| Contributions
STAN
DUDLEY: via email on 02 January 2002
LET’S
ADD RESPONSIBILITY
The
issue of Around Europe dated December 2001 was very interesting
and very relevant to today's world. There is very little doubt that
a united Europe is desirable and will bring many benefits to both
the people and the world in general. However the article concerning
the 'Charter of Fundamental Rights' raises the following issue.
Where
is the 'Charter of Fundamental Responsibilities'? This charter should
list, for every right there is a responsibility to which the individual
will be held to account. Let us make this simple:
The
individual has a right to freedom – but has a responsibility
to vote at elections and when necessary, be prepared to temporarily
curtail that freedom for the greater good. Example: the new anti-terrorist
laws.
The
individual has a right to work – but has a responsibility
to be on time and to give of his/her best.
The
individual has a right to a home – but has a responsibility
to keep the home in good repair and live in peace with his/her neighbours.
The
individual has a right to children – but has a responsibility
to bring them up to understand right from wrong.
The
individual has the right to be protected by the law – but
has a responsibility to live within the laws and assist the police
at all times.
One
could go on but these examples should suffice to illustrate the
point. So is there a Charter of Fundamental Responsibilities that
matches the charter of rights? If not then it is about time somebody
produced one.
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