Sri Lankan Tamils

A boatload of around 490 Tamils arrived in Vancouver 2 weeks ago. Since that time, I've been reading editorials and "closed-minded" opinions about how "they" should be sent back. I'm really at a loss as to why so many people are against this group.

Is it because they are "terrorists"? I've seen that term overused. Lest we forget where that fear mongering attitude came from...I'll give you a hint, the president before Obama. Tamils do not equal Tamil Tigers. This brings back memories of post-911 which saw a backlash against all Arabs because of a similar call (and even Sikhs because some less educated segments of society didn't know the difference).

Is it because of the money that it will cost tax payers? That is ridiculous. We seem to have no problem with our government spending 100s of millions of dollars to buy new weapons of war, but when it comes to humanitarian spending, we forget that there are individuals involved.

Is it because we in Canada are scared of losing our "culture"? Well our culture has evolved continuously since the French and English decided to exploit local populations so that they could get the upper hand on the beaver trade. Canada has since that time, became a country of immigrants, refugees; people looking for a better life. Canada has redefined itself on a number of occasions and we seem to forget that.

The redefining I see at the moment is a Canada I do not want to live in. It is a place of intolerance, fear, petty worry over the economic bottom-line, no concern about others; a country being changed not by immigrants, but by apathy and complacency.

I spent 1.5 years in Sri Lanka during the war. Try putting yourself in the shoes of a Tamil who is constantly being targeted by the government because of your ethnicity. Try being a post-war Tamil who is still being targeted by that same government who has no concern for individual rights, who sees all Tamils as terrorists, and continues to detain people without due process. Lock them away, and throw away the key...wouldn't you be looking for a better life as well?

A request I have, is that before we begin labelling and judging people we know nothing about, we each need to make the effort to learn more, get informed, be open to another side. Statements such as "so called human rights abuses", or "these terrorists", do not bode well for a society that has been progressive and a world leader on issues related to humanitarianism. It makes me feel as though Canada has lost its way and would rather have a balanced budget than to remember its compassion.

Nigeria's Child Witches

Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be any more stories which define humans as "ludicrously-regressive", this article about Nigeria's witch hunt has appeared. Children are being targetted as witches, as evildoers, as scapegoats in order to advance the power of religion and superstition.

"The devil's children are "identified" by powerful religious leaders at extremist churches where Christianity and traditional beliefs have combined to produce a deep-rooted belief in, and fear of, witchcraft.The priests spread the message that child-witches bring destruction, disease and death to their families. And they say that, once possessed, children can cast spells and contaminate others. The religious leaders offer help to the families whose children are named as witches, but at a price. The churches run exorcism, or "deliverance", evenings where the pastors attempt to drive out the evil spirits. Only they have the power to cleanse the child of evil spirits, they say. The exorcism costs the families up to a year's income."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/nigeria/3407882/Child-witches-of-Nigeria-seek-refuge.html

Pride in Vancouver

In only a few days Vancouver Pride Week begins. Many people have been asking why we still need Pride, the parade, etc, when the GLBT community has "equality" in Canada (including marriage). With the approach of the celebration, I challenge people to forget about petty politics, stop complaining about liquor prices, go beyond the parties and the glamour, and reflect and somehow get involved in "the meaning of Pride". Attend a social justice event, find a queer arts space, volunteer for something that you feel passionate about, and take a stand against homophobia.

Just because elements of "equality" are written into law does not mean that suddenly the communities across this country accept them, or respect the people for whom these legal entities are created. Some Canadians do not realize that this is not a completely peaceful, live-and-let-live country where everyone accepts and respects eachother regardless of the identities we each have (either visible or invisible). This is apparent from the recent increase in gay bashings in the westend, and Vancouver's recent distinction as one of the top cities in Canada for hate-crimes (based on religion, culture, race, and sexual orientation).

Relatively speaking, Canada may be progressively ahead of other countries, both in legal and societal terms, but we have to stop believing that the world of Canada is becoming more progressive, that social divides do not exist, and that our multicultural framework is alive and well. By sitting back and thinking things are and will always be good is just plain foolish.

The present minority conservative government keeps showing its true colours when it cuts funding to human rights groups (or any group that disagrees with its policies), when it takes the same-sex piece our of the immigration guide, and when it works behind the scenes guaranteeing privilege to certain organizations which have religious or "family values" mandates. Stand up, show the government that the GLBT community is not just a passing phase, show your community that your serious about your rights, and show those who try to make you feel less of yourself through their verbal or physical attacks that you are stronger than them...Take Pride!

Terry

The Story Of Human Rights

A basic lesson in Human Rights. Simple but effective.

US Military: Modern Weapons, Neolithic Mindsets

While Obama tries to further the plight of "gays in the military" in order (in my opinion) to bring the USA into the 21st century, his push for a repeal on the ban is being met with resistance and a slow bureaucratic process.

"Amid criticism from opponents of the ban that the Pentagon was moving too slowly, (Defence Secretary) Mr Gates warned against rushing through a change to the law without gauging the views of service members and their families. The Department of Defence is the biggest, most complex, organisation in the world. Our military culture is one of our greatest strengths but it's also a strong culture,'' he said."(http://www.smh.com.au/world/powell-does-aboutface-on-gays-in-us-military-20100204-ngae.html)

My response to that is...why is Mr Gates worried about views of service members and families? and so what if there is a strong culture. It's time to start respecting all rights, and not worrying about treading on some peoples' toes because they don't agree that a certain element of the population is worthy of equal treatment. GROW UP AMERICA!!! Start putting "rights policy" into practice and although it may not happen overnight, society will catch up at some point.

FC Abroad: New Ugandan bill unleashes a witchhunt that could see gays executed

FC Abroad: New Ugandan bill unleashes a witchhunt that could see gays executed

Zimbabwe-Now What?

Robert Mugabe just keeps getting caught-out, this time with his fingers in diamond mining. The Kimberly Process", a joint initiative (goverments, industries, civil society) to curb the trade of conflict diamonds will decide this week if it will suspend Zimbabwe's certification.

"Canadian Ian Smillie was one of the architects of the Kimberley Process set up seven years ago to try to end trade in conflict diamonds. He resigned earlier this year because he said the organization had failed to act against Zimbabwe over what he and some non-governmental organizations say are many gross human-rights abuses at the Chiadzwa diamond fields...Several informal miners at the diamond fields said the Zimbabwe army used helicopter gunships in an operation to take control of the Chiadzwa diamond field in the Marange district of eastern Manicaland last year. They said that many poverty stricken people digging for diamonds were shot and wounded and that an unknown number were killed. Others said they had been beaten and chased away by security forces." http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-11-03-voa49.cfm

The funny thing about Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe is that he has managed to get away with abuses which have been ongoing for a couple of decades. Every new crisis brings a moderate slap on the hand (at most) and he has somehow managed to convince other African states and other investment partners to support him...or has he been able to find leverage points with other parties to ensure that if he goes down, he won't do it alone?

Somalia: At Least it Keeps Human Rights Groups Busy

The latest news comes out of Somalia where an "adulterer" has been stoned to death. If that isn't bad enough, his pregnant girlfriend has been spared UNTIL she gives birth, at which point she will also be stoned to death and the child given to her family to take care of...

"Meanwhile, President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed has accused al-Shabab of spoiling the image of Islam by killing people and harassing women."Their actions have nothing to do with Islam," said the moderate Islamist during a ceremony at which he nominated a new administration for the capital, Mogadishu." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8347216.stm

Of course this has nothing to do with Islam...since when do any acts which harm, torture, or marginalize people have anything to do with any religion? Humans have learned to harness power and corruption to meet their own needs, sad but true.

The Far Western Reaches of China

Last year's violent ethnic protests in the city of Urumqi resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people and injuries in the thousands. The Chinese government has dealt with this situation the way it always deals with ethnic issues within its borders: through suppression, censorship, (mis-)trial, and the eventual execution of a few scapegoats:

"On October 12, the Urumqi Intermediate People's Court tried seven men and sentenced six to death and one to life imprisonment. On October 14, another 14 men were tried and sentenced. Six received the death penalty, three of them with a two-year reprieve, while others were sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment. All the trials took place without prior public notification and were conducted in less than a day." http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/10/15/china-xinjiang-trials-deny-justice

I do not condone violence or violent protest, but I do empathize with situations which bring anger, frustration, and helplessness to a head. China, please don't blame the people, don't put them to death, don't set examples...find a process which allows for non-violent protest, freedom of speech, and legal processes which ensure fair and just treatment of those convicted.

Dead Can Dance - The Host Of Seraphim

October 17 is End Poverty Day...one of my favourite clips that reminds me of what's still happening around the world is from the movie "Baraka".

On this rainy Friday morning, I only need to go out my front door and see people sleeping in doorways and at bus shelters to remind me that poverty is at the local level as well.

Happy thoughts for the start of the weekend.