Words of "Wisdom"

Excerpts of a speech given by Australia's Grand Mufti Sheik Taj el-Din al-Hilali (the full transcript can be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6089008.stm ):

"But when it comes to adultery, it's 90% the women's responsibility....

It is she who takes off her clothes, shortens them, flirts, puts on make-up and powder and takes to the streets, God protect us, dallying. It's she who shortens, raises and lowers.

Then it's a look, then a smile, then a conversation, a greeting, then a conversation, then a date, then a meeting, then a crime, then Long Bay jail. [laughs].

Then you get a judge, who has no mercy, and he gives you 65 years.

But when it comes to this disaster, who started it? In his literature, scholar al-Rafihi says: 'If I came across a rape crime - kidnap and violation of honour - I would discipline the man and order that the woman be arrested and jailed for life.'

Why would you do this, Rafihi? He says because if she had not left the meat uncovered, the cat wouldn't have snatched it.

If you take uncovered meat and put it on the street, on the pavement, in a garden, in a park or in the backyard, without a cover and the cats eat it, is it the fault of the cat or the uncovered meat? The uncovered meat is the problem.

If the meat was covered, the cats wouldn't roam around it. If the meat is inside the fridge, they won't get it.

If the meat was in the fridge and it [the cat] smelled it, it can bang its head as much as it wants, but it's no use.

If the woman is in her boudoir, in her house and if she's wearing the veil and if she shows modesty, disasters don't happen."

The Grand Mufti would be the Muslim equivalent of the Anglican Bishop in Barbados. The "Long Bay jail" comment refers to an incident in 2000 when an 18 year old white Australian girl was gang raped 25 times by up to 14 men (Islamic). The young lady was on her way to a job interview when the incident occured.

Would you look at that: a woman being 90% responsible for adultery; being responsible for her rape; and being likened to a piece of uncovered meat. All these comments made by a religious leader who should be spreading the message of peace, tolerance, love and self-control. I wasn't aware that because a woman showed some flesh the only possible option I had was to pounce and devour that "meat." I thought one of the things that separated us from the animal kingdom was the potential ability to control our cravings and our actions (granted, we as a species don't do it very well - especially us males).

Apparently, I'm not enlightened. Are you?

V

- Sometimes I truly believe that people speak for no better reason than that they have a mouth.

- "Remember, remember the 5th of November." I just can't get enough of this movie.

It's about time...

...no David, not time for that! Although, it's calling me! I guess it's time I dust this off and post. A few random thoughts:

- My Monday nights are shot; there is no other option than to watch TV. Heroes is the best new series this fall. Studio 60 is up there as well. It's a really witty look at broadcasting corporations and some elements of society.

- Is the Dj's studio name DMZ or DMC? As far as I know it's DMZ, but I hope I'm wrong. 'Cause apparently, it stands for Detrimental Musical Tsar. I'm not seeing a "z" anywhere - unless the station is using the alternative spelling of Czar. But that's still a longshot.

- Maybe if we truly practiced the great teachings of our various religions instead of arguing over which is "better," we'd get along.

PSAs:
- The Barbados Stock Exchange hosts a free seminar on Mutual Funds on Nov 20, from 1730 - 1930 hrs in the Grande Salle, Frank Collymore Hall.
- Don't forget to purchase a poppy, and support some other charities (why throw out those old clothes, when the Salvation Army's a call away!).