Category Archives: Gender Issues

HEADLINES FROM THE WORLD PRESS

We offer samples of headlines that appeared in the world press along with our comments.

Australia, Sydney Morning Herald:  ”Naughty List”

Is is not nice to have a naughty list.

South Africa, Argus:  ”Time To Look For New Social Vices”

Just check with the Republican party, they know all about vice, in fact, they practice them.

USA, NY Post:  ”Pay Plan Ridiculous”

I assume you refer to paying Congressmen for their work.

Netherlands, Dutch News:  ”Commotion About Headscarf”

We get upset at covering heads, but not upset at uncovering bodies.

France, Connexion:  ”Slimmer Students Get Higher Grades”

I have a hunch professors prefer slim girls.

Saudi Arabia, Saudi  Gazette:  ”What Is A Junk Car Worth”

The more interesting question is what is a Junk Congress worth?

UK, Guardian:  ”Need To Die In Paris”

Personally, I prefer living in Paris.

Turkey Headed To Authoritarian Rule

Prime Minister Recep Erdogan increasingly seeks to instill  spirit which is more Muslim than Turkish. Kemal Kilicdaroglu, head of an important opposition party sharply condemned the drift toward making religion the center of his nation. “At work is an insidious attack on the rule of law and order in Turkey’s ruling party.” He pointed out that hundreds of journalists, publishers, military officers, members of the academic community and politicians have been either arrested or charged with crimes.

The Turkish economy is proceeding towards creating a modern society. This requires working with people who are not Muslim. It also means if Turkey desires membership in the European Union it must abandon this assault on democratic forces.

For MB, That Was Then, Now Is Now!

Leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood spent almost half a century on the outside gazing through the window loaded with goods like being in power and living off the fat of the land, and now that the Brotherhood is inside the restaurant it only makes sense to enjoy the fruits of power. Mohamed El-Beltagui, argues since the Muslim Brotherhood “paved the way for a revolution, ” they have a right to celebrate controlling Parliament and all the goodies that go along with running a government.

As thousands protested the massacre at the soccer match and blamed the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces(SCAF) for its failure in preventing bloodshed, dozens of MB volunteers blocked the way of those who actually began the revolution because they wanted their people to make decisions, not some mob of protesters.

Alas, it was just a  few months ago the Muslim Brotherhood was linking arms with protesters and demanding democracy. Today, they demand obedience. Will there eventually be protesters in Tahrir Square protesting against the MB? Time will tell.

Sadness Of Syria

One can only cry for the beloved country of Syria in these times of violence and oppression. The world was prepared to offer support for those being murdered by President Bashar al-Assad, but Russia and China vetoed any attempt at action in the UN Security Council. Naturally, two nations which are essentially under the control of authoritarian folk refused to allow action against an authoritarian ruler. Even as they issued their veto, guns in Syria were being replaced by mortar shells and hundreds were now dead.

Death is now the common event in Syria. Those who dare expressing ideas for their rights are killed. It would be wonderful if hundreds of imams from the Middle East marched into Syria in the name of their religion, but we doubt if that event will ever occur. Where are demonstrations in support for Syria in Muslim nations is the real question? Of course, if some newspaper printed a cartoon depicting Mohammad, they would be in the streets.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT

We offer observations on the human condition from a 21 year old mind trapped in an 81 year old body.

NOBODY ASKED ME BUT

One never has to ask a child twice to jump up and down.

I prefer watching faces on TV rather than listening to the babble of words coming from them.

Newt Gingrich never met an idea that wasn’t his.

So nice to see children eating breakfast with mom and dad.

It has been years since I last saw a rainbow. Where have they gone?

I insist on very hot coffee in the morning.

To think is to require solitude.

Republicans are concerned about Big Government but have no problem with Big Money.

A boss explaining to employees is a boss who is certain.

I have always loved bananas.

Mystery of life: why are there dark clouds?

I encounter few who think as I do. I wonder if that is an example of good or bad news.

There is a moment when it hits 1:15 p.m. when all is quiet.

To be intelligent, one must know the origin of how mind evolves.

To hope is to be alive.

Mitt Makes It In Nevada

It is now clear that Mitt Romney is definitely the choice of women who work in Nevada’s houses of ill repute. Together with his fellow Mormons and those who believe our nation needs wealthy men in charge of our economy, the man from Utah became the man of the hour  in the state of prostitutes and gambling. Ironically, latest polls reveal that 41% of people on Facebook interpreted the endorsement of Donald Trump for his fellow businessman as a negative.

Newt once again got neutered, Ron Paul continued to secure votes from those who have absolutely no idea about modern economics, and Rick Santorum once again told the story of his hard working grandfather. It makes no difference if Rick wins or loses, we must hear THE STORY.

It continues to be symbolic that Mitt Romney has yet to win at least 50% of the vote in any primary. I wonder why?

Religion And Turkey

During most of the 20th century the nation of Turkey was governed by those seeking to maintain the separation of church and state, or should we say, between the mosque and  state. About a decade ago the Justice and Development Party(AKP) gained political power in the country. It presented itself as a moderate Muslim party that respected the  rights of those who were either not Muslim or Muslims who prefer separation of mosque and state. As each election has led to increased voting power, the AKP has become more and more vocal concerning its religious goals.

Prime Minister Recep Erdogan made clear what he desired. “Do you expect the conservative democrat AK Party to raise atheist generations? This may be your objective, but not ours. We will raise a generation that is conservative and democratic and embraces the values and historical principles of this nation.”

I regret to inform PM Erdogan, but in a “democratic society, ” children are NOT raised to believe in the philosophy and values of A  political party. If they are raised in the Erdogan approach it is a dictatorial society.

We Don’t Want Them, Except…..

Throughout western Europe and the United States there are politicians demanding an end to immigration because foreigners are taking jobs from native born folk. A new report in the Netherlands notes immigrant labor is vital to many sectors of the economy like farming and a host of “dirty jobs” that native born people refuse to accept because they prefer jobs that do not dirty their hands. The report argues without immigrant labor the Netherlands will not be able to maintain a vibrant economy.

Sorry Mitt and Sarah and conservative Republicans, but few native born Americans want to pick fruit in the fields of California or pick up trash in your local city. Europe and America need  people who will do the work of those born to only work with mind.

Just remember, the USA leads the world in obesity so it is doubtful if one third of the population could even bend over to pick lettuce!

Anti-Putin Crowd In Moscow

In the good old days, all Vladimir Putin had to do was suggest to those in government jobs how wonderful it would be if they thronged the streets shouting his name. Over the weekend in Moscow and estimated 120,000 people gather in sub zero temperature to shout defiance of Putin. An opposition leader tore up his picture shouting, “Russia Without Putin.” An eight metre condom with a sign, “protect us from Putin” was held aloof. Vladimir had previously mistaken ribbons for condoms.

Oh, there was a pro-Putin rally, mainly attended by civil servants who were ordered to get the heck out of the office and go freeze their butts in order to give Putin some good news. Latest polls show that Putin, who ordinarily secures 90% of the vote has a rating under 50%.

We have a hunch some interesting manipulation will occur with voting in Russia.

Honor Killings Blasted!

All religions at one point or another have justified horrible crimes against humanity in the name of God. For some reason, there are those who believe God worries about someone being gay or someone drinking or using pot. Unfortunately, there are members of the Muslim religion who believe family has the right to kill a child in the name of “honor.” Of course, “honor” means the child refuses to adhere to traditional beliefs as defined by the family. In Canada, father, mother and son, killed three daughters on grounds their behavior violated the concept of  ”honor.”

The Islamic Supreme Council of Canada issued a statement which condemns any form of honor killing. “There is no justification for honor killings, domestic violence, child abuse and misogyny in Islam.” This statement was signed by 30 imams in North America. Now, if we could only get imams all over the world to sign such edicts, perhaps family violence can be halted.