bolivia celebrates law granting rights to mother earth

[niyad]

(although, "granting" rights to mother earth seems sort of redundant, still, nice to know that at least some of our pols recognize that we are all one)

Bolivia Celebrates Law Granting Rights to Mother Earth
LA PAZ, Bolivia, April 20, 2011 (ENS) - Bolivia today marked the International Day of Mother Earth with a ceremony in the Plaza Murillo, the center of political power. An ancient ritual shared center stage with speeches in which authorities in this Andean nation extolled the Law of Mother Earth - the world's first legislation that grants to all nature rights equal to humans.


President Evo Morales, the first indigenous leader of Bolivia, is the architect of the Law of Mother Earth. Supported by politicians as well as nongovernmental organizations, the law is expected to easily pass the National Congress where Morales' ruling party, the Movement Towards Socialism, has a majority in both houses.

Today's event was attended by representatives of the executive branch and legislators, diplomats, indigenous peoples and peasants.

Foreign Minister David Choquehuanca told the crowd, "In Bolivia we seek a return to balance, a harmonious life not only between individuals but between man and nature, so today must be a day of reflection of awareness of all to care for our Mother Earth and take timely means for our mother back to its natural balance."

. . . .

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/apr2011/2011-04-20-01.html

[applegrove]

1. Wasn't Boliva one of those countries where neocons had taken over and forced people to pay

some corporation for rain water? If it is this is a good example of what happens when neocons overreach.

[niyad]

2. yes, and they fought back. truly an inspiring example of the people taking back their power.

[lunatica]

3. Evo Morales is now one of my heroes

The Morales Government intends to establish a Ministry of Mother Earth to implement the Law of Mother Earth, which will establish new rights for nature, including:

* the right to maintain the integrity of life and natural processes
* the right to not have cellular structure modified or genetically altered
* the right to continue vital cycles and processes free from human alteration
* the right to pure water
* the right to clean air
* the right to balance, to be at equilibrium
* the right to be free of toxic and radioactive pollution
* the right to not be affected by mega-infrastructure and development projects that affect the balance of ecosystems and the local inhabitant communities

The law promotes "harmony" and "peace" and "the elimination of all nuclear, chemical, biological" weapons.

[niyad]

4. one of mine, as well

[malaise]

5. He has long been one of mine

Bravo Evo!!