Think Global

I’ve written before about the UN’s efforts to pass a Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In a recent Washington Post editorial, the Bush Administration is criticized for not supporting the Convention. Apparently, the Administration feels that disability rights is not a human rights issue. Instead, they view it as a matter of domestic policy for each nation to sort out independently. I should know by now that the Bushites regard the UN with barely concealed disdain, but it’s especially discouraging to see them withhold support from an international effort to improve the quality of life for millions of people around the globe. It’s okay for us to invade a country and topple its government, all in the name of spreading freedom and democracy, but we won’t sign a treaty on disability rights because it’s none of our business when other countries blatantly oppress an entire class of people. It’s this kind of hypocrisy that’s going to drive me nuts over the next four years.
I’m tempted to start a letter-writing campaign urging the Administration to change its stance on the Convention, but I don’t know where to apply the pressure. My senator? And are American disability organizations doing anything about this, or are they fixated on problems here at home? The United States could be a true leader in this area, but given the toxic state of our international relations and our leaders’ lack of vision, we’re sitting on the sidelines.