rights and well-being of our loved ones? I refuse to do so. Recently, someone questioned why I still care deeply about the issue of abortion, given that I am no longer able to conceive. The mere fact that this question was posed speaks volumes about their lack of understanding. They fail to grasp the profound consequences of losing our democracy bit by bit, as we succumb to the rule of an oligarchy that seeks to strip away the freedoms and voices of 98% of the population. If we allow this to happen, we risk descending into a society devoid of empathy, where self-interest prevails and the collective welfare is disregarded.

In the face of a Supreme Court that threatens our democracy, human rights, and the principles upon which this great nation was built, we cannot afford to remain complacent. As an activist and filmmaker, I implore you to join me in defending equality, human rights, and the dignity of every individual. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past but instead work together to create a future where empathy, justice, and freedom prevail. Our voices, our actions, and our unwavering commitment can shape the course of our nation and secure a brighter future for all.”