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The Three Laws of Entitlement
With apologies to Issac Asimov
The First Law of Entitlement
You are a human being. You are entitled to what is laid down in the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
The Second Law of Entitlement
You are citizen. You are entitled to the rights provided by that country, except where these rights conflict with, or do not include, rights defined the the first law. For example, in Sweden they have universal health care. Swedes are entitled to such. In Ireland, they have free education. Irish citizens are entitled to such. In the US they have neither. Americans are not entitled to them. China, however, does not provide freedom of religion, expression or congregation. However, as per the First Law of Entitlement, all Chinese human beings are entitled to those rights.
Third Law of Entitlement
You are a member of a family or social unit. You are entitled to rights provided by your social position, except where those rights conflict, or ignore, the rights as detailed in the First and Second Laws of Entitlement. For example, in some African countries men are "entitled" to perform female circumcision; however that right is void and meaningless, as it contravenes the rights detailed in the First Law of Entitlement. Conversely, as a husband and soon to be father, I am entitled to love, respect and certain social obligations that are uniquely "Western" or "Australian". These are my right, as they are included in this, the Third Law of Entitlement, yet do not contravene the First or Second Laws of Entitlement.
Mr Mephisto
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