Crazy Train

Crazy, but that's how it goes

Crazy Train of Opinions on Rape

Millions of people living as foes

Maybe. it's not too late

To learn how to love,

And forget how to hate

Okay so if some of your parents yelled at you about the audio level of music being played, you might remember, "Crazy Train" by Ozzy Ozbourne. He artistically gives a shout out to the lunacy in our society of things that get in the way of our understanding serious subjects. We seem to like our news "light" entertaining, and yes, I dare say sprinkled with our own political preferences. The last 2 years has to go on record for the Craziest trainload of runaway opinions on sexual assault that I've ever heard.  The foot-in-mouth comments have been made by everyday Joe Blows as well as some of the most educated people, who should know better.

I've Listened To Preachers

Crazy Train talk usually comes from out "of touch people" who know little to nothing on any given subject, but they're dying for an audience. This includes the religious leadership, that feels they must give a religious answer to a straight forward problem.

Jim Berg: "Sin is the cause
for your rape.

Katie Landry who attended Bob Jones University, raised as a conservative Mennonite. Her upbringing was so strict, she had never held hands with boy. Katie was raped several times by her supervisor at a summer job. It took her several years to tell her story to anyone, obviously, because of the horrific nightmare she lived. While attending the elite religious university, she confided in the Dean of Students, Jim Berg. Berg was considered to be a prominent author and counselor on Christian growth.

According to Landry, Berg asked whether she’d been drinking or smoking pot and if she had been “impure.” He then brought up her “root sin.”“He goes, ‘Well, there’s always a sin under other sin. There’s a root sin,’” Landry explained. “And he said, ‘We have to find the sin in your life that caused your rape.’ And I just ran."

“He just confirmed my worst nightmare,” she added. “It was something I had done. It was something about me. It was my fault.”Landry eventually withdrew from the school and didn’t tell anyone else for five more years. Raw Story By Tom Boggioni Wednesday, June 18, 2014

I must have missed that Sunday School lesson where "root sin" causes rape. Apparently it is easier to ridicule victims of a crime rather than to bring justice to perpetrators because in Jim Berg's head, God punishes a woman with rape because she is a sinful person. That attitude is ridiculous and is unfounded by biblical principals and just plain old common sense. Later in this same story we learn that another Bob Jones University student who was sexually assaulted off campus, was expelled because she complained too much. So there you are: Apparently the way to solve the problem is by getting rid of the victim.

George Will

To date the most noted bad rape remarks, come from noted Pulitzer Prize winning writer, columnist and Fox News contributor George Will. You might call him "the pontiff of conservative politics."

"Colleges and universities are being educated by Washington and are finding the experience excruciating.
They are learning that when they say campus victimization's are ubiquitous ("micro-aggression's," often not discernible to the untutored eye, are everywhere), and that when they make victim-hood a coveted status that confers privileges, victims proliferate."  June 7, 2014 George Will New York Post

Do I have tell you what the backlash was from Mr. Will's remarks?  He earned a not-so-coveted status of two hash tags. "Survivor privilege and Fire George Will." on Twitter. One newspaper complied with the last hash tag, and dumped good old George.

Will’s column is syndicated in newspapers across the country by the Washington Post, which bills him as “the most influential writer in America.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which has published Will’s column for a number of years, has had enough. In a message today to readers, the paper announced they were dropping Will from their paper and apologized for running his column on sexual assault: -Think Progress June 18, 2014

What makes remarks like these from Mr. Will and others so dangerous is that, beyond the outrage of the statement, is that it is influential. Many people who are looking for a reason to validate their already hateful attitude on this subject will now have a so-called voice of reason on the dismissal on sexual assault.

I've Listened To Fools

James Tranato Women who get raped should be held responsible

It's been said: "It's one thing for people to think you're a fool. It's another to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
James Taranto should be awarded the "Bad Boy Misogynistic" Award for stupid talk.  "I categorically reject the class by the label misogynist. I'm actually quite fond of women. You can call me Tyrannosaurus Sex." A remark about his own sexual prowess that should just set the laptops of the SNL writers on fire. Sadly he continues to double down on his misogyny by accusing women who get raped after consuming alcohol as guilty as their rapist,
every "Mad Men" thinker would deem as being a hero. Taranto accuses feminists as a group, whose purpose would be to emasculate men, tying them down to children, and making all men the iconic poster figure of rape while dismissing any woman of responsibility. Taranto says:

"When it comes to rape on college campuses both parties should take the blame.--- if two drunk drivers are in a collision one doesn't determine fault on the basis of demographic details such as each driver's sex--- but when two drunken college students collide, the male one is almost always presumed to be at fault, his diminished capacity owing to alcohol is not a mitigating factor but her diminished capacity is an aggravating factor for him---  in theory that means--- that if both parties are intoxicated during sex they're both technically guilty of sexually assaulting each other; in practice it means that women but not men are absolved responsibility by virtue having consumed alcohol."

Who says stupid people can't get employment? But actually Mr. Taranto is smart as a fox. He knows that as long as crazy talk becomes "ka-ching" for the WSJ; they could care less if he blames fires on the house instead of the arsonist with the lit match.

The Media Sells It

Taking a trip in Mr. Peabody's Way-Back Machine, we go back to the year 2012, where Liz Trotta; Fox News correspondent weighs in with her brand of Crazy Train analysis says:

Liz Trotta

"I think they've actually discovered there's a difference between men and women. ---And the sexual abuse report says that there's been since 2006 a 64 percent increase in violent sexual assaults. Now what did they expect? These people are in close contact--- the whole airing on this issue has never been done by congress--- its strictly been a question of pressure from the feminists. ---And the feminists have also directed them really, to spend a lot of money. They have sexual counselors all over the place, victims advocates, sexual response coordinators---so you have this whole bureaucracy upon bureaucracy being built up with all kinds of levels of people to support women in the military who were now being raped too much---" - Liz Trotta Guest on Media Matters For America

Ms. Trotta puts a spotlight on a very big problem with her feminist boondoggle accusations. She says "We have feminist going into the military, wanting to be warriors, and victims at the same time." Sexual assault and rape is not some made up conspiracy that feminist have thrown themselves into. But when some of these people look at it through the filter of politics, the dot connections are pretty silly and sad. To accuse women and men of joining the armed forced in order to make it a feminist empowered institution is crazy talk. In fact, many sexual assault victims do not talk about the personal living hell for years. These men for all their achievements, awards, and acclaims in other areas, fail at addressing this issue big time. It would have been more honest for them to say "I don't know." or "this really isn't my area of expertise."

I'm Goin' Off The Rails

Jon Stewart

Samantha Bee

Sometimes all you can do to combat Crazy Train talk is with a little crazy of your own. Jon Stewart host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central pushed back on Liz with his are you freaking kidding me? reaction. Seizing on her obvious gaffe of "women being raped too much" he remarked: that the Fox News commentator  "---Are you not horror-tained? Think about all the money that we've got to spend to help women who have been raped too much! Think about how much easier it would be if they were raped just the right amount..." 

His tongue-in cheek satire continued with Samatha Bee, Comedienne acting the part of an rape apologist. "Well Jon, I know you're expecting an apology and you'll get it. --- For all of this. (gesturing around her body.)  Samantha's character has resolved to feel empowered and proud, because after all women can't help what they are. And so she proudly declares,"You can rape it, or protect it, but you can't ignore it."  Sometimes you can only fight stupid with humor. And without any shame, I admit, I love The Daily Show. Their humor plus (in my opinion) their adequate fact checking is a great combo for me.

Somedays I wonder how much I can stand of this ridiculous talk from people who should know better. Some of them are well educated people, who seem to lack a degree in honest truth telling. And yet they say the most outrageous things. But as someone once told me--- "Sometimes you might as well laugh about it, than cry." 

And yet sadly jaw-dropping remarks these catch media attention.

R-AR Todd Akin

"Sometimes if it is a Legitimate rape, the female body has a way of shutting the who thing down."-Todd Akin (R-AR) 

Or “If a woman has (the right to an abortion), why shouldn't a man be free to use his superior strength to force himself on a woman? At least the rapist’s pursuit of sexual freedom doesn't (in most cases) result in anyone’s death.”- Republican Maine state Representative Lawrence Lockman

The Crazy Train has a load of passengers spouting off the wackiest stuff. Sadly our media continues to field their comments. I suppose the best thing for any of us to do is to know they're around, but as my Twitter friend, Catherine @Deja once said: "---try not to let them rent space in your head."

Eviction Notice on the Daiquiri Factory Doors

Happily Some stupid stuff does come to an end. Remember the Daiquiri Factory in Spokane Washington? The created a stir by their creation of "Date Grape Kool-aid." This moniker for a drink set the MST and sexual survivors aback with it's obvious insensitivity to victims of rape. The Daiquiri Factory boasted the sale of their mocking concoction would become popular, and a boom for their business. But now it's seems they are out of business. Apparently, Jamie Pendleton owed about $22,000 in rent, plus failure to another $30,000 eviction bond. I guess his drink didn't sell enough to keep his doors open. In the words of Humphrey Bogart "Here's looking at you kid! Cheers!"

Thanks for reading and sharing with others. It's important to stay connected and informed.

Sources

TheRawStory.Com -Bob Jones University and Root Sin

MediaMatters.Org- Liz Trotta

Washington Post- George Will

YouTube- Liz Trotta and James Taranto

Comedy Central- Jon Stewart and Samantha Bee

Inlander.Com- Daiquiri Factory Eviction

Special Thanks To

Geee Beee: Thanks Gayle on Daiquiri Factory Update

Catherine (Deja) on Twitter Thanks buddy for sharing George Will story

And Vera Santa Clara Rosie Palfy and Barbara Jackson 

For wading the alligator swamps with me on these issues.

Linor Abargil Brave Miss World

She was sexually assaulted weeks before receiving the crown of Miss World. Watch how she turns her tragedy into a triumph, spreading a message to victims all over the world. "Brave Miss World" can be seen online on Netflix streaming with Cameo appearances by Joan Collins and Fran Drescher

He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother!

"It's a long Road"
Click above to hear song by the Hollies

The Road is Long,

With many a winding turn,

That leads us to who knows where,
Who knows where?
But I'm strong,
Strong enough to carry him,
He ain't heavy, he's my brother.

This blog is going to be a little "touchy-feely." For one thing, within the area of sexual assault if we can agree, when both men and women can come

together and ally themselves as brothers and sisters, rather than male verses female; we can begin to beat some of the problems that we have. In the area of sexual assault we are in danger of being split up by the statistics of gender, ethnicity, Gay versus Straight, old versus young, and on and on, until we look at each other's difference more than at the one thing that holds us together and that is the war on Sexual Assault.

In a world where we become divided by gender, race, politics, and such, I reflect on the thought that we should be united by the cause against sexual assault and injustice. As I am reminded by the old 60's song by the Hollies, both men and women who are survivors, as well as advocates, need to stand shoulder to shoulder, championing each other against this scourge of humanity. When we cry out against this crime and demand justice for innocent children, as well as for good men and women, we hold back the tide of evil that threatens to cripple a person from within and shatter their spirit, and sometimes their lives. 

No Burden Is He

It's good to know that I am being challenged as an advocated to share more stories about sexual assault of men. Some of you may not know, but many of these remarks come from women. They recognize that our brothers at times don't know to speak out for themselves, or feel the pain of being stigmatized in a culture that says "only women get raped." I've seen brave men that come forward and tell their stories from within their community, and even within our nation's capitol. And I recognize that while they do with apprehension, there are female invisible warriors cheering them on.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Congratulating Survivor
Brian Lewis for his courage and advocacy

There are also good men walking in lock-step with survivors, giving their voices to this issue. These are men who have the courage to stand and say "Rape is no joke!" Or to look another man in the eye telling him either to his face, or on social Net "you're wrong!" Good men recognize women not as sweethearts or sex partners but as sisters. They don't try and overshadow them in this Invisible War, but they speak out as only a man can do sometimes, dispelling the belief that rape is some cause made up by feminists to take over society and our institutions.

Dr. Maya Angelou was a rape survivor as well as writer, poet and an advocate for human equality. She

Dr. Maya Angelou

recognized that men and women must stand together in truth. We must not look at each other's gender, race, or even age, if were going to affect change in our society. Because the enemies of truth and justice will attack when they can isolate us from each other.

"We allow our ignorance to prevail upon us, and make us think we can survive alone in patches, alone in groups, alone in races, even alone in genders." Dr. Maya Angelou

When a man tells a man slut shaming and victim blaming is wrong, it can disarm misogynistic thinking, just the way when a racist is confronted by someone of his own race about his attitude, it is more effective. 

Touré: Should there be male feminists?

Touré co-host of "The Cycle" say's in a piece called; "Should There Be Male Feminists?" 

 "There have long been white people fighting for racial justice, and straight people advocating for gay rights, and men working for gender equality.--- All this because some understand that the oppression of some contributes to the oppression of many. But let's not argue that men should become Feminists because of it's value--- Many men are feminists because we know that female empowerment isn't a threat."

It's A Long Road

Twitter AVI of USMC BoonieRat 

My setup here has been for a special guy who was a subscriber to my blog, but more important he was an warrior advocate against sexual assault in the military and society. On Twitter I knew him as @USMCBoonieRat. He was a husband, father, Veteran, and advocate against the blight of sexual assault, so prevalent in our country and globally. Boonie was a Marine recipient of 2 Purple Hearts, served during the Vietnam conflict, and profiled himself as a Libtard Prick Bastard With Critical thinking skills, and a Christian that calls out fake ones on occasion. From his tweets I knew that Boonie was man with a large heart for others, and didn't follow the herd on issues. He was as much of a guy that you'd ever want to meet, and at the same time he would tweet about injustice with lots of hot sauce! One of our mutual followers who goes by the handle "Misspell" shares this story about meeting Boonie: 

Misspell, Friend follower on Twitter

"I was told I have a form of PTSD, from breast cancer??? Okay, so ya think that was traumatic, I was also a rape victim. 13 years old, had moved to an urban area from a small town, lured by a girl my age, convinced to try this fun experience called bagging, by these really cute much older than me, guys, yes, I was enamored,,,flirting,,,on top of the world! That turned out to be what I believe was ether. After they were done with me, they left me on the curb in front of my house. They told me to shake a coke bottle and spray it inside me, so I wouldn't get pregnant. I never told anyone. Not my sister, or mom. Never told Anyone, I'm 57! I started accessing Twitter--- I had friends on FB. Then Sandy Hook happened, then West Borough Baptist Church was going to protest at those precious babies funerals---  That's when I met... Anonymous. That may have been when I first encountered @USMCBoonieRat.  

 BoonieRat & Anonymous At Stubenville Rally  

 Then Steubenville happened, I jumped right in, made a ton of friends, JaneDoe was being attacked online, by Adults!!! In real life by members in her community, peers and their parents. I am very grateful for what Anonymous did, thankful, very surely could have saved her from self inflicted death. During this time Boonie would come to her aid, to my aid, advocating against the rape apologist trolls that came out of the woodwork. The World Was Watching.

During the rallies, he was a powerful presence of men. Not typical for me at least, to see Men at a rape rally. Some spoke, but most stood quietly, firmly, powerfully, in defiance against what other men have brushed off as "boys willbe boys.

That was my pivotal moment. There I was yelling on Twitter for JaneDoe, helping her, reasoning with those online about their incorrect ideals regarding rape.

That's when it Hit me. JaneDoe helped Me! This little girl facing down the Giant helped me. I can't tell you how many times I've been able to help another sister breathe like that since that day. Boonie helped me. He directed me to the PTSD help centers. Tho they were designed for Vets. I was able to find resources. I never told Boonie. I have a Veteran nephew that was struggling. I linked him to Boonie and passed on the advice and links Boonie gave me for him.  I don't think Boonie knew how important he was to me."

From Which There Is No Return

USMC BoonieRat as he was known to his Twitter followers passed away on May 22, 2014. "Misspell" alerted me by tweeting, "Your blog is his last retweet. He's gone." A memorial service followed later honoring his memory. I wasn't able to attend. This is my way of honoring his advocacy to many online like @Misspell and others who needed a friend or maybe a brother. No doubt many miss him and are grateful for his voice on so many matters. I like guys like this who can cut through the BS and say it straight. Because there is something about real men who speak up that can alter this problem. Boonie was a leader in this fight against sexual assault and injustice. And he loved his dogs.

PHD Jackson Katz is an expert on violence, media and masculinity says:

Dr. Jackson Katz: Click for video

"We need more men who have the courage and the strength to start standing up and saying some other stuff and standing with women not against them pretending that somehow this is a battle between the sexes and other kinds of nonsense. We live in the world together--- 

Among the many great things that Martin Luther King said in his short life was; in the end what will hurt the most is not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends.  There's been an awful lot of silence in male culture about this ongoing tragedy of men's violence against women and children---  and all I'm saying is that we need to break that silence and we need more men to do that."

And this was who Boonie was to many of us:

Marshall Tucker, one of Boonie's pups
who was originally, "a throw away."

For those of you who would like to leave a thought, you may do so, and I will re-post on this blog.

@USMCBoonieRat called himself a  "Libtard Prick Bastard With Critical thinking skills." My friend you were a hero to many of us in this Invisible War. Rest in Peace.

Resources

MSNBC- The Cycle- Touré: Should there be male feminists?

TEDx Talks- Violence against women—It's a men's issue: Jackson Katz 

Special Thanks To:
@Misspell on Twitter "Thanks Sharon for your 

vigilance and alerting me to Boonie's passing."
@an0nymousph3re and Barbara Jackson for Steubenville photo

Heartfelt Condolences to friends and family