Geyer gave the keynote address during the 28th annual Interfaith Public Policy Briefing, which started March 29. GBCS staffers assisted in organizing the briefing. Domestically, the United States has also retreated from civil rights in children's issues, the penal system, immigrants' concerns, health care and other areas, he said. The struggle for human rights continues everywhere in the world, Geyer concluded.
Countries strive to attract capital by guaranteeing a high return.
This is accomplished, he said, through low wages, the frequent use of child labor, low taxes that take away from infrastructure and education, no unions, a stable government even if oppressive, and a lack of environmental controls. It's global New Deal time. The United States and the International Monetary Fund should link aid to countries' human rights record, Frank said. Indonesia, with its corrupt and oppressive leadership, should be denied aid, he said. At the conclusion of the briefing, Acting Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Bill Lann Lee, acknowledged the work of people of faith in achieving civil rights laws.