A twelve-year-old schoolchild was arrested at his school and questioned by an anti-terrorist police squad, because he was organising a picket of the offices of his member of parliament, who happened to be the current prime minister of Great Britain. He was protesting against the closure of a youth club. Starting with this absurd example of over-zealous anti-terrorist legislation, Kerr, who has a nose for both the absurd and the shocking, develops his concerning arguments about the gradual erosion of our human rights, particularly in Great Britain and the United States. He backs up his arguments with plenty of examples, including legislation introduced under the American presidents since Reagan, including Barack Obama. He also examines the various philosophical movements that have either enhanced or undermined human rights, and he never loses sight of the social and political forces in play. This is essential reading for anyone interested in these disturbing developments in the fundamental law of our countries.
Born in 1942 Peter Kerr has lived and worked all his life in Kilmarnock. He left school at fifteen and worked as a shop assistant, labourer, and engineer mechanic. At the aged of 31, he started night school classes in Kilmarnock College. In 1978 graduated with a BA (hons) in Politics and Sociology and started MSc course in Industrial Relations at Strathclyde University, in 1979 gained a MSc degree in Industrial Relations. During his time at university he won the Scottish Debates Championship twice and the British Championship once. He was granted honorary life memberships of both Glasgow College of Technology and Strathclyde University Students Associations. In 1980 he started employment with Kilmarnock College as a Lecturer, and taught Industrial Relations, Politics and Sociology, Modern Studies and History till July 2009. Peter Kerr was a member of the Liberal Party in the 1970's and joined the Social Democratic Party in 1984. He was a member of the Scottish Council for the SDP and a member of the Scottish European Council. He left active politics in 1989. In 1966 he got married to Marilyn with whom he has two sons. He is a keen cyclist, swimmer, and a football supporter. He has had a life long passion for music.
Title: Human Rights in a Big Yellow Taxi (Rants)
Author: Kerr Peter
ISBN: 9781908251176
Binding:
Publisher: Vagabond Voices
Publication Date: 2013-09-16
Number of Pages: 136
Weight: 0.1200 kg