Family of Suicide Deaths - coping with difficulties, making sense, acceptance and moving on

Two suicide reports have caught my attention in the last few days.

The unfortunate, unexpected and sudden demise of inseparable adorable couple Marc and Cher Thomson has shocked Sydney - from their families, customers, other restaurant owners to all food lovers.  The restaurant is closed according to the website.

Most of us know that restaurants especially high end and fine dining are facing stiff competition, stringent regulatory boards and council scrutiny, high rental, staff shortage and costs, not to mention the long hours, hard work and high sunk in investments. Even a good turnover does not promise any profit after deducting all the expenses. Many local businesses are actually struggling despite healthy picture compared to the US and most ailing European economies.

Why should we be surprised? The trouble is we are too busy with our own lives that we do not seek or start asking until it is too late. Prevention is always better than cure. 

Unlike distress from bullying leading to deaths, there are few signals from those who are bent on ending it all.  These are likely to be highly driven and tenacious people who have tried everything and finally decided to give up. Pride and honour meant more than going through hell in life. It would not be an "attempt" as there is no turning back. 

Nevertheless, even the best kept secret will reveal some tell-tale signs. Even if you are not equipped with the knowledge and skills to deal with psychological issues, it helps to take notice and show care.  Better be safe than sorry - check if you sense that a depressed or anxious friend or relative is not their usual self and going downhill? This would be a good start to prevent an unhappy ending. 

The death of American researcher Shane Todd has gained more publicly in the ensuing court case. His parents are obviously in denial to have challenged the coroner's suicide verdict which even the FBI has concurred. The older Todds could not accept that their precious son, despite having bouts depression during his university days and showing signs of unhappiness with his work, could take his own life.

Instead, imaginations have run wild with hypotheses of Sino-Singapore conspiracy against America and murder made to look like suicide being thrown up. Death is no laughing matter but the exchanges in court are replete with themes found in spy movies. Like those who have passed on, the living are too proud and disappointed with the reality.

Compassion goes to all those who have lost their love ones under such tragic circumstances.  The living suffers as much if not more than the dead. Help may not be too far for bereaved families overcome their grief, gain support and comfort and better understanding.  

Share the Christmas Cheer with all religions - exclusionists fester dangerous thought

The intense debate over the controversial alleged Christmas fatwa (which presumably include greetings, decorations and all forms of celebrations related to Christ) show that there are deep differences among the Muslims in Australia.

The causes of these differences boils down to the level of fundamentalism and interpretation of their religious texts. Further, these differences probably stem from how Australian Muslims want to be viewed by non-Muslims friends and communities. Among this moderate group, majority have denounced the radical views from the fatwa school because they do not think it is reasonable and religious to do so.

Others may have adopted a softer line so that  the heat and radar will be taken off the fatwa group or that it will not lead to a ban and deportation of extremist imans and followers. The radicals have since kept a low profile and denied the meaning of the fatwa allegedly quoted out of context.

Attempts to push the boundaries have not been abated since the violent protests in the city a few months ago. Excuse me, their disapproval for Christmas is not specifically targeted against alcoholism, sex and safety issues. The fatwa episode is just another example of religious directive which have crossed the line. Australian society at large would not accept even if this is strictly practised by a particular Muslim group because the environment is not located in the Middle East.

Whatever defenders may say or do in the hope of explaining why fatwa has even arisen through mosque sermons and modern social media such as facebook no less, that a fatwa is even suggested or considered is cause for great concern in multicultural Australia with a secular system of government.

If Hindus, Buddhists and some Muslims have no issues going along with the festivities of Christmas and New Year, why must a certain Muslim group stand out alone and be proud of it?

Majority of Australians are Christians. Sharing the joy of Christmas and reflecting on life are universal, and do not mean compulsion to becoming Christians.

Fortunately, in this instance of fatwa retraction, reason has prevailed. It is important to ensure that we keep it this way.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/immigration/fatwa-on-seasons-greetings-rejected/story-fn9hm1gu-1226542720493

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/lakemba-mosque-removes-christmas-fatwa-post-20121223-2btaj.html

Fighting Home Grown Extremism

It is comforting to know that two highly educated Muslims (a university student and banker) have taken the time and effort to spread messages of peace. Too little, too late?

http://www.smh.com.au/national/peace-promoters-hope-to-nip-violent-ideologies-in-the-bud-20120205-1qzvd.html

Hopefully, more will come forward and this is not a one-off thing publicity stunt to appease Australians and quell apprehensions. These two heroes of the community must get strong community support and protection, not just in financial terms (counterterrorism funding). In the past, moderators have been afraid to be out the open for fear of being exposed to attacks by extremists. The rest of the community would be inclined along with whoever is more aggressive for fear of ostracism.

However, addressing dangers of home-grown terrorism is fraught with challenges and pitfalls. While promoting multiculturalism, certain individuals have abused their freedom. In a society governed by rule of law, under no circumstances should local tribal traditional practices prevail over secular authority and laws.
The recent trial of male family members killing four of their women folk in Canada is shocking. Sane and morally upright Muslims do not commit murders.

http://ca.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idCATRE8140QP20120205

Those people, not just Muslims, who claim to be firm and true believers and use religion to justify suppression and killing of others will not be tolerated. No one should place themselves above the law in family disputes or commercial settlement, whatever their religion might be. It should be treated no differently or even more harshly as with cases of dysfunctional families, child abuse and bullying.

Ignorance perpetuates the myth that all Muslims are extremists. This must be altered through education for a terrorist is not born but groomed. The fact is that followers of Islam are a diverse group with different emphasis. Many are moderate and observe the cultural heritage, able to think and adapt to enhance peace living among communities of today. More importantly, poverty and social problems which are often the root causes of crimes and terrorism should be examined and redressed.

In the longer term, demonstrating that Australia sincerely adopts a level playing field in domestic and international arena would deprive home-grown of any excuses to destroy fellow human beings.

The world did not ending on 28 October 2011 or 2012?

Once again, the doomsayers who predicted the end of the world with such confident certainty have been proven wrong - at least in the eastern side of the world.

If there is still time to forewarn those living on the western part of the world who deeply believe in such unscientific rantings, stop the press and avoid doing harm to yourself or others. Those so-called astrological alignments dispensed by self proclaimed gurus are not endorsed by astronomy.

Widely available on the internet such as End of the World predicted : 28 Oct 2011 and many others including Wiki entries, there is no way of tracking how many truly believe in them. Though a minority of mankind, it may not an insignificant number if you count by worldwide standards.

Unlike the "second coming" which does not name a date and claims to be benevolent towards believers, . Nevertheless, the concurrence of such beliefs in mainstream religion could easily be exploited by marginal doomsday believers to bolster their stand.

While these predictors do not qualify as cultists in the strict sense, much harm could be done albeit indirectly. Unlike the likes of Heavens Gate that commit mass suicide and Aum Shinrikyo that employed terrorist poison gas on the innocent, doomsday believers are no less powerful and destructive.

It would be difficult to establish the linkage of accountability and casual responsibility to nail promoters down as culpable murderers unlike a clear cut criminal offence or cult leadership.

No matter whether followers subscribe to their views, publications, or "like" their blogs, propagators of doomsday dates are free from legal obligations and liabilities.

The number of people would foolishly believe in such doomsday predictions and fall prey by ending their lives which they thought would be more miserable when natural disasters and mayhem are unknown to date. Fuelled by recent spate of natural phenomenons such as the earthquake in Christchurch, Earthquake cum tsunami that led to chain radioactive disasters in Fukushima, pessimists are vulnerable to descend further into the doldrums.

Shouldn't the authorities proactively denounce irresponsible doomsayers and wake the gullible to their senses before more tragedies unfold.

Live our life fully and count our blessings everyday.

Post democratic uprising Tunisian elections brought Islamists to power

Tunisia was the first in the Arab world to ignite the sparks of rebellion contagion which toppled several overstayed dictatorships. It is a defining moment in history. However, when post-revolutionary free and fair elections returned strong support for Islamists over the secular party, are supporters of Arab spring having second thoughts? There is a gap between first world ideals and aspirations expressed by the Tunisians.

Tunisia Islamists Call for Coalition After Taking Vote Lead

The results should not have come as a surprise. Those who have witnessed historical milestones would be a little cynical and less wishful.

Given the well organised setup, religious parties are more likely to succeed in mobilising widespread support. Against the backdrop of power vacuum where no single leader or group could step into the shoes, the disciplined Islamists seem to be in the best position to get the house in order. Popularity goes to the party that is able to articulate their passion convincingly. The force of religion should never be underestimated. Like secular parties, religious organisations have access to external funding, and probably more, given its strategic importance to neighbouring regimes.

Western democratic nations that supported the revolution could not go back on their words and must match their goals of promoting democracy. It would be hypocritical if western supporters of Arab spring were to denounce the victory of Islamists. Respect the will and wishes of the majority is the very core spirit of democracy. The same principle should apply to recognising Hamas (political wing) as a legitimately elected government.

Over in Egypt, Islamists too are expected to garner strong support in the parliamentary elections next month. As I foresaw and had warned on several occasions, it would be premature to celebrate democratic uprisings and failure to take a longer term perspective of the unfolding scenarios would be detrimental to foreign interests eyeing and waiting to get a slice of the economic wealth in the region.

Meanwhile, Tunisian Islamists are quick to assuage concerns by assuring observers that they are not fundamentalist in character and willing to cooperate with the secular counterparts. Whether getting the foot at the door will be a first step to fulfilling their long term hidden agenda remains to be seen. Nonetheless, Islamic fundamentalists won't approve of Tunisian Islamists in the likes of Ghanouchi deemed too liberal for their liking. Let's hope this is proven wrong and Tunisia is on the way to building a democracy unique to the country's conditions.

Feasibility of cherry picking selected sharia laws for economic gains?

Australia is a secular country and the law of the state is fair, just and unprejudiced, and presumably all-encompassing and capable of taking care of interests of citizens and foreigners regardless of religions, cultures and political affiliations.

Common law originated in England and comprises statutes (legislation) and precedence of judge-made laws. Other than the moral basis of Christianity and Anglo-Saxon cultural tenets, the courts are given much flexibility interpret and adapt laws to new circumstances. It is progressive unlike certain static laws that are non-negotiable.

It is difficult to conceive how minorities in the country and the world could justify imposing their religious laws unless there is siginificant historical and social meaning, such as Aboriginal land rights.

The bizzare incident of a single crazy Muslim taking Sharia law into his own hands and defying the rules of the land has not found supporters even among majority of the educated moderate Muslim Australians nor the Islamic authorities.

While the originators of Sharia law expect the legal system to be taken in totality, it has been limited to family law in countries that have adopted some aspects of it. Since the ancient expectation of holistic application of Sharia is not feasible or realistic in the modern world, it is difficult to fathom how much Sharia could undermine the existing legal framework with the ground rule that where contradictions exist, the state laws prevail.

Moreover, the strong resistance from other conservative religious quarters who see any concession as capitulation would likely limit the influence of Sharia in years to come.

However, investor dollars are luring academics and governments to make compromises and exceptions. How the authorities could balance economic interests with fair protection and cultural chauvinism tendencies would be quite a challenge.

Laws are evolving. Civil law systems are learning from common law. The World Trade Organisation adopts a rule-based formula similar to civil law.

Intelligent and wise legislature and judicary probably matter more than mere prescriptions.

QUOTES

It's doubtful that sharia specifies the use of electrical cables in this sort of retribution, but that might not be the worst of it. Suggestions have emerged "from one local Auburn source" that the victim may have owed money to a number of people. If so, this could be a normal bit of roughing-up to speed the return of outstanding funds – not unknown in Australia or other common law countries as a method of settling debts.

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Clearly, the government is keen for Australia to dip into $1.6 trillion worth of Islamic investment.

As academics Ann Black and Kerrie Sadiq write in the University of NSW Law Journal, finance is part of "good sharia law", which has an emphasis on profit sharing instead of charging interest and excluding investment in things contrary to Islamic principles.

If we can made a quid out of adapting our principles to include Islamic methods of finance and investment, then sharia has a welcome place in our system.

On the other hand (a phrase with a special meaning in parts of the Muslim world) Black and Sadiq point to Islamic family law, such as the recognition of polygamy and Muslim divorce, which is regarded as "bad sharia law".

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The hudud punishments of hand severing, stoning to death and beating with cables are confined to a few countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Iran. As far as we know there is no credible proposal that they be allowed to function in parallel with the Australian legal system, although you wonder when you see Australians screeching at accused persons as they are driven away in police vehicles.

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The vast majority of Muslim countries and Muslims have moved on from the middle ages. It was interesting to see a number of Islamic organisations condemn the alcohol-tippling/debt-recovery punishment. Sheikh Taj el-Din al Hilaly, of the Lakemba Mosque, said the attackers should be "assessed for a mental disorder" and those found guilty deported. Guilty of a mental disorder takes our law into uncharted waters, so maybe it's best to say no more about it.

In Britain there are close to 100 sharia tribunals that deal with matters such as domestic relations and inheritance, with appeals to the civil courts.
In Australia, law reform commissions have recommended that aspects of Aboriginal customary law be permitted to function alongside white man's law. The Law Council of Australia welcomes that and, indeed, it has been recognised in the Northern Territory.

Our system of laws is not immune from the the imprecations of Christian fundamentalism, either. For instance, the Reverend Fred Nile is forever trying to impose some sort of Christian sharia on his flock, the people of NSW. Maybe he should be allowed to have his own courts to impose special punishments on prostitutes, gays, and students who skive off from scripture classes.

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/why-good-sharia-is-championed-in-some-surprising-quarters-20110721-1hqy0.html#ixzz1SywuRirw

NSW Burqua Laws : covers security, religious sensitivity yet politically correct

Though NSW is credited for introducing clearer burqua laws, the legislation is long overdue. A controversial and sensitive topic, a prudent measure has finally cleared the air and tensions that constrained law enforcers and reassured the public.

NSW government's decision to force people, including Muslim women, to remove head coverings and helmet when asked by police is welcomed by many quarters, with the exception of some individual liberty and human rightis groups.

Quote : It follows the case of a Sydney woman who was acquitted of making a false accusation against a police officer because the judge ruled there was no way to confirm it was actually the woman due to the veil covering her face.


Unlike the intolerance and blanket rules agitated by conservative European politicians to ban religious cover, the NSW government has shown an objective and generic application of the laws that balances both ends of the spectrum. Politicians who play on emotions and whip up a frenzy are unlikely to go far and treading on a tight rope. NSW has got it right this instance.



Quote : Premier Barry O'Farrell has emphasised the change is not aimed at any specific religion or group, though he hopes it will prevent a repeat of Ms Matthews' case.



Even the Islamic Council is agreeable that safety and security issues should prevail in certain situations when the identity of the person who committed a crime or traffic offence must be verified against the ID photo.

Quote : The chairman of the state's Islamic Council, Khaled Sukkarieh, says a Muslim woman can reveal her face to a man for identification purposes.

"Islamically, for all Australians, irrespective of ethnicity or faith, shall respect and abide by the constitutional law of Australia. If this is handled in a sensible and a sensitive manner, there should be no issues whatsoever. ," Mr Sukkarieh said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/07/05/3261038.htm

Some Arabs in progressive Jordan in fact see merits in discarding the traditional garbs that cover the face and body completely by women wearing the burqa and niqab especially when it constituted a security threat.

http://oneworldtalk.freeforums.org/abused-for-crime-the-veil-of-secrecy-t3276.html

NSW's unprecedented and no drama laws has prompted the West Australian government to act. Now that's something the First State could be proud about.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/western-australia/wa-to-consider-nsw-burqa-laws/story-e6frg13u-1226088006380

Tunisian Revolution - what next? power vacuum does not bode well for secular democracy

Now that the autocrat Zine Al Abidine Ben Ali has been overthrown fled the country, is there cause for celebration?

Whether the Tunisian Revolution result in better or worse for the people depends on who are the players that fill the power vacuum. There appears to be no credible political alternative.

Surrounded Islamic fundamentalists and the festering instability threatening other "autocratic" modern secular governments in Islamic states, the "jasmine revolution" does not seem to bode well for secular democracy.

Iran, Iraq, ... we've seen the mayhem that follows a revolution.

So world liberals - don't hold your breath.

Quote : "

Similarities between Iranian and Tunisian revolts cannot be ignored

The Tunisian revolt, which began four weeks ago because of growing unemployment, food prices and corruption, quickly snowballed to embody the population's accumulated grievances against Ben Ali's iron-fist rule during the past 23 years.

He imposed his secular rule largely through a repressive security apparatus and good relations with France, the European Union and the United States, which backed him for maintaining political stability and promoting socio-economic development. In the process, he stifled the opposition, and personalised power and politics, with grievous human rights violations.

The circumstances of Ben Ali's overthrow are reminiscent of those of the US-backed shah of Iran, who was forced by a mass revolution to leave the country 31 years ago, also in mid-January. Just as the shah was declined asylum by his main patron, the US - ending up in Egypt where he died of cancer in July 1981 - Ben Ali has experienced a similar predicament.

After France refused him asylum on Friday, Saudi Arabia came to his rescue. Like the shah, he has left a country in a mess, with no united democratic alternative to take over.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Fouad Mebazaa, has taken over as interim president. He has asked Ben Ali's veteran Prime Minister, Mohamed Ghannouchi, to form a government of national unity until a president is elected within 60 days.

But this may not prove enough - just as the shah's installation of the reformist prime minister Shapour Bakhtyar in the 11th hour could not contain the flood of public discontent.

In the case of Iran, democratic reformers responsible for spearheading the revolution lost out to the shah's leading religious opponent, Ayatollah Khomeini, whose legacy of an Islamic government, with an anti-US posture, continues.

Tunisia is in the throes of a similar development, although the establishment of a theocracy does not seem to be an option, given the absence of a strong Islamist movement and lasting French secularist colonial influence in the country.

The US and the EU seem to have abandoned their goal of bringing democracy to the Arab world - which was once promoted fervently as a core issue in their Middle East policy - in favour of what is called security and development. Yet this is unlikely to halt people's quest for democratic reforms.

The Tunisian uprising may fail to achieve its goals but the struggle between the forces of authoritarianism and democracy will be a dominant factor in the Muslim Middle East in the years to come.

Amin Saikal is professor of political science and director of the centre for Arab and Islamic studies (the Middle East and central Asia) at the Australian National University. "

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/similarities-between-iranian-and-tunisian-revolts-cannot-be-ignored-20110116-19seo.html

http://www.smh.com.au/world/egyptians-believe-their-turn-is-coming-20110116-19smh.html

Confusion over Religions and Cultures - Multicultuaralism Betrayed

Hijacked multi-religionism mistakenedly touted as multi-culturalism that has failed us. It would be more reliable to follow the common ethnic identification than religion that is divided, cuts across cultures, ethnicity and personal. In modern diverse societies, tolerance and non-interference would help to foster peaceful relations and unity.

The bottomline is that democracy, English common law and secular government must prevail over all else unless exceptions are provided for in the constitution for the protection of indigenous rights. A clear boundary must be drawn in no uncertain terms.

No religious group should be allowed to challenge the existing laws of the country. Neither should any religious sect or group be allowed to undermine safety and quiet living of our people. Penalising innocent cultural / religious groups would not augur well for harmonious relations among Australians of different backgrounds.

Emotionally charged and misguided government leaders, media and religious fundamentalists who have often contributed to the strife and misunderstanding in communities should reflect on their actions and omissions. Clarifying the issues in their minds will bring about constructive comments and policies.

This is a frank, balanced and insightful article published in The Australian.

QUOTE :

Religious leaders should not be the only Muslims allowed to speak

MULTICULTURALISM is under severe strain. Not from detractors such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel who confuse having an ethnically mixed society with a policy of social integration designed to cope with and cherish ethnic diversity. No, multiculturalism is undermined because religious groups, more specifically Muslim groups, have come to supplant ethnic ones. This has been a slow, almost inevitable process.

The problematisation of Muslim identity in the wake of terrorist attacks have presented Muslims in the West with difficult questions. In the pre-September 11 era, issues of socioeconomic integration dominated, often focusing on the experience of distinct ethnic groups rather than the community of faith. Unemployment, wealth disparity and educational achievements were the issues of concern.

But the emergence of terrorist activity among the Muslim population of the West has elevated the question of socioeconomic integration into an existential one. Now the issue is no longer about the social standing and wealth disparity between ethnic groups of Muslim background and the rest of the society but the presumed threat that Islam poses to the Western way of life.

The heightened sense of unease concerning the place of Islam in the West has put Muslims on the back foot. All of a sudden, Muslims feel an overbearing pressure to condemn terrorism and pledge loyalty to the state of their residence/citizenship. At the same time, public scrutiny of Islam has offered the moderate Muslim leadership an opportunity to advance a version of Islam that is modern, tolerant and aligned with the rule of law in the West. In articulating Muslim loyalty to the state, the moderate leadership has found the multicultural system very useful on two key counts. It allows Muslim leaders to express their views publicly, reiterate Muslims' commitment to social harmony and criticise aspects of government policy or public discourse that they find harmful. At the same time, these leaders can defend Islam and maintain their position among their communities. In other words, declaring loyalty to Australia does not necessary have to come at the expense of religious belief, as multiculturalism allows for cultural/religious autonomy within the framework of civic citizenship. This flexibility makes moderate Muslims among the most ardent defenders of multiculturalism.

The assertiveness of moderate Muslim leadership, however, has tended to come at the expense of the public visibility of non-religious Muslims. Cultural Muslims who congregate in ethnic organisations face difficult questions about the extent of their "Muslimness". The more pious moderate Muslims speak in defence of Islam in the public domain and government agencies turn to such spokespeople for advice on Muslim issues, the more cultural Muslims are marginalised. This is a self-perpetuating process that undermines the credibility of cultural Muslims as "true Muslims" in the public eye and reserves the title for the use of the religiously inclined.

Perhaps the best example of this was the convening of the Muslim advisory committee under the Howard government. It excluded the Turkish community, even though Muslim Turks constitute the second largest ethnic group among Australian Muslims. This omission was as bad as the practice of interviewing hijabi women when there are more qualified, but unveiled, Muslim women. In the eyes of the media, unveiled Muslim women do not have the authenticity of hijabi women. Just as ethnic Muslims are not considered genuinely attuned to community sentiments when compared with religious organisations.

This process is restricting the public space for cultural Muslims who see Islam as part of their ethnic identity and refuse to be classified as simply Muslim. The policy of multiculturalism allows for the public presence of a multiplicity of ethnic groups. It is unfortunate that this flexibility is being bracketed for, and by, religious groups.

- Shahram Akbarzadeh is professor of Asian politics (Middle East and Central Asia) at the University of Melbourne.

(emphasis are mine for easier reading)

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/opinion/religious-leaders-should-not-be-the-only-muslims-allowed-to-speak/story-e6frg6zo-1225944419389

Burqa / Niquab - a Middle Eastern cultural heritage

To "infidels" there is often some difficulty in grasping why the burqa, an Arab cultural heritage suited to desert conditions during ancient war times, should be relevant in Australia.

Undoubteldly, a great religion and a compassionate God, Almighty Allah, would accommodate different cultures, not just those from a certain regions. Australians need a lot more convincing rationale to be moved.

There are many reasons behind strong resistance against the ban on the burqa in Australia.

http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/its-unaustralian--rally-condemns-push-to-ban-burqa-20100919-15hy0.html

At first sight, communities would agree that the brainwashing of women followers has been very successful. A strong belief may not necessarily be an indication virtuousness. What is certain is the achievement of propaganda to protect the powers of being sometimes at the expense of deluding the supportive majority.

Even if some Muslim women may want to disenfranchise from these constraints, they are too afraid to defy and disrupt the patriachal order, fear of being ostracised, intimidated, or even threatened with physical harm and shame they will bring upon themselves or their families. Unless they are prepared to totally severe ties and disown their families and community, which is difficult given their minorities status in Australia.

To wait for progressive changes from within Islam as some moderate voices have suggested, will take a very long time. Most cultures simply do not have the tenacity to balance the regimental and unquestioning doctrines. The Christian reformation took centuries to moderate itself with the proactive push by educated leadership, supported by state institutions. Many of these factors are either absent or too weak to bring fundamentalists more relevant to modern times. Positive change can only come about through building bridges and compromises on the part of various stakeholders, not consistently giving in to the steadfast.

Migrants who have come to Australia are accepted on the understanding that we will try to adjust and live without conflicts with the rest of society. Obeying the laws in the secular system is an obligation which confer rights in return. It is an unwritten social contract. Those who have benefitted from the free and fair system should not turn around and bite the hand that feeds them. It should be queried whether ardently holding on to traditions would pose problems for security issues and harmonious living with the rest of society.

Every individual has a personality and facial expressions are an essential part of communications. Fiascos in marriages and robberies could be avoided if everyone were to show most of their face if they wish to dress modestly and conservative.

Let's end on a light note to defuse emotional tensions.

Australian Muslim Women - the Burqa paradox

A courageous Muslim women who dares to voice her thoughts and of those afraid to speak up. It is a dilemma that the community ought to resolve but the pervasive reluctance to face it is regrettable.


Burqa defenders' paradox of injustice

by Ruby Hamad Sydney Morning Herald August 13, 2010

I am Muslim by birth and I find the burqa confronting. I even wish no women would wear it. Does that make me a bigot?

Tony Abbott used similar words last week when he stated that a Muslim woman should not be permitted to give evidence in a West Australian court with a burqa concealing her face.

The internet exploded with well-intentioned outrage. ''Oh yeah I find your f---ing face confronting,'' the writer and radio host Marieke Hardy said on Twitter. ''I find budgie smugglers a 'confronting form of attire' and wish 'fewer' Australians would wear it,'' the Greens staffer David Paris tweeted.

It is the natural tendency for many to leap to the defence of those they feel have been marginalised or unfairly targeted. But in this instance, their defence is problematic.

Let me be clear that I do not and will never advocate a Western-imposed ban on the burqa. Apart from consolidating Muslim women's unfair place as the primary targets of Islamophobia, the only outcome a ban would achieve would be confining them to the home.

You cannot compel people to abandon hundreds of years of culture and tradition by force. Any change to the position of women in Islam must come from within Islam. And, crucially, it must be spearheaded by Muslim women. The real trouble with the burqa-banning bandwagon is that it is obliterating any chance of a progressive female Muslim voice.

Why is the battle for Muslim women's rights being fought by non-Muslims? The defence of the burqa by Hardy, Paris and others is, more than likely, propelled by their desire not to malign Muslims. What they fail to consider is that criticism of the burqa is not necessarily an attack on Islam.

Shortly after Abbott's comments, Ameer Ali, a vice-president of the Regional Islamic Da'wah Council of South-East Asia and the Pacific, advocated for a burqa ban, calling it ''the lingering relic of a patriarchal, misogynistic and tribal culture'' and saying it has no basis in the Koran.
While many Muslims might disagree with Ali, his comments highlight that even within Islam the burqa is a contentious issue. It is precisely Muslims such as Ali who should be discussing it but Ali faces a backlash from the Muslim community because the burqa has become such an albatross around its neck that Muslims would prefer that no one mention it at all.

The pressure on Muslim women is enormous. Even moderate strains of Islam (one of which my family belongs to), are, if you happen to be a non-conformist, stiflingly oppressive by Western standards.

The honour of the entire family lies in controlling a woman's sexuality and maintaining her ''purity'' until marriage. After marriage her body is for her husband's eyes only. Enter the burqa.

Not all strands of Islam require a burqa, or even a hijab. But they all do insist on modesty. Hence, the burqa itself is simply the symptom of a much greater ailment and that ailment is, as Ali indicated, a patriarchy that still places the destiny of a woman in the hands of her male relatives.

Many Muslim girls growing up in Australia are finding themselves caught in an impossible conundrum. Do they adopt a liberal outlook on life and ruin the reputations of their family, thus risking almost certain ostracism from their entire family circle? Or do they go along with these traditions that have existed seemingly for eternity, denying their own autonomy in the process?

By framing the issue of the burqa as nothing more than a ''woman's choice'' and denying the history of the burqa as a patriarchal tool, we are running the risk of alienating those Muslim women who seek to break free of the constraints of their culture, as well as abandoning those women who are physically forced to wear it.

Likewise, by decrying all criticism of the burqa as bigoted, we are actually consolidating its previously tenuous position within mainstream Islam in Australia, and thus hindering the religion's progression in this country.

When even the so-called permissive West is staunchly defending an article of clothing whose primary function is to deny the sexual autonomy of a human being based on nothing other than her gender, what recourse does a lone Muslim woman have to stand against it?

Undoubtedly there are many Muslim women who really do believe God wants them wear the burqa and no doubt they wear it with pride. Perhaps they are the lucky ones, never to have to make that impossible choice.

But what of the others?

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/burqa-defenders-paradox-of-injustice-20100812-121bm.html

Ex-communication of Catholic health care administrative nun who conceded to recommended abortion

The assertive powers of the Catholic Church can be intimidating and controversial. Moral ethics changed since the 1950s are still applicable today.

Australia has a sizeable Catholic population but it is probably less controversial. My friends who follow the Catholic faith are more open minded and less dogmatic about grey areas in real life issues.

Medical personnel, ethicists and senior administrators at the hospital have unanimously assessed that an abortion was necessary and justifiable to save the life of the mother. The fate of the Sister who dedicated her life serving her parishioners and patients evoke disconcerthing thoughts.

Excerpts from the media :

Quote : [ The pregnant woman and her family were also consulted and agreed that a termination would be the best option. Sister Margaret's role was apparently to give the theological perspective.

A dogmatically pro-life figure, Olmsted had made himself something of a hero to the US anti-abortion movement.


Historian Jacob M Appel described Olmsted as having a "reputation as a particularly cold-hearted and intransigent figure" who had "gained notoriety for refusing communion to a 10-year-old autistic child who could not swallow". He added, "Thanks to men like Mr Olmsted, obtaining obstetric care at a Catholic hospital has become a dangerous game of Russian roulette."
The Reverend Thomas Doyle, a canon lawyer, said last week that the bishop "clearly had other alternatives than to declare her excommunicated". Doyle said that Olmsted could have shown her some mercy. He added that this case highlighted a "gross inequity" in how the Church chose to handle scandal.

McBride's support in the community is perhaps to be expected. An Irish-American, she achieved a bachelor's degree in Nursing and a Master's in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco, in addition to her religious training.


As a senior hospital administrator in a part of the US with more than its share of illegal immigrants, she was no stranger to making difficult, controversial choices. According to the New York Times, St Joseph's focuses on keeping down the cost of the uninsured and repatriates about eight uninsured patients per month. ]

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/irish-nun-pays-ultimate-price-for-defying-bishop-in-abortion-case-2200425.html



Quote : [ The Bishop of Phoenix has announced that a Catholic nun and administrator of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix has "automatically excommunicated herself" by approving an abortion on a woman who was 11-weeks pregnant, and whose life hospital officials allege they were trying to save.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted said the excommunications apply to all involved, and lambasted the hospital's defense. ]

http://www.catholic.org/national/national_story.php?id=36604


Quote : [ One of the doctors said that four young women who decided to carry their pregnancies to term (despite my recommendation for termination); they all died either during pregnancy, delivery or within the postpartum period.

Sister Margaret was forced to choose between saving the life of a young mother of four and her faith.

- Robyn J. BarstScarsdale, N.Y., May 28, 2010
The writer is professor emeritus at the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. ]

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/opinion/lweb30kristof.html