Modern humans like us believe and agree that each person should have the rights in free speech, religious practice, assembly, freedom of travelling, freedom to pursue job possibilities, etc. But let's not forget that some of these rights and freedom were painfully earned, not at all naturally granted by our ancestors. My belief as a world citizen is that one should not only recognize, appreciate and value these freedom and rights - it is also important that each one of us will exercise and expand these freedom and rights to other areas and aspects of life in this world.

　One example of the gaining of human rights was demonstrated in the 1900's in China. Like other civilizations, China was ruled by emperors throughout history until 1911, when Dr. Sun Yi-Xien, the founding father of Republic of China overthrew the last dynasty. In the eyes of a peasant, emperors were divine beings that were superior than anyone in the world. Emperors and his cabinet members could establish laws and rules that must be obeyed by the people.

　Post-monarchy Chinese are very grateful to Dr. Sun Yi-Xien because of the revolutions that he led. Revolutions usually mean sacrifices and casualties. It was true in this case as well. There were numerous followers of Dr. Sun Yi-Xien who died for the creation of the Republic of China. At last, Chinese people no longer needed to bow to their emperors.

　Another example of human rights is the ending of the racial segregation between white and colored people in the United States in the 1950's. From the initial import of black slaves of Africa to the U.S. for the cotton industry, African Americans were never treated equally since the 1600's. African Americans were judged by their skin color, not by who they were or what they did.

　Martin Luther King, Jr. was a hero in the civil rights movement in the 1960's. He promoted the dream that each and every African American embraced in his or her heart - the right to be treated equally. We are sad about the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., but we are glad that his devotion and effort in creating an equal America still lives on. It is him that we respect in moving the U.S. history to a brand new chapter.

　When U.S. history is mentioned, we automatically think about the U.S. Constitution. This legendary document had its first ten amendments as the "Bill of Rights". In it, it granted each U.S. citizen the freedom of speech, the freedom of press, the freedom of assembly, the freedom of petitioning the government, etc. The 19th amendment was also a major human rights milestone. It allowed women to vote for the first time in the U.S. history. As we can see, the U.S. Constitution is truly the backbone for offering justices and human rights for this country.

　Today, we know that violations of human rights and injustice can still be seen in a lot of places in this world. There are oppressive governments that use military power to control its country. There are child labor being forced in poor and developing countries. There are factory workers that lack proper working conditions and basic health care. There are women in certain demographic regions that are still not allowed to attend schools or to vote. Finally, racial and religious discriminations still lingers in different parts of the world, including the U.S. Let's note that these are just few examples that apply only to mankind, not to other life forms. What about basic rights to other species of lives and what about our mother earth?

　As we entered the 21st century, as our technology advanced so rapidly in every aspect of our life, I wonder if we have stopped often enough to look back at our imprints and impacts on human rights, animal rights, plant rights and finally, earth rights. The truth is that humans are usually the roots of the problems. Only if we, the human kind can treat each other with respect, can be more tolerant towards each other, can be less greedy, can be respectful to our natural resources, can work harder at recognizing and maintaining these rights, our children and generations beyond will then be able to live in a more peaceful and balanced world. Why don't we give it a try, starting today?