Some days, the human experience as reflected through the eyes of our media, just astounds me, Pinky. Today, two examples of what rots my brain if I read too much "news" and accept any of it as "fact."
First, an article on a Maldives resort planned by a Lithuanian firm, which will only hire blondes (women of course) and will have "an education [center] called 'Pretty Women' -- [to]'teach female guests to always be perfect and look great,' said the company's Giedre Pukiene." Even as I type, I see that CNN has demoted the article from its "don't miss" section to the "Editor's Choice" section below that. I'm fairly certain there has been more outrage expressed in the wee hours of the morning than just on my Facebook post. It is all rather distasteful, but easily pegged as distasteful and called out for what it is. The link for your enjoyment: http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/10/11/blond.resort.maldives/index.html?hpt=Mid
Second, and closer to my personal experience, is a story not as easily pegged as distasteful and revolting. I see a video posted from Anderson Cooper's 360 (I find I appreciate his work as a balance more and more) which addresses an apparent "issue" raised by Sharron Angle, Republican senatorial nominee from NEVADA (Yes, Libby, your state again) that Sharia law is "being forced on Americans" in Frankford, Texas and Dearborn, Michigan. Anderson Cooper then researches the claims, as he agrees forcing Sharia (Islamic Law) on Americans would be serious. "Turns out, she does not have her facts straight." He plays the audio recording of what Sharon Angle says. He reports that Frankford, Texas does not even exist, has nothing more than an old church and a graveyard, and was annexed by the city of Dallas in 1975. He then reports that Dearborn, Michigan is one of America's oldest and largest Arab communities, but its mayor is not Arab or Muslim, and is "pretty angry at Sharon Angle and has written her a letter, saying in part and I quote, 'Muslims have been practicing their faith in our community for almost 90 years without incident or conflict.' "
Says Anderson Cooper, "Now, we invited Sharon Angle on to defend herself, and she chose not to."
When asked if Sharia Law had been discussed in Dearborn, the mayor responded, "This is an invention by some people who have ... as their goal...you know, they believe the Muslim faith is a false faith, it's dishonest, and they really belive at the heart of it by their own advocation that if Muslims won't convert, they should be removed from America."
I think that last paragraph pretty much sums up the frustration I see on a daily basis in my community anyway. Do not kid yourselves that in America there is religious "freedom." You may be "free" to practice certain prescribed versions of Christianity, some versions of Judaism perhaps (as long as you do not promote them too much in communities outside your own) but you may not be a Muslim and live out your faith in peace.
No wonder I am having constant dreams about the Salem witch trials lately. We vote people with this kind of belief system into political office all the time, and I think that is a very lazy and criminal use of our voting right.
Here's the link, if you want to check my recitation of events. I am unsure how to post links properly on my blog yet, so cut/paste it is! http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/10/12/ac.sharia.law.in.michigan.cnn?hpt=C2
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