UTHRT: THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN AMERICA PART II.

PART II: THE STATE OF HEALTHCARE AROUND THE WORLD.

When it comes to healthcare, humans have come a long way. Our ancestors left the Rift Valley caves of Africa, they migrated worldwide to build civilizations and cities such as Cairo, Damascus, Athens, Varanasi, the Sacred City of Caral- Supe, and Timbuktu. In their constant battle with death, they tended to their health to increase their chances of living longer. 

During pandemics,  people first turned to prayer and ritual sacrifices. They sought help from the sea, sun, moon, animals, mountains, and trees. However, they soon realized that these methods alone could not prevent sickness and death. As a result, some brave individuals ventured into the forests in search of herbal remedies. Through trial and error, and often at great personal risk, our ancestors learned the secrets of the healing properties of plants, which they then used to benefit their communities.

The reactions of communities to the efforts of healers varied depending on who controlled the political, economic, and social narrative at the time. The healers’ newfound knowledge was adopted based on the reality of their society.

Unfortunately, some were accused of being witches and suffered condemnation and punishment through burning, guillotining, or hanging in public squares. For example, Ursula Kemp, a healer and midwife in England, was accused of witchcraft in 1582 and was torture and executed. Bridget Bishop became the first woman to be executed for witchcraft during the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts in 1692. Additionally, Giordano Bruno, an Italian philosopher, astronomer, and mathematician, was accused of heresy and witchcraft in the late 16^th century and was burned at the stake in 1600. 

On the other hand, certain healers, such as Saint Damien of Molokai, a missionary who dedicated himself to caring for lepers and is recognized as the patron saint of people with leprosy, and Saint Giuseppe Moscati, a physician who provided treatment to the impoverished and sick in Naples, Italy, were esteemed and revered for their remarkable achievements. Additionally, Saint Margaret of Antioch, renowned as the patron saint of childbirth, pregnant women, and infertility, is honored and respected for her invaluable contributions.

Throughout history, there have been contrasting societal responses to healers. However, the presence of traditional healing practices and their cultural heritage is still discernible in various indigenous communities worldwide, where traditional healers continue to be held in high regard.

The era of philosophy, enlightenment, scientific advancements, and industrial revolutions witnessed the emergence of remarkable scientists including the Greek physician Hippocrates of kos, Agnodice, Galileo Galilei, Elizabeth Blackwell, Louis Pasteur, and numerous others. These visionary individuals devoted extensive hours to their research in libraries and laboratories, meticulously studying diseases and pioneering the development of vaccines and remedies to combat them. 

Today, due to the collective efforts of traditional healers and modern scientists, women in numerous regions across the globe can now give birth without fear of risking their lives. Additionally, children have a greater chance of surpassing their first birthday, and parents can enjoy the experience of being grandparents. Despite the emergence of new diseases such as AIDS, Ebola, and Covid-19, it is crucial to recognize the profound impact that medical advancements and improved accessibility have had on human well-being. Consequently, many countries worldwide are dedicated to establishing robust healthcare systems and enacting laws that guarantee their citizens the right to quality healthcare.

The right to health was first mentioned in the 1946 Constitution of the World Health Organization ("WHO"). It states, "the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being." The WHO constitution’s preamble further defines Health as "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." Since then, Organizations and Countries have enacted treaties and laws at the international and national levels, as well as adopting policies that align with the common belief that medical progress should benefit and be accessible to the global population.

In addition to the WHO Constitution, the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, for example, states in Article 25, Section 1 that "everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and his family, including food, clothing, housing, and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in the circumstances beyond his control."

Furthermore, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, adopted on December 16, 1966, recognizes in its Article 12, Section 1 "the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health."

As such, the prevailing understanding is that the right to health encompasses both freedoms and entitlements. Countries and Organizations are expected to provide healthcare to their constituents without discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, and background.

Guided by their humanitarian principles, countries established the World Health Organization ("WHO"), with the United States emerging as one of its  primary contributors, providing a substantial funding of $693 million for the period 2020- 2021. Similarly, dedicated individuals founded non-profit organizations like Doctor Without Borders ("DWB"). These organizations persist today, striving to make a positive impact on the health and well-being of people worldwide, despite their inherent limitations. 

For example, on Saturday, October 8, 2022, the WHO Africa Tweeted account shared a significant achievement, stating, "Due to vaccines provided, 20 million people are walking today who would have been paralyzed by polio if not for efforts to deliver vaccines to children around the world". On the other hand, DWB extends medical assistance over 70 countries, offering crucial humanitarian aid to those in dire need. 

Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge the well-documented inefficiency of the World Health Organization (WHO). The organization often faces criticism for individuals within its ranks who prioritize self-promotion, flaunting their jobs titles as “ World Savers,” and engaging in receptions while entangling themselves with politicians solely purpose to secure additional grant funding and maintain their preferred lifestyle. However, when it comes to fulfilling their actual job responsibilities, they are nowhere to be seen, hindered by bureaucratic sluggishness, incompetence in addressing real issues, or displaying deep-seated prejudice in their approach serving specific regions of the world. Consequently, numerous experts have criticized the WHO for its delayed response, which significantly contributed to the initial spread of the Ebola virus in 2014. 

On March 9, 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that a total of 28,616 people died from Ebola around the world, with 11,310 deaths reported in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone during the 2014-2016 outbreak. 

In the case of COVID-19, there have been allegations that World Health Organization (WHO) secretly covered up the severity of the situation, solely to protect certain countries and prioritize their financial interests.

As of September 2021, according to data from the World Health Organization, the total number of deaths worldwide due to COVID-19 exceeded 4.6 million. These staggering death tolls should prompt us to reflect on efficient functioning of such organizations and demand accountability for the great good of humanity.  

On the other hand, non-profit organizations are often compared to doctors who provide remedies without properly diagnosing their patients. They may justify their actions by claiming to possess resources that their clients lack, leading to power dynamic that can result in precarious and temporary outcomes. However, it is important to consider that their reputation and credibility rely on their work, and therefore they must continue to exist.

Nonetheless, non-profit organizations should strive to address the root causes of issues rather than merely providing short-term solutions. By conducting thorough assessments and understanding the underlying problems, they can offer more effective and sustainable assistance to those in need. This approach ensures that their efforts have a lasting impact and contribute to long-term solutions.

In order to address the pressing need for improved healthcare, many countries have enacted legislation to guarantee their citizens the right to access healthcare services. A notable example is the Republic of South Africa, whose constitution (1996), Chapter II, Section 27 on Health care, Food, and Water and Social Security explicitly affirms this right. According to the constitution, “everyone has the right to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive health care.” Moreover, it emphasizes that the government is obliged to take reasonable legislative and other measures, considering the available resources, to “the State must take reasonable legislative and other measures, considering the available resources, to progressively realize these rights.

Furthermore,  the constitution explicitly states that “No one may be refused emergency medical treatment”. This provision underscores the importance of ensuring that emergency healthcare is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Similarly, Also, the Constitution of India (1950) Part IV, Article. 47, outlines the “duty of the State to raise the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.” In Ecuador, its 1998 Constitution, Chapter IV: Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Article. 42 guarantees “the right to health, its promotion, and protection, through the development of food security, the provision of drinking water and basic sanitation, the promotion of a healthy family, work and community environment and the possibility of permanent and uninterrupted access to health services.” 

Despite the fact that many scholars acknowledge the impact of country treaties and laws, and organizations on healthcare around the world, there are still some who oppose the belief that healthcare is a human right. One of these individuals is Mr. Philip Barlow, an American Consultant Neurosurgeon. In his July 19, 1999 publication in the National Library of Medicine, he stated that “health care is not a human right.” and offered three reasons for his belief. 

Firstly, he argued that healthcare is difficult to define. Secondly, he emphasized that if healthcare were considered a right, it would imply a duty on the part of others. Finally, in the third reason, he stated that “the philosophical basis of all human rights has always been shaky.” 

Richard D Lamm, former Governor of Colorado, also disagreed with the idea of making healthcare a right, as he believed it would require the government to allocate a significant portion of its resources to providing healthcare to citizens. Additionally, Mr. Imre J P Loefler, former editor of the Nairobi Hospital Proceedings and Frequent Contributor to the British Medical Journal, did not find the concept of a right to health feasible. Instead, he encouraged countries to improve population health through a socio-economic policy rather than relying on a legal right to health.

I respect and acknowledge the concerns of these scholars who oppose the idea of healthcare as a human right. However, I believe that the lack of an agreeable definition of healthcare, excessive governmental expenses, or the need for socio-economic policies should not hinder the effort to provide an optional choice on healthcare to every individual.

Countries such as South Africa, India, and the Equator have enshrined the right to health in their Constitutions, but they may not have all resources needed to achieve a perfect healthcare system. Nonetheless, they are taking steps towards improving access to healthcare, recognizing that there is no such thing as an ideal healthcare system.

In my opinion, all healthcare solutions are time-bound and subject to change as life evolves. Therefore, our only option is to adapt to new changes. For instance, when it comes to reliability and speed, we cannot compare the first car that Henry Ford  designed in 1896 to the latest 2023 Ford car models. Despite early Ford’s cars flaws, we appreciate Mr. Ford for inventing the automobile for the betterment of society. It does not make sense to come up with excuses for not adopting a healthcare system because it might not perfectly work. Instead, each generation should strive to provide a solution, and the next generation can improve upon it.

 Therefore, I commend all countries that have enacted laws guaranteeing their citizens the right to choose between healthcare systems and insurance systems. In my view, the right approach to healthcare on a global scale is to encourage cooperation rather than competition while respecting individual rights.

Best Regards

Alpha

UTHRT; THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN AMERICA PART III AND FINAL COMING SOON!

UTHRT: THE RIGHT TO HEALTH IN AMERICA!

PART I: The Individual Experience Within a Health Insurance System.

In 2013, I lost my job not because I failed to fulfill my duties or was unprofessional. I lost it for standing up for my rights. My friends' attitudes and views on the matter were diverse. Some stopped being my friend, seeing a jobless person as a source of reliance. Others told me, “Sometimes, you just have to let it go,”, meaning I should give up my rights and let them abuse me. Still others said that "life is unfair." My response was that I would not give up my rights, and I did not believe life was unfair. I view life as a beautiful gift that requires courage to unpack.

To unpack life with courage requires strength and an innocent heart.  One must learn not to carry yesterday's sorrows to bed or at least hope that a good night's sleep will contain them. Furthermore, one should approach the next day with new eyes, so they can unwrap the present day and accept whatever comes out of it as part of a life experience. Lastly, one must hope that their family, community, and fellow citizens love them and wish them well. Some call it positive thinking, but I believe it’s a way of life.

Still, as you unfold the gift of life with courage, be content with it. You may face people in your own family who question the reason for your happiness. They inquire, comparing your gift to theirs, and conclude that your satisfaction is due to receiving a better present and that you are their father's favorite. As a result, they may carry a burden of resentment toward you for the rest of their lives. Your presence may constantly remind them why their father does not love them as he loves you. However, you can offer to help them lighten their load and share your gift for their well-being. To your surprise, you realize that the only way to make them happy is for you to be miserable. Later, as you discuss family dramas with your friends, you learn that each family has its own unique set of challenges.

So, you leave your family home behind and walk into a new neighborhood. You open your hands and heart to your neighbors, hoping to be welcomed. Despite your friendly manners, some of them may respond to your offer with an icy look, rude demeanors, and an extra spoon of salt that ruins the sauce. You wonder why they behave toward you with such hate as you have never met them before. Then you learn that they graduated from the finest school of prejudice. For a decade, they had been trained to dislike people who did not think, look or act like them. In their world, being happy, intelligent, free, and living with courage threatens their fundamental beliefs. To be their friend, one must act damn, voiceless, pitiful, and less deserving, so they can feel happy to help you.

As such, you leave behind the drama of your family and neighbors and go to the public square to meet your fellow citizens. As you navigate the system, you realize that the meaning of a nation based on people who share the same past, live together in the present, and wish to build a future together is only rhetoric. In reality, many so-called leaders and their followers care only for themselves and their families, and behind the curtain, they are professional in the art of deception. 

As you wonder who to believe and where to go, you find yourself in the middle of reality. You accept that you are a social animal and that society is your domicile. Furthermore, you acknowledge that life presents us with challenges, and our options are limited: we can freeze in front of obstacles and do nothing, flee from them and pretend they don't exist, or react and act to deal with them.

Personally, I believe our salvation comes when we stop wishing and start living, using every day as an opportunity to overcome life's challenges. We cannot give up on life, and with time, wisdom will eventually come to us. We accept that most people we meet come from similar families and neighborhoods we left behind. The truth is that life, with its challenges, is beautiful, but people can be unjust to each other.

So, I lost my job after standing up for my rights with courage, as a result, I also lost my health insurance benefits. Despite this setback, I carried on with my life and began looking for another job. Unfortunately, after months of searching, the only jobs I found were part-time positions that didn't reflect my education, or contractual positions without benefits. I joined the growing number of Americans who work, pay taxes, and don’t have health insurance benefits, relying on divine providence not to fail ill. Illness could mean losing their job, house, family, and friends and eventually facing bankruptcy. 

Although it was difficult, I recognized that it was my duty to accept the outcome of my loss and find peace with it, which I eventually did. I refused to succumb to wishful thinking and hope that a union, state, or federal government would come and save me. Instead, I took the matter of my health into my hands. I started to exercise regularly, eat healthily, surrender myself with friendly people, and put myself in healthy environments. Furthermore, I learned to embrace each day as it came and looked for ways to increase my income. 

As a result, I began working as a substitute French teacher at a private school in addition to my legal and contractual jobs. I enjoyed being around children and young people and felt fulfilled knowing I was helping with their education. Yet, one day as I walked into the school hall. I saw a table set up by a healthcare provider. The nurse behind the desk was offering flu shots to students and school staff. I approached the table and asked her if I could have a flu shot. She asked me if I had health insurance, and I said no. She then informed me that she was sorry but could not give me a flu shot without it. I replied that it was fine, but I was reminded again that I did not have health insurance. 

I continued my journey without health insurance. I found myself in a situation where I was too rich for Medicaid and too poor for Obamacare benefits. So, I resigned myself to paying a penalty fee for a service I did not receive at the end of each year. Then, I wondered how Insurance providers had outsmarted and defeated President Obama. However, I stopped short of blaming him, as I had supported his healthcare campaign. Later, when I met President Obama, he told me that Obamacare was a step in the right direction. I respectfully listened to him. Yet, I was glad to adopt the new law that prevented the government from penalizing me for not being able to afford coverage. 

So, like many Americans, I had entrusted my health to divine providence for years. However, in 2020, Covid-19 emerged and presented itself to the world. On Saturday, March 21, 2020, in my home state Illinois, Governor J.B. Pritzker issued an order asking residents to "stay at home." Since Covid-19 was highly contagious, there was no known cure for it, and it was deathly. Despite the government officials' efforts to control the disease, the New York Times estimates that to date, 41,443 people in Illinois have died due to the pandemic. The pandemic also fundamentally altered our way of life.

As a result, having a health insurance benefit was no longer a guarantee of survival. Additionally, everyone had to rely on divine providence for their health for the first time, as Covid-19 affected insured and uninsured citizens equally. The only difference was that we, the uninsured, had been living with the fear of death for so long that we became immune to it. We relied on faith to save ourselves from the brink of insanity.

In the People's house, lawmakers, known for their lack of actions and partisan fights, came to their senses and spoke similar language with diverse accents. They urged their fellow citizens to follow CDC guidelines and encouraged Americans to wear masks and practice social-distancing. Finally, they funded and provided testing throughout the country. Government officials also urged citizens to get tested and pleaded with them to get vaccinated at any Walgreens or CVS drug store free of charge. Despite their efforts, the New York Times estimates that to date, there have been 1,300,000 deaths in the United States of America. 

In June 2021, I answered the call and walked into Walgreens on Broadway Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois. and received my first shot Covid-19 vaccine shot. Weeks later, I received my second shot. As I was preparing to leave, the nurse asked me to spread the word to members of my community and urge them to come and get vaccinated for free. I was tempted to share my story with the nurse from the school and ask, "why is it free now, when it wasn’t before, and what has changed in America?". However, I refrained from saying anything, knowing that she was just doing her job like many of us.

I left the vaccination center with questions swirling in my head. Why did it take a pandemic for lawmakers to agree to offer free benefits now when they didn’t before? As I struggled to find answers, a simple explanation came to mind, they were scared. The thought made me feel sad and angry, but then I remembered Charles Bukowski words, "I guess the only time most people think about injustice is when it happens to them." My heart raced, and I initially thought it was a side effect of the vaccines, but it wasn’t. So, I walked toward Lake Michigan and sat at the shore for fresh air. While, I pondered why the world's most powerful country still refuses to admit that "Health is wealth." and provide healthcare coverage for all of its fellow citizens. 

Sincerely,

Alpha

(Part II on the Right to Health in America coming soon).

UTHRT: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2023!

 Dear Friends, 

Happy New Year 2023!

A year is gone; another year is here. 2022 has been a great year. I learned a great deal, traveled, and grew.

This year, I learned about the devil. As Covid-19 faded and life went back to semi-normal, Hollywood decided to organize the Oscars 2022 Academy Awards ceremony. The spectacle offered people something to Twitter, Share, and Like around the country and world. 

I watched a part of the event on a short YouTube video after the fact. I saw a comedian making jokes. An actor, a victim of domestic abuse, laughed at them until his wife's eyes awakened him. Then, in a sudden panic and fear, he left his seat, walked onto the stage, and slapped the comedian in front of 16.6 million viewers.

Furthermore, he returned to his seat and engaged in a barrage of insults, but nobody reacted. Then, the academy honored him with the best Actor award 2022 and allowed him to speak. Under tears, he apologized to everyone except the victim of the verbal and physical assaults. He concluded his speech by blaming the devil. At that moment, I realized the devil never existed. It is a human creation, a scapegoat when individuals don’t have the courage to assume their responsibilities and refuse to acknowledge their worst behaviors.

Also, the year 2022, I thought, would bring a breath of fresh air for many American students when the U.S. government announced that it would provide them a relief called "Student Loan Forgiveness" (“SLF”) after a few tumultuous years under Covid-19. As a good Samaritan, I accepted the fact that everyone would welcome the good news. Yet, at the town square, the Student Loan Forgiveness news went under a storm of partisan politics.

Some were happy as they would benefit from the relief and thought it would be the right thing to do. Others believed the relief amount was too little and politically motivated. Also, the (“SLF”) relief angered many, as they thought it was an unfair decision the government made against them. In their view, they forfeited going to school, and some of them joined the army to avoid debt. And now their government was giving free handout money to other Americans. As I analyzed the situation, I learned the recipe for misery is to compare your life with others and that whatever you do, there will be unhappy people in our society. So, do the right thing and let history be the judge.

Yet, today the promise of relief is at the U.S. Supreme Court after some states, non-profit organizations, and individuals sued the government. They alleged they were wronged by the proposal and believed that the president did not have the prerogative to make such decision. Ultimately, we will have to wait and see what the Law says about the promise and entertain whether education should be a right.

Moreover, on the night of November 9, 1989, when people in Germany dismantled the wall of Berlin, we all thought it was the end of the cold war. Yet, on February 24, 2022, we saw it reappear in Ukraine, and innocent Ukrainians were the victims.

Finally, this year, I learned to find the key to happiness in forgiveness. I realized humans are not perfect. So, to live happily in our society, one must learn to forgive, which means forgive yourself first and forgive others. As in the journey of life, it is better to travel light.

My travels took me to different neighborhoods, cities, towns, and parks this year. I spent most of my time walking randomly to meet the beauties of this world. 

I grew in 2022 by pursuing my journey to seek beauty and truth and share them Under the Human Rights Tree as I believe Freedom of Speech is sacrosanct. Through that process, I have founded an organization and intend to make it my life’s work. Visit: www.uthrt.org

2022 came and went, and I hope we learned and grew from it. 2023 is here. I hope we embrace it with courage, travel and try our best to make it a joyful year. Again, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy New Year 2023!

Sincerely,

Alpha

UTHRT: THE RIGHT TO DANCE!

My dancing journey started in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. Like all African Francophone cities, Dakar was born to an African mother and French father. The city was the fruit of a colonial relationship based not on love but for convenience. As a result, it grew up with a perpetual identity crisis as it tried to reconcile its African and French heritage.

Today, Dakar is a vibrant city, growing in size and population. Its geographic location exposes it to the World's cultures. Yet, the city still has an inferiority complex toward its father. Although the latter adores his oldest son Paris whom he believes is the World's most beautiful city.

Dakarois are the habitants of Dakar. Most of them come from the West African region to settle temporarily. Yet, people stay indefinitely to pursue dreams with no ending sights. They embrace the city in its diversity but still carry nostalgic memories of their villages. They have one thing in common. They love Dakar and want it to reflect the image of a Teranga. Thus, they organize festivities to offer a smokescreen on the city’s challenges.

The festivities in Dakar range from seasonal soccer activities, Simb-Gainde Ndiaye ritual ceremonies, Sabar gatherings, Laamb wrestling matches, and dance activities. As a result, youths of the same block occasionally organize dancing parties called "Bal." to celebrate special occasions and holidays. The boys and their friends get together to make monetary contributions. They hire a DJ with a music sound system, rent chairs, and buy food and drinks. And, they invite their girlfriends and their friends. It is a way for them to follow a tradition left by their elders, who organized “Bals” and danced to the popular music tune of their time.

So, growing up in Dakar, I witnessed generations of dancers organize “Bals”. They dressed to the vogue and danced to their favorite music bands and musicians. As a child, I saw my parents, uncles, and aunts dance to the rhythm of Cuban music with Aragon Orchestra, Star Band De Dakar, Rock & Roll with Elvis Presley, and Swing with Count Basie Orchestra. Also, I saw my older brothers and sisters dance to the tune of Disco with Boney M, Soul with James Brown, Reggae with Bob Marley, and afro-rumba with Orchestra Baobab. While I sat near the dance floors, I watched them dance. Later, I joined them and learned that each dance requires basic steps.

In my youth, I danced to the rhythm of Zouk with Kassav, Soukous- Rumba with Papa Wemba, Rap with 2 Pack, and Mbalack with Youssou N'Dour. I needed little to master my elders' dances as I learned by watching them dance. Also, in Dakar, dancing was part of life. People danced when they talked and walked. They danced in their prayers, funerals, and celebrations. Dancing was another way communities expressed their feelings.

Therefore, our ancestors understood that a body that hosted emotions needed a way to release them. They believed dancing was one way to get rid of bad energies and keep our bodies healthy. So, they advocated that people had the Right to Dance.

The law insider defines Dance legally as "movements selected and organized for aesthetic purposes or a medium of expression….". That means any dance must be a movement of the body or a vehicle of expression to pass the legal test. Dancing can be solo or with a partner. Today, despite the diverse forms of Dance, it is accepted that all Dance forms comply with five fundamental elements: body, action, space, time, and energy. Therefore, I define Dance as a body in motion into a space, responding timely to a sound and expressing a personal feeling. 

Moreover, based on factual studies, many scientists and sociologists accept the verdict that dancing has many benefits. The benefits are our mental and physical health and social well-being. Dancing uses our brain to coordinate movements. It also allows our hearts and muscles to exercise through the movement of our bodies. Finally, dancing creates a floor for a peaceful assembly and freedom of expression where people meet, socialize and create a community. Thus, dance is good for our health. 

When I arrived in Chicago in 2001, I carried my love for dancing with me. I also accepted that the U.S. Constitution guaranteed individuals a right to the pursuit of happiness. Yet, I knew behind any right lay a duty. So, I chose dancing as one of my ways to pursue happiness.

As a newcomer in America, I was fortunate to be invited to American parties. I learned that they were different from African parties, especially the “Bals”. American parties have different connotations. Generally, people get together at a friend's house called the host. When they arrive at the host's house, they bring food and drinks with them to share. They sit or stand in the living room. They eat, drink, talk to each other, and make new friends with music playing in the background. I was grateful for being invited to those parties. They opened my eyes to a new way of life. Yet, I missed dancing. So, I went to look for open dance floors around the city of Chicago. As wisdom ordains, it is up to a thirsty man to look for the well, not the other way around.

The city of Chicago offers diverse dance venues because of the town's diverse population and cultures. Therefore, dance lovers may dance to the rhythm of Blues, Salsa, Meringue, Cumbia, Disco, Balkan, Tango, Swing, Techno, Reggae, Bollywood, Celtic, Punk and African; in venues such as: Nightclubs, Dance Schools, Bars, Churches, Community Centers, Yoga Center, Hotels, Schools, and Private Houses. Yet, my favorite place amongst them is the Palm Court Drake Hotel.

The Palm Court Drake Hotel is located at the Drake Hotel. It offers entertainment with live music and a dance floor every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays. The space is grand, beautiful, with high ceilings. The floor is on white marble. The room also has a water fountain in the middle with flowery hat and tables and chairs all around for guests to sit and have a drink. The architecture of the place blends the old and modern times, attracting people from different ages, professions and backgrounds. The environment is cordial and bohemian. It is an ideal place for people seeking la joie de vivre.

The live music and dance at the Palm Court start around 9 pm. People I meet there are always well-dressed. They look forward to dancing with other dancers. The hotel patrons create an environment of peaceful assembly. In return, they expect their customers to reciprocate by buying food and drinks. Yet, it is not mandatory. It is an understanding. The atmosphere at the Palm Court is unique in many ways, as it permits one to dance to the live music and socialize with friends during music bands’ breaks. In most venues, DJs play the music without a break. The music is loud; thus, no room for conversation.

Despite the diversity in background, profession, and age, as you converse with people, you learn they have two things in common, a love for dancing and life. So, as you dance into the years at the Palm Court Drake Hotel, you end up belonging to a community of friends. Each year you pause for a family photo which ends up as an evidence of your dance memories into a Facebook post.

At the Palm Court Drake Hotel's dance floor, you meet different groups of dancers. Among them are the debutants: They are nervous as you dance with them. They look on the floor to see the movement of your feet. Their body movements are tight. Their timings are off, and their hands shake. Yet, your duty as a dancer is to welcome and remind them that the sole purpose of the dance is to have fun. Then, you encourage them to look into your eyes. Due to the fact when it comes to dancing, one must follow your partner’s eyes, not the feet. Further, you ask them to embrace their missteps and learn from them. In the end, with time, they will be better dancers.

Also, you meet the impostors: For them, dance is the end to a means. The imposters invest time and money to learn how to dance. They believe in dancing, they will find a girlfriend, eventually a future wife or a boyfriend, or a husband. So, when you ask them for a dance, they may refuse to dance with you, if they don’t see you as a potential one. Or, if they decide to dance with you, they may do it with nonchalance. They don’t enjoy dancing as they constantly compare themselves to other dancers. Whenever they see a natural dancer they often get frustrated, and when they see a debutant, they turn into a dance teacher. In the end, if their investment pays fruit and they achieve their goals by finding a mate. They may stop coming to dance events or they only dance with their partner. So, they demand the latter to ask for permission before dancing with other dancers. Otherwise, they display jealousy, anger, and tantrums as they are insecure and full of fears.

Moreover, you meet the Nostalgic. The nostalgic are elderly ladies and gentlemen. They have been coming to the Drake Hotel for decades. They are always well dressed and sit at their table with a smile. They used to be in the spotlight. Yet, today they are content being anonymous. With confidence, they hope to have a dance, a good time, and go back home happy. I take the time to acknowledge their presence, invite them for a dance and learn from their wisdom. As I learn from them, dancing becomes another journey to the past. Where one remembered a husband or a wife who left too soon, an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend who left a scar in one beautiful heart, or a regret of letting a precious love story escape between one finger because one was too afraid of being judged by one peer. Yet, I often wonder if I can add a little joy or a smile to the nostalgic hearts. So, I tend my hands toward them and ask, “May I have a dance?”

Finally, you meet the Natural Dancers: The natural dancers understand the meaning of dancing. Dancing comes naturally to them. They see dance as a body movement that allows you to express yourself. So, they follow the basic steps of any form of dance. Yet they openly bring their own touch into the dance. They extend hands to all dance community members without prejudice, and they welcome them with a dance. For them, to dance is a journey of expression. And the reason why they dance lies in their desire for freedom. 

Yet, like many rights printed on white papers with black inks, the Right to Dance does not go without challenges. And often, the challenges come from individuals, some religious leaders, city officials, and state legislators. At the Palm Court Drake Hotel, although the environment was welcoming. The dance floor was not always smooth and accessible. Individuals challenged my Right to Dance. Among them were two servers. A Caucasian Eastern European male who took the liking to bump on me as I danced, and a female African American who constantly harassed me for not paying enough for drinks. I confronted them one by one. Then I told them to stop; otherwise, I would complain to their managers. They realized I was ready to fight for my rights, so they stopped and left me alone. Also, a female of Asian descent asked me whether a table was available. I responded I did not know as I was not a worker but a dancer. On other occasions, South American tourists and American interstate business travelers in the U.S. asked whether the hotel paid me to dance. I responded. No, I just love to dance.

As I share these stories, I want to remind people when it comes to people's ethnicity and race; I am blind. I believe there is only one race, the human race. Yet, I used these stories to point out against prejudices, racialization, and generalization. I also wish to emphasize that any person who believes that sanctity or evilness is the monopoly of one race, religion, or class is wrong. As for me, you find good apples (people) and bad ones wherever you go. The only thing you can do is enjoy the company of the good ones and ignore the bad to the extent possible. As life is short, you should not waste it on futilities. Yet, you just love yourself.

Furthermore, during my research on the Right to Dance, I learned that in the United States, some city and state officials used their power to restrain people's Right to Dance. They required licenses, permits, or enacted laws to infringe on the Right to Dance. A Vice Article called "All the Times in American History that Authorities Tried to Stop People from Dancing" by Anna Codrea-Rado, published on March 6, 2017, stated that during the 1920’s states such as Georgia passed the "Blue Laws" prohibiting certain activities on Sundays. The city passed a law preventing dancing "In any public place on the Lord's day, commonly known as Sunday." Further, in 1980, in the rural town of Elmore City, Oklahoma, representatives of the city came up with restrictions on dancing based on moral grounds. Even today, regulations such as "The cabaret Law" in New York City have been used since 1920 to target dance lovers and same sex couples.

Likewise, today, dancers are victims of stigmas and prejudices in a certain part of the world. Despite the satisfaction, people get to watch them dance. Some view dancers as outcasts. They perceive them as low classes, sinners, or prostitutes in certain countries.

So, in certain cultures, people who choose dancing as a profession may see their families disown them, and government officials enact laws to prohibit them from dancing. In his article called "Countries that Banned Dance" in Backdrops, Charles H Steward cited countries such as Germany, which banned dancing during Easter weekend and Christmas eve as "a respectful act for the holidays." Also, in Kuwait, laws prohibited dancing even at concerts. Another country he mentioned was Japan, which banned dancing to prevent "Hot Beds for Prostitution" and demanded that clubs apply for dance permits. I often restrain myself from judging a country I did not put afoot yet. But, as Voltaire said, "let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world."

To the question, whether the Right to Dance should be considered as a human rights issue, I will say yes. Considering the fact that dance is legally defined as a “medium of expression”. Therefore, denying any person or community the Right to Dance would be equivalent to denying them their rights to the freedom of expression, which goes against Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (“UDHR”) that stipulates “everyone has freedom of opinion and expression.” Further, in all venues I went to, dance lovers get together peacefully and enjoy themselves. So, I may view any law that goes against dancing as a violation of Article 20 of the (“UDHR”) that states “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.” Moreover, these same rights are guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution.

As a result, we must not take our rights for granted. The fight to preserve them is not seasonal but an endless battle as there are always unhappy individuals, extremist puritans, and city and state officials who indulge in ways to limit our rights to the pursuit of happiness. So, we must fight to defend our rights, such as the Right to Dance. As for many of us, dancing is not solely an act but a spiritual and a therapeutic journey. Also, we must fight so that the government can use more of our tax money to fund dance ensembles, dance programs in schools, and senior citizen centers. That will help professional dancers avoid starving and save us health costs as a society.

With time in Dakar. I witness many generations of dancers leave the dance floor of their youth, never to come back. Like the ocean waves, they drift far from the dance floors and land at the shore of mosques and churches to seek the keys to heaven. Because some religious scholars convince them that dancing is a sin. They resolve to stop going to the “Bals” of Dakar as it is the best way to repent.

In Chicago, Palm Court Drake Hotel dance floor closed with Covid-19. Despite the vaccine, it was never the same again. I stopped seeing most people I used to meet every weekend. They receded into their private lives. I called some of them to inquire about their well-being. Others we kept in touch through Social Media. Yet as the pandemic persisted, we all accepted the facts that Palm Court Drake Hotel and Dancing were the backbones of our friendship.  

As I pursue my dance journey, I reveal to my fellow friends my wish to dance until I die. And, I hope they stand by my side as I lay on my deathbed and cannot talk. Then, they respectfully remind whoever is in charge to put on the music of my liking and allow me to move my head, eyes, fingers, and toes. So, I can have my last dance with death and die a sinner if it is what it takes to uphold my Right to Dance.

Sincerely,

Alpha

 

 

UTHRT- ANIMAL RIGHTS- SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO HELP YOUR PET ADJUST TO NEW HOME!

                                          Contributor Cindy Aldridge

 

Relocating to a new home can be stressful for people. But for pets, it can be downright overwhelming. Our furry family members thrive on routine, so uprooting them from their homes can cause them severe anxiety, especially since they cannot mentally prepare for the change. 

 

Even after your family has navigated the challenges of packing and moving, it may take some time for your pet to acclimate to its new living environment. Fortunately, you can take some simple steps to help your pet settle comfortably into your new home. I have provided a few tips below!

 

Boost Your Financial Security   

 

You may need to purchase new toys, bedding, or other essentials for your pet to help them transition smoothly into their new chapter. Ideally, you will do this without racking up debt!

 

If you are relocating to another state, think of ways to save money. For example, maybe you can temporarily stay with family or friends as you research the housing market and job opportunities. Of course, wherever you stay must be able to accommodate pets!

 

Stick to Your Pet's Schedule

 

Pets, especially dogs, need routine. Try to keep your pet's schedule as consistent as possible as you relocate. Even when you're busy unpacking or fulfilling other responsibilities, take time to take your pet potty, feed them, and play with them.

 

Use Fragrances

 

Most pets use their sense of smell more than anything else to perceive the world around them. Consider using specific fragrances in your home in the weeks before your move. As you arrive at your new home, spray the same fragrances to help your pet feel more comfortable in their new environment.

 

Make a Space for Them

 

You will have many things to accomplish as you try to settle into your new home, but setting up your pet's living area is one of the first tasks to complete. Find a spot in your new home to put your pet's toys, bed, blankets, and bowls to help them feel secure in the busyness of the move. 

 

Wherever you put your pet doesn't have to be their permanent spot. Just make sure they are comfortable and have everything they need as you unpack and organize your belongings.

 

Spend More Time at Home (if Possible)     

 

You can expect your pet to be more anxious than usual as they adjust to their new home. If possible, try to spend more time by their side to help them acclimate. This might require you to take a couple of days off work or cancel a few of your regular commitments. But if you must leave home, try to find a person your pet is familiar with to keep them company while you're gone.

 

Introduce Them to the House in Increments

 

Take your time when you introduce your pet to the new home. It's best to limit them to one room on the first day so that they can smell every nook and cranny and become comfortable in it. Then, gradually introduce them to the rest of the house, one room at a time, and consider taking a few days to complete the process.

 

Keep Them Active

 

This tip falls in line with keeping your pet's routine. Make sure they are still getting the necessary amount of exercise to stay healthy and happy during the transition. Take them for walks, play with them in the backyard, and think of any other ways that you can keep your pet active. This will give you the chance to move your body too!

 

Change can be difficult for pets, which is why you must be conscious of how you can make your relocation as comfortable as possible for your furry companion. Along with implementing the tips above, keep thinking of other ways to help your pet adjust to their new living environment. In no time, your family will be comfortably settling into the next chapter of your lives!

 

If you found this article helpful, you can read much more content at ourdogfriends.org

 

Photo by Alpha (c)

UTHRT: HAPPY NEW YEAR 2022!

 Dear Friends, 

Happy New Year 2022!

A year is gone; another year is here. 2021 has been a great year. I learned a great deal, traveled, and grew.

As the year 2020 came to an end, I witnessed U.S. Election Officials announce the arrival of a new tenant in the White House. The Founding Fathers of the United States of America wanted it this way. A presidential election every four years, so no citizen in power could lose his mind and self-impose himself as another King George III, whom they defeated in 1783 after the Revolutionary War.

Yet, on January 6, 2021, a part of the U.S. population was unhappy with the outcome. They felt some of the 2020 Election Officials stole the election from them. So, they used a right guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution and rendered a visit to their representatives at the Capitol. They wanted to make sure their voices were heard. As they marched to the people's house, a no trespassing sign waited for them. Still, they uprooted it and threw it away. They forced their way into the house looking for their representatives.

Sadly, their representatives went into hiding. None of them were willing to talk to the crowd and calm them down. Some have been in the house far too long that power has deafened them. They seem out of touch. They do not even hear their constituents' concerns. They believe the people's house is their home as long as they can afford a donation to buy a seat at the table.

But, despite the status quo of politics in this country, I believe that politics is a battle of ideas. Sometimes we win; sometimes we lose. And the courageous thing to do when we lose is to concede defeat, regroup, and wait for the next elections. Yet, as I learned, one of the most challenging things for humans is to accept the reality that life presents to them. 

Also, I witnessed the invisible enemy that arrived in the country with a tourist visa decided to change its status and become a permanent resident. Despite the vaccine, the disease morphed from Covid-19 to Delta Variant, and now Omicron causing 824,000 deaths in the U.S. The country remains divided between states with mask mandates and vaccine passports and others without such requirements. Both believe they are right when it comes to dealing with the disease. Still, I realized in life, we face many battles, and it is essential to prioritize our battles as we cannot win them all. For now, I adapt to the new life with COVID-19 and hope for the best. 

At the southern border, the border wall builders' contract ended. It was the area of humanitarian border gurus. They promoted the notion of restoring the soul of America and implementing human border policies. People heard their callings. They came by thousands then by millions to seek a better life in America. The border gurus accommodated their rights to seek asylum. Yet, when the Haitians came, they almost had a heart attack. Then they concluded it was too much their kindness could handle. I left the matter to Thomas Sowell, who said, "When people get used to preferential treatment, equal treatment seems like discrimination."  

Finally, in a country that champions free speech, I witnessed a wave of a culture of intolerance in public debates and cancel culture. As citizens shared their opinions, they were branded as "racists" or "sellouts, "Saints," or "Evils." The callers for justice often urged that these citizens be fired from their jobs because they dared to express their views. So, they could watch them die in the name of fairness.

Moreover, despite the end of the election, I witnessed a witch-hunt going on, and nobody seemed to care. Yet, as I knew, witches do not exist. They are the creation of movies, fictional books, and in the mind of accusers. So, let us stand against witch-hunting, as our political opponents are not our enemies, but citizens of the same nation who happen to have a different point of view.

Therefore, I continue to champion free speech and freedom of expression and oppose the cancellation culture. I cannot state nor believe that one side has the monopoly of the truth. The universe gives me two ears to hear both sides and make up my mind. As a result, I agree with Wole Soyinka who said, "The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism."

This year, my travels took me to five states in the U.S.: Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina. On October 1, 2021, I arrived in Nashville to dance to the rhythm of country music. Then, I went underground to the Ruby Falls to see a waterfall. Further, I found Atlanta sitting under clouds of beautiful weather. I climbed to the Stone Rock Mountain and learned that not all artists are angels. I pursued my journey to St Augustine, Savannah, and Charleston, and I loved the architecture and food. Along the way, I stayed in small towns, islands, hung out on beaches, and camped at the Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. At the end of the journey, I felt more in love with this country. So, I promised myself to meet America and set foot in every state if my health and wealth permit it. I realize it would be a pity to let a T.V. anchor or Social Media's posts define the country for me. Thus, it would be my duty to emulate the Founding Fathers' ambitions and cement my citizenship.

I grew in 2021 by pursuing my journey to seek beauty and truth and share them Under the Human Rights Tree www.underthehumanrightstree.org- The journey makes me wiser as I learn from my studies, meetings, and mistakes. Today, I understand better the meaning of Louis Armstrong’s song "What a Wonderful World" than I used to.

The year 2021 ended with its moments of joys and sorrows, C'est la vie. The year 2022 is here. We must embrace it with hope and courage and turn the old pages into new ones. Then, we write our best wishes with the wisdom that life does not promise us a smooth ride into the year. But we will still have valuable experiences and learn from them. Again, I wish you and your loved ones Happy New Year 2022!

Sincerely,

Alpha