"As per the U.S. State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report 2007, '[Human trafficking] deprives people of their human rights and freedoms, it increases global health risks, and it fuels the growth of organized crime... [Each year,] approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across national borders, which does not include millions trafficked within their own countries. Approximately 80 percent of transnational victims are women and girls and up to 50 percent are minors. The majority of transnational victims are females trafficked into commercial sexual exploitation.'
"Last year [2007] marked the 200th anniversary of British parliamentarian William Wilberforce's efforts to end the slave trade. It was New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, who authored and championed the first anti-trafficking legislation. Wilberforce and Smith shared/share a passionate belief in the sanctity of each and every human life. Smith is also co-chair of the Pro Life Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives."
(With Congressman Smith in Trenton Recognizing the 1st Anniversary of the Dobbs decision.)
Over the years, I have wondered if some failed to treat human trafficking with proper seriousness because of their prejudice toward U.S. Congressman Chris Smith's long time pro life advocacy. After Human Trafficking was made (2005), what was the ultimate cause that Sound of Freedom did not make it to the screen till 2023?
I loved Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel. Though her character appeared and said very little in the film ??, Mira Sorvino played the wife of Jim Caviezel's character!
Mira, thank you for your unassuming contributions to both of these films. You make your fellow native New Yorkers proud!
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Joe Tevington is a proudly orthodox Catholic, a husband since 1986, a dad to two adult children, a grandpa to two, and a civil service retiree. He is a sign language fluent certified rehabilitation counselor with graduate degrees in deafness rehabilitation, religious studies/moral theology, & Christian counseling psychology, as well as a catechetical diploma and certificates in benefits planning and Catholic social ministry. He deeply appreciates Catholic teaching on the sanctity of human life and the sanctity of the transmission of human life, as well as how they are to inform us in our apostolates and ministries.
On much lighter notes, he fancies himself to be the foremost authority on his native Brooklyn, when it comes to architecture, cinema, geography, history, Italian food, stick ball, stoop ball, or wiffle ball.