The sports blogsophere lit up today with the news that former NFL offensive lineman Kwame Harris is gay. They know this because the 6'7", 300 pound ex-49er was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence and assault causing great bodily injury after beating his ex-boyfriend so severely that he required several surgeries and a metal plate in his face. But in jockland, it seems that the scandalous part of the story is the sexual orientation of Harris and not the fact that he nearly pummeled the face off of his partner. In fact, several sport and tabloid 'writers' are having fun with the terrible incident, making jokes, victim-blaming, and more.
What the hell is wrong with these people?
Assaulting another human being is criminal, and there's something about harming the person who occupies the most intimate parts of your life that makes it all that much worse. The gender(s) of the persons involved don't matter- abusers and their victims come in all shapes, sizes, and genders. Relationship violence is rampant in all communities. There are millions of instances of familial physical, emotional, financial, and sexual abuse in North America every single day. And that's no joke.
Kwame Harris decided to seriously harm another person instead of walking away. The fact that he used violence to solve a petty spat should be the news story. It doesn't matter whether Harris was dating a guy, a girl, or whatever the hell Tinky Winky is. He's a controlling, violent, entitled child and just because the word gay makes some immature people giggle doesn't make what he did any less wrong.
The end.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Rizana Nafeek: In Memoriam
It's been over two years since I have written about the plight of a young migrant Sri Lankan maid named Rizana Nafeek. At 17, she travelled to Saudi Arabia on a passport forged by an employment agent in order to make a few dollars for her very poor family. In her caste, girls her age were often sold into sex slavery by foreign labour contractors, so she considered herself very lucky to have found employment with a wealthy young family.
A short time into her employment, she was left with the family's infant, despite having no training in the care of children. The baby began to choke and Rizana didn't know what to do. She called for help and called her bosses to no avail. After attempting to save the child, the youngest member of the Khalaf family perished.
And when the life of baby boy Khalaf ended, Rizana Nafeek's life would slowly end as well.
Ms. Nafeek was immediately arrested for murdering the child. She was given neither a translator nor attorney, and was subjected to various kinds of police abuses. Eventually, she was beaten into signing a confession in a language that she could not read. The young woman was required to confess to strangling the baby in front of judges, who made entreaties to Mr. Khalaf to spare the girl's life. In Saudi Arabia, the father of a child can grant a pardon for acts committed against him or her, but in this case there was no changing this dad's mind. Rizana Nafeek was subsequently sentenced to death for unintentional homicide. It was only after international appeals that Ms. Nafeek was given legal representation, but it was far too late. Arab media was instructed to report that the Sri Lankan girl had poisoned the child of a Saudi national and that the penalty was just.
The plight of a young woman claiming her innocence did come to international attention. A year after I published my first piece, a BBC correspondent visited the home of Rizana's family, where her age was confirmed by birth and school records. The fact that Saudi Arabia intended to execute someone for an alleged crime committed as a minor was confirmed and pressure from groups like Amnesty International started to mount.
Sadly, despite all efforts, Rizana Nafeek was beheaded this morning, one month shy of her 25th birthday. Her father has been hospitalized and mother has become mute due to the heartbreak of losing their eldest child. The Saudi Interior Ministry's newest story is that Rizana smothered the baby after an argument with her boss.
The state of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia is deplorable, to be sure. It's estimated that only 10% of such workers are even covered by labour laws. Women are considered to have fewer rights than cattle, treated and traded as possessions. It's a nation where octogenarians marry children and a man can be declared insane for wanting to marry a Jew. Saudi Arabia is a country that executes people not just for crimes they have not committed, but for actions that are not criminal. There is no presumption of innocence, no reasonable doubt, no legal rights for any female whatsoever, let alone an "inferior" Sri Lankan.
Did Rizana Nafeek actually kill a 4 month old baby? It's not highly likely, but nobody can ever how or why a young life ended in a nation where autopsies are illegal. Eye-for-an-eye, Abrahamic bloodlust made victims of an entire family, of a little place called Sri Lanka, which observed a moment of silence today for one of their own taken far too young.
So, what can us privileged folks in the West really do anyways? We need to stop being such oil-greedy jerks and rely on alternate power sources. The UN needs to sanction Saudi Arabia and the theocrats who stone rape victims and behead gays. We need to cut off their power at the source with a comprehensive embargo on anything Saudi. We need to yank out Western businesses and interests- everything from McDonald's to military bases. It's only by walking the walk and walking the money right out of that desert that the sheiks might have incentive to change their policies and absolutely reprehensible views of women, foreigners, non-Muslims, and poppyseed bagels.
Rizana Nafeek is not the first person to meet the sword in Saudi Arabia and she won't be the last woman murdered by a state controlled by myopic megalomaniacs. If they don't change, and it's likely they won't, we must alter our desires.
Isn't the life of Rizana, or someone like her, worth an extra few cents a gallon?
A short time into her employment, she was left with the family's infant, despite having no training in the care of children. The baby began to choke and Rizana didn't know what to do. She called for help and called her bosses to no avail. After attempting to save the child, the youngest member of the Khalaf family perished.
And when the life of baby boy Khalaf ended, Rizana Nafeek's life would slowly end as well.
Ms. Nafeek was immediately arrested for murdering the child. She was given neither a translator nor attorney, and was subjected to various kinds of police abuses. Eventually, she was beaten into signing a confession in a language that she could not read. The young woman was required to confess to strangling the baby in front of judges, who made entreaties to Mr. Khalaf to spare the girl's life. In Saudi Arabia, the father of a child can grant a pardon for acts committed against him or her, but in this case there was no changing this dad's mind. Rizana Nafeek was subsequently sentenced to death for unintentional homicide. It was only after international appeals that Ms. Nafeek was given legal representation, but it was far too late. Arab media was instructed to report that the Sri Lankan girl had poisoned the child of a Saudi national and that the penalty was just.
The plight of a young woman claiming her innocence did come to international attention. A year after I published my first piece, a BBC correspondent visited the home of Rizana's family, where her age was confirmed by birth and school records. The fact that Saudi Arabia intended to execute someone for an alleged crime committed as a minor was confirmed and pressure from groups like Amnesty International started to mount.
Sadly, despite all efforts, Rizana Nafeek was beheaded this morning, one month shy of her 25th birthday. Her father has been hospitalized and mother has become mute due to the heartbreak of losing their eldest child. The Saudi Interior Ministry's newest story is that Rizana smothered the baby after an argument with her boss.
The state of foreign workers in Saudi Arabia is deplorable, to be sure. It's estimated that only 10% of such workers are even covered by labour laws. Women are considered to have fewer rights than cattle, treated and traded as possessions. It's a nation where octogenarians marry children and a man can be declared insane for wanting to marry a Jew. Saudi Arabia is a country that executes people not just for crimes they have not committed, but for actions that are not criminal. There is no presumption of innocence, no reasonable doubt, no legal rights for any female whatsoever, let alone an "inferior" Sri Lankan.
Did Rizana Nafeek actually kill a 4 month old baby? It's not highly likely, but nobody can ever how or why a young life ended in a nation where autopsies are illegal. Eye-for-an-eye, Abrahamic bloodlust made victims of an entire family, of a little place called Sri Lanka, which observed a moment of silence today for one of their own taken far too young.
So, what can us privileged folks in the West really do anyways? We need to stop being such oil-greedy jerks and rely on alternate power sources. The UN needs to sanction Saudi Arabia and the theocrats who stone rape victims and behead gays. We need to cut off their power at the source with a comprehensive embargo on anything Saudi. We need to yank out Western businesses and interests- everything from McDonald's to military bases. It's only by walking the walk and walking the money right out of that desert that the sheiks might have incentive to change their policies and absolutely reprehensible views of women, foreigners, non-Muslims, and poppyseed bagels.
Rizana Nafeek is not the first person to meet the sword in Saudi Arabia and she won't be the last woman murdered by a state controlled by myopic megalomaniacs. If they don't change, and it's likely they won't, we must alter our desires.
Isn't the life of Rizana, or someone like her, worth an extra few cents a gallon?
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
This Space For Rant : Dec 5
There's a Canadian NEWS programme boasting of spoilers on what these two idiots found out. One CTV reporter even called it "funny". Viewers were invited to tune in to discover the "amazing details" of the fragile royal tummy.
These ruses become entertainment for the masses, but these are real people, and it's not fair to target them in this fashion. I get that the public has a peculiar interest in these things, but sometimes it's none of our fucking business. There's only so much personal invasion that the famous can take, and kids and intimate life details should be off-limits. This lady may have married into a well-stalked family, but right now she's just a woman concerned about the health of herself and her much-wanted unborn child.
While the two failed comics apologized, the news agencies certainly have not, mocking hospital security and inviting us to laugh at royal misfortune.
When did we, as a society, turn into such atomic dickheads?
If you scare the living shit out of someone; making them feel unsafe about their surroundings, you're crossing the line. People should not have to be told to respect the most personal aspects of another human being's life.
This should be common sense.
Rant over.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
This Space For Rant
After the UN member nations overwhelmingly voted to grant Palestine non-member observer status, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird was more than displeased. Having given a lengthy speech on why the representatives of the disputed territories of Gaza and the West Bank, Mr. Baird was sure that he would sway the vote in favour of keeping the status quo. While largely seen by the world press as a symbolic vote, leaders of the U.N.'s original peacekeepers are now reviewing whether to continue humanitarian, political, and security aid to the civilians residing within Gaza and West Bank communities.
After the vote, Mr. Baird and International Co-Operation Minister (and controversial former Metro Toronto Police Chief) Julian Fantino recalled heads of 4 missions from Ramallah, Tel Aviv, New York and Geneva to protest the U.N. members' decision.
Baird Spokesman Rick Roth said today that Canada would never recognize a Palestinian state without a peace treaty, stating that "The Palestinian Authorities actions and provocative rhetoric at the U.N. General Assembly would obviously elicit a response from Israel" and that while the government of Canada plans to continue aid until their current 5 year agreement runs out next year, they will "review the path forward once the projects have been successfully completed".
Canada should continue aid after the March expiry date, and for a number of reasons. To begin with, we've given these folks help building infrastructure and hospitals. We've observed voting practices and helped fund schools. Regardless of the rockets Hamas, Fatah, and their ilk have fired at Israel, living human beings live in Gaza and the West Bank. And most of these people are kids, mothers, and people running shops or selling foodstuffs. They have very little to do with the fanatics who control their populace. The Palestinian civilian lives under the power of a terrible government. Yes, they voted for Abbas, but they didn't have any other viable options.
But even if you don't care about the Palestinian people or their plight, John Baird's petit actions smack of sour grapes. We don't always get what we want- majority rules in a democracy. Just because you lose a vote doesn't mean you should stomp your feet like a child in a toy store. If there was an afterlife, you know Lester Pearson would be screaming bloody murder right now.
Keeping the peace is not always about an armed presence. Sometimes it's about giving the little guy what he or she needs in order to foster goodwill, educate the populace, and eradicate political extremism. Canadians have always championed these ideals, and must continue to do so. To turn back now, or in March, would be a stain on an entire nation and the 61% of people who did not vote for Prime Minister Harper.
After the vote, Mr. Baird and International Co-Operation Minister (and controversial former Metro Toronto Police Chief) Julian Fantino recalled heads of 4 missions from Ramallah, Tel Aviv, New York and Geneva to protest the U.N. members' decision.
Baird Spokesman Rick Roth said today that Canada would never recognize a Palestinian state without a peace treaty, stating that "The Palestinian Authorities actions and provocative rhetoric at the U.N. General Assembly would obviously elicit a response from Israel" and that while the government of Canada plans to continue aid until their current 5 year agreement runs out next year, they will "review the path forward once the projects have been successfully completed".
Canada should continue aid after the March expiry date, and for a number of reasons. To begin with, we've given these folks help building infrastructure and hospitals. We've observed voting practices and helped fund schools. Regardless of the rockets Hamas, Fatah, and their ilk have fired at Israel, living human beings live in Gaza and the West Bank. And most of these people are kids, mothers, and people running shops or selling foodstuffs. They have very little to do with the fanatics who control their populace. The Palestinian civilian lives under the power of a terrible government. Yes, they voted for Abbas, but they didn't have any other viable options.
But even if you don't care about the Palestinian people or their plight, John Baird's petit actions smack of sour grapes. We don't always get what we want- majority rules in a democracy. Just because you lose a vote doesn't mean you should stomp your feet like a child in a toy store. If there was an afterlife, you know Lester Pearson would be screaming bloody murder right now.
Keeping the peace is not always about an armed presence. Sometimes it's about giving the little guy what he or she needs in order to foster goodwill, educate the populace, and eradicate political extremism. Canadians have always championed these ideals, and must continue to do so. To turn back now, or in March, would be a stain on an entire nation and the 61% of people who did not vote for Prime Minister Harper.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Quote Of The Day
Pat Robertson, 1993
At this time, Pat was financially tied to genocidal Liberian dictator Charles Taylor, using this friendship to open mines that were run on slave labour. He used Operation Blessing aircraft and money to ship mining equipment whilst telling viewers that he was shipping aid to Rwanda. Later on, he attacked Bush for offering a reward for the capture of Robertson's despotic Baptist bro.
Also, during this timeframe, Robertson owned a mining concern in Zaire, forming a close friendship with their dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko. Naturally, Robertson's ADC also used slave labour in these mines, and again using Operation Blessing aircraft on almost 40 occasions.
Seems like the guy should know more about the definition of wholesale abuse, considering he had a front-row seat.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
The Song In My Head
One of my favourite songs has no video, but a fan has produced an incredible version.
Enjoy
Buy it here
Enjoy
Buy it here
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Food-Related Rant Of The Day
According to the governments of Canada and the United States, these cereals are considered health food. See, companies like General Mills pay oodles of money to use Health Check and similar symbols, apparently to tell parents that these products contain wholesome whole grain.
Because of ridiculous diet hypotheses, people in the world's wealthier nations are being told that grain, something absent in the diets of humans until fairly recently, should be the basis of the human diet and we should consume very little fat despite the fact that our brains are over 60% lard. In ultra-low fat diets promoted by Ancel Keys, Nathan Pritikin, General Mills spokesjoke (and Bachelor star) Dr. Travis Stork, and a host of anti-obesity activists, snacks like whole-wheat crackers and breakfast foods like Kix, Trix, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Fiber One, and Lucky Charms are what our kids should stuff their faces with.
With even 'healthy' choices like Raisin Bran and Shredded Wheat occupying a higher rung on the glycemic index than pure sugar, there's bound to be a crash after your body has produced so much insulin. Symptoms can include sleepiness, sudden hunger, irritability, and loss of concentration. What's more, a ton of kids cannot digest this stuff correctly, causing cramps, diarrhea, and general misery. Needless to say, such a child is not going to be quiet and still a couple hours after eating a big bowl of Sugar Smacks doused in skim milk.
Our kids' generation has seen an alarming rise in conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. High triglycerides, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes are showing up in children, not to mention the myriad of previously-rare psychological ills.
Now, instead of giving our kids brain-and-body-building (and filling) fats and proteins, schools and health authorities insist that we serve them Ritalin with their Cookie Crisp.
Yummy.
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