THINK STOP SILENCE

Defending the Defenders in the Digital Age Submitted to the Office of the Prosecutor, International Criminal Court – Public Version By Dean Bordode As digital technologies reshape our world, so too have they reshaped the tools of repression. Human rights defenders today face not just bullets or imprisonment, but blacklists, online disinformation campaigns, smear tactics, and psychological torture—all carried out or enabled in cyberspace. This isn't speculative. It’s real, it’s rising, and it’s international. In my public submission to the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor for its policy on cyber-enabled crimes, I highlight an urgent threat: the coordinated targeting of human rights advocates—journalists, whistleblowers, Indigenous leaders, LGBTQ+ activists, and others—through digital tools of surveillance, disinformation, and social erasure. We are being silenced—one voice at a time. Cyber-enabled attacks are rarely prosecuted. Yet they often leave victims as devastated as physical at...

They’re Silencing Us—One Voice at a Time By Dean Bordode This isn't about someone else. This is about all of us. The people defending your rights and mine are being systematically erased—through surveillance, blacklists, public shaming, and worse. It’s happening globally. And it’s happening quietly. You might not hear their names on the news. You might not see the smear campaigns until they’ve already worked. You might not notice how quickly someone can go from respected advocate to “troublemaker,” from citizen to outcast. But I see it. I’ve lived it. And so have countless others who dared to stand up and speak out. They call it democracy—but more and more, it feels conditional. Conditional on silence. Conditional on obedience. Conditional on not challenging power. Human rights defenders are being discredited in boardrooms and courtrooms. They’re isolated from their communities, slandered online, stalked by unknown figures, and monitored like criminals. Their families are harassed....

Canada as a Mediator in Global Diplomacy Date: April 29, 2025 Prepared by: Dean Bordode, Human Rights’ Defender Executive Summary Canada stands at a pivotal moment in its diplomatic history. This report examines how Canada can leverage its unique geopolitical position—characterized by U.S. proximity, strong Mexican relations, and global credibility—to enhance its role as an international mediator. Amid rising protectionism and regional tensions, a dual strategy is proposed: building targeted coalitions with like-minded nations while strengthening multilateral institutions. The report also explores how regional initiatives, particularly a proposed North American Union (NAU), can complement Canada's global mediation efforts. With targeted investments in diplomatic capacity and public engagement, Canada can establish itself as an indispensable bridge-builder in an increasingly fractured global landscape. Introduction Canada's geopolitical position—marked by its proximity to t...

 — a very respectful and meaningful 72 Names ncluding: The Unspoken Name of God (YHWH — יְהוָ֨ה — "Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh"), Jesus' name in Hebrew (which would be Yeshua — יֵשׁוּעַ). YHWH and Yeshua  וי״ל, ילה, סיט, עלם, מהש, להח, אכא, כהת, חאז, עני, ירת, סאל, עלם, מבה, חי, הרח, נקי, נאת, מיאל, חי, ננא, נית, מלה, חהו, נתה, הום, יי, סיר, ערי, אומ, לכב, וכו, יהו, להו, כלי, כסי, עאי, מחי, דמב, מנד, אני, חעם, ראו, יעז, עשל, מיה, וי, ליו, כלב, כי, מום, דעא, הני, מבה, פי, נן, נאי, יוי, חזי, עני, עני, פהל, חלי, עאו, שמי, מהש, סאל, עלם, מבה, חו, נאנ, ני, יְהוָ֨ה, יֵשׁוּעַ Notes: I included יְהוָ֨ה (YHWH) for the Unspoken Name of God (often said "The Tetragrammaton"). I included יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua) for Jesus'  No vowels (nikud), Comma-separated, Including YHWH (יהוה) and Yeshua (ישוע). --- ויל, ילה, סיט, עלם, מהש, להח, אכא, כהת, חאז, עני, ירת, סאל, עלם, מבה, חי, הרח, נקי, נאת, מיאל, חי, ננא, נית, מלה, חהו, נתה, הום, יי, סיר, ערי, אומ, לכב, וכו, יהו, להו, כלי, כסי, עאי, מחי, ...

Submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders Topic: Human Rights Defenders Working on Climate Change and a Just Transition Submitted by: Dean Bordode Date: April 2025 Country Focus: Canada (with global context) 1. Positive Trends In Canada, public awareness of the climate emergency has grown substantially, with Indigenous-led movements, youth-led protests (such as Fridays for Future), and climate justice groups playing central roles in demanding action. Some provincial and federal courts have started to recognize environmental rights more firmly, with British Columbia and Quebec passing legislation affirming Indigenous stewardship over lands and waters. Faith-based communities, including interfaith alliances and Christian, Jewish, and Muslim leaders, have also supported Indigenous land defenders, often invoking shared moral imperatives about stewardship of the Earth. These spiritual alliances lend legitimacy to climate justice movements and help broaden public sup...

Hi Dean — your question is intriguing and could be interpreted a few ways depending on the context you're referring to. When you ask, “Was [it] written in the scrolls inside the Ark,” are you referring to: 1. The Ark of the Covenant from the Hebrew Bible, which is traditionally said to have contained the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments given to Moses? 2. Some other sacred or mythological “ark” or container (e.g., a metaphorical or fictional one)? 3. Or are you referring to scrolls found within an ark in a synagogue (which refers to the Torah scrolls stored in the Aron Kodesh, the holy ark)?  Thank you, Dean — beautiful question. According to the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the books of Exodus, Deuteronomy, and 1 Kings, the Ark of the Covenant — the sacred chest built by the Israelites at God’s command — contained: 1. The two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 25:16; Deuteronomy 10:1-5). 2. According to later tradition (a...

**Could the U.S. Really Annex Canada? The Truth Behind Trump’s "51st State" Threat**   **By Dean Bordode | Human Rights Defender, Canada**   **Posted on [Think Stop Silence]** | **[April 19, 2025 ]**   🔗 *Share this article: #CanadianSovereignty #USCanadaRelations #HumanRights*   ---   ## **Introduction: Why This Myth Won’t Die**   When Donald Trump mused about making Canada the "51st state," many laughed—but others felt a chill. As a **human rights defender**, I know sovereignty isn’t just about borders; it’s about **self-determination, cultural survival, and resisting coercion**.   This isn’t just a theoretical debate. History shows the U.S. *has* tried to absorb Canada before—and failed. Let’s break down:   - The **real risks** (economic bullying vs. literal annexation).   - Why **legal, cultural, and global barriers** make takeover impossible.   - How this fear shapes **Canada’s 2025...

**The Myth and Reality of U.S. Annexation: Could Canada Become the 51st State?**    **Introduction**   The idea of the United States annexing Canada has resurfaced in political discourse, fueled by provocative rhetoric from former U.S. President Donald Trump and growing geopolitical tensions. While the notion of Canada becoming the "51st state" is often dismissed as absurd, it raises serious questions about sovereignty, economic coercion, and national identity. This essay examines the historical context, legal barriers, political implications, and cultural resistance to the idea of U.S. annexation—and why the fear of American dominance remains a potent issue in Canadian politics.   ---   ## **I. Historical Precedents: Failed Attempts at Annexation**   ### **A. The War of 1812: America’s First Failed Invasion**   - The U.S. attempted to conquer British North America (modern-day Canada), believing Canadians would welcome "li...

As someone who has spent a lifetime advocating for peace, human rights, and justice, I find the growing alignment between authoritarian powers — particularly in the context of military collaboration and strategic mimicry — profoundly troubling. What we are witnessing is not only a geopolitical chess game but also the erosion of international norms that once served as fragile safeguards against full-scale war. China's close analysis of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reportedly to refine its own potential military action against Taiwan, illustrates how conflicts are no longer isolated — they are interconnected laboratories for authoritarian regimes to learn, adapt, and prepare. This convergence reminds me of past patterns that preceded global conflict — where miscalculations, unchecked ambition, and the silence of the international community led to tragedy. We are again at that precipice. My own family has lived through war and exile, and I’ve seen the toll it takes — not just on nati...

This is deeply concerning. The alignment between authoritarian regimes like Russia, China, and North Korea, particularly in learning from and supporting each other’s military operations, poses serious threats to global peace and stability. The fact that China is studying the war in Ukraine to enhance its capabilities in a potential Taiwan conflict should be a wake-up call to democratic nations. We must not only condemn these actions but also strengthen multilateral cooperation, invest in diplomacy, and ensure that international law is upheld. The world cannot afford another devastating conflict, especially one involving nuclear-armed states. #HumanRights #Peace #GlobalSecurity #Diplomacy #Taiwan #Ukraine l https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bordode_new-peoples-republic-of-china-prc-military-activity-7319533053553360896-SQJx?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAt6uLcB9eCXh00Vx5OVADPaaTkkR-5ZvjA Tweets by @bordode

How AI Can Support Neurodivergent Minds: A Personal Reflection As someone living with autism, dyslexia, and learning disabilities, I’ve come to realize that AI can be more than just a tool—it can be a supportive bridge for understanding, communication, and learning. Many of us with neurodivergent traits experience the world through unique cognitive lenses. We process language, logic, and social nuance in ways that differ from neurotypical expectations. That can create challenges—but it also unlocks profound potential. What I’ve found is that AI, when used thoughtfully, can align remarkably well with our needs. Tools like ChatGPT and others aren’t just cold, robotic assistants—they’re designed for clarity, structured communication, and responsiveness. These qualities are not just helpful; they’re empowering. Here’s how I use AI in my life: Reading Comprehension: AI helps simplify and summarize complex or dense text, breaking it down into manageable parts. For someone with dyslexia, this...

Report on Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) Program and Potential Human Rights Violations Introduction Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program has been a significant part of the country’s healthcare system since it was legalized in 2016. Initially intended to allow those with terminal illnesses or unbearable suffering to end their lives with medical assistance, the program has expanded over time to include people with mental health conditions. This expansion has raised concerns, particularly regarding the potential for coercion and the inclusion of vulnerable individuals. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) has voiced extreme concern regarding Canada’s MAID laws, particularly with respect to their impact on people with disabilities and mental illnesses. Recent studies and reports from advocacy groups highlight that the law has led to serious human rights violations, including potential coercion and undue in...