[dragonwriter]

Human rights are a subset of politics. (It's fashionable to label as “nonpolitical” any matter of politics that the speaker thinks is important, as if “politics” as a label only applied to trivialities, but that's not what it means and, more relevantly, not why HN often prefers to avoid things that are in that domain but not particularly intellectual novelties.)

[bonchicbongenre]

No. Absolutely not. Politics often impinges on human rights, yes. But human rights are not a subset of politics, and absolutely should not be couched in political terms. Issues that are rightly called political are those over which reasonable people may disagree. This highlights that "politics" doesn't only apply to trivialities --myriad real political issues come to mind. My point here is that to argue that this particular issue is political would be beyond the pale, as support of the alleged actions is not a humanly just or reasonable position: one could certainly make it into a political issue, if one were heartless enough, but such evil isn't worth discussion. This is not a political issue. Deciding that it is one would be despicable.

[jonahbenton]

It's the other way around.

Politics is that which fills the space when violence and scarcity do not dominate psychic considerations.

Political discussions can only occur in a context where there are human rights, where human beings in authoritative positions adhere to laws and rules related to their jobs.

Public talk that defends the systemic, ungoverned practice of violence is not political, it's propaganda (and worse).

Human rights comes first. Then politics.

Cheers.

[bonchicbongenre]

Very well said. Thank you

[AtlasBarfed]

Corporate laws are a subset of politics. Labor practices are a subset of politics. Internet governance is a subset of politics. Systemd vs others is a subset of politics. Compensation packages are a subset of politics. Stock ownership is a subset of politics. Available food is a subset of politics. Water purity is a subset of politics. Air quality is a subset of politics. Power generation is a subset of politics.

[sudosysgen]

Technically, politics is just "what shoud we do". Almost every discussion is political if you want to work by a strict standard.