As a precursor to the April 12th post, please enjoy the below brief video of some of the wonder of our planet.

Many groups around North America are weighing in on this trial, which began after prolonged jury selection, on the anniversary of the case that legalized abortion, Roe v. Wade. Don Spitz, a reverend from Chesapeake, spoke on behalf of the group ‘Army of God’, commending the Judge’s decision to allow the defense. As he see’s it, there might be people that would have shot doctors before, but were afraid of being punished; now, they might actually do it. Demonstrating once again that I sure hope the Roeder’s of the world don’t start hating something I do!

The end of the story? Truth be told, I’ve certainly been feeling a bit safer since Scott Roeder was found guilty of first degree murder. He was convicted of this offence after less than 40 minutes of jury deliberation – I guess it helps to have 250 witnesses and a jury that understands the difference between personal belief and what is legal.

What made this particular refugee claim newsworthy? Thousands of refugee claims are processed in Canada every year that are the result of violent racial discrimination and oppression. Why was Huntley’s case singled out as newsworthy… was it because he is caucasian? Is it SO rare that a white person from another country applies for refugee status as to make it newsworthy? Is it really that rare; are white people universally privileged and immune from racial oppression? Oh, but wait… this story gets better!

Huntley’s refugee claim is now under review after last week’s media coverage. Why, you ask? No, it’s not because his claim of being violently attacked is being investigated; and no, it’s not because the voracity of his claim is being challenged. In response to the media coverage of Huntley’s case, the South African government released a statement saying that “white South Africans live in peace”. So, the Canadian government, apparently taking this statement at face value, has put his claim in review. Why would he need refugee status if his government says that you all live in perfect harmony?

The legitimacy of Huntley’s claim aside, I find the statement made by the S.A. government to be just a tiny bit ludicrous. Is there a population in ANY country where an entire demographic of people live in total peace with one another? Moreover, why hasn’t the mainstream media picked up on the larger story? If the government is seriously saying that the white population of South Africa lives in peace, are they not indicating that white people are immune to the corruption and turmoil that has existed in South Africa for so long?

It seems to me that this is a topic that should be questioned endlessly – else we conclude that the most overt example of white-skin privilege can be found in South African, and be endorsed by our own government as it tosses out a refugee claim because Huntley is white – and therefore “lives in peace”.

Any thoughts?

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/saskatchewan/story/2009/06/24/halkett-decision.html

What do you think of the judge’s decision?