Payback over 'gay marriage' opposition? Frigide Barjot threatened with expulsion from her home by City of Paris.

(Aupiais Wire)

Article by Marc Aupiais

The organiser of a march for the preservation of the then children's right to have heterosexual parents, comedienne stage named: Frigide Barjot (Frigid Looney, real name: Virginie Merle), and her husband: stage name Basil Koch (real name: Bruno Tellenne), may be kicked out of their council home after a summons for eviction against them, delivered at the behest of a company mostly owned by the socialist run City of Paris.

 A company 80% owned by the City of Paris, Régie immobilière de la ville de Paris (RIVP), wants the couple thrown onto the streets, alleging unlawful sublease and the use of their home for some of their business activities, both in relation to their company: Jalons. The RIVP issued summons in mid June, Le Parisien learnt, speaking of a Frigide Barjot chocking down anxiety over the telephone to their reporter, saying: 'This is serious, we are threatened with eviction', and noting that they had always paid their rent of what they claimed was 3 500 Euros a month, on time. The summons would be effective July 3, claims Le Figaro.

According to Wikipedia: 'The Régie Immobilière de la Ville de Paris (also known as the RIVP) is a public housing agency created in 1923 for the construction of low cost and affordable housing. They manage buildings with average rents for use by the middle classes on land made available by the demolition of old fortifications of Paris, France.'.

The Federation Street home of the couple, is something dear to them, Basile de Koch has lived on Federation Street since 1983, Frigide Barjot, since 1994. However, it is alleged that they did business for Basil's company, Jalons, at the home, which is not zoned for business use according to RIVP, who also allege that Basil de Koch sublet to his business, for 9 000 Euros a year, and thus the Tellennes further in the RIVP's view, breached their obligations as tenants.

Political targeting?

'But above all, we've lived in this apartment for years, why are they only meddling in our affairs now? It is a political gesture, they want to silence us, ' Le Figaro reports Frigide Barjot as saying.

Socialist Party member, Bertrand Delanoë, mayor of Paris, has been accused in this case of a political manoeuvre to punish Frigide Barjot for standing against the socialist party 'gay marriage' agenda. In fact, the mayor, is claimed to have delayed the move until the debate on homosexual 'marriage' wound down: with reporting claiming it was to prevent it being seen as a political targeting. The RIVP claims there are: 'One hundred procedures for abnormal occupation (illegal transfer of leases, occupation untitled occupancy for commercial purposes [which] are currently under review,' claiming that to them it is nothing special.

The RIVP however also claims: 'this procedure has been initiated (...) at the end of the detailed legal analysis of the situation.' - Le Figaro.

In the United States of America, the Internal Revenue Service was found to have unlawfully targeted persons for their political beliefs, while giving an easier time to those who held the beliefs of Barack Obama. It is in this sense that Frigide Barjot alleges she has been targeted.

The matter may go to trial in July.

The French Socialists enacted the 'Taubira law', enforcing homosexual 'marriages' earlier in 2013. The law has been widely unpopular among many French, who took to the streets to show their malcontent. There has been controversy also over Hollande's breach of his promise to allow a conscientious objection clause for mayors in heavily Roman Catholic France.

c.f. Le Parisien: Frigide Barjot se dit «menacée d'expulsion» par la Ville de Paris.
c.f. Le Figaro: Frigide Barjot sommée de quitter son logement.

How to be public with your Facebook, without being public.

With scams using Facebook information to steal from South Africans, there are a number of ways to protect your account relatively, but still get the most out of Facebook. With email, if someone knows who you email, they can spoof your email to spam, all they need is an address book. Similarly, criminals now mimic Facebook accounts, and that address book: that friends list, as well as information, make you vulnerable.

Firstly, my favourite trick, which utilises followers, but also over time allows you to hide what you said:


Under account settings and Privacy is a useful little tool, which allows you to make previous posts private. I like to post publically for followers, but then later to make posts private, this is a nifty little tool for just that:




Hiding that friends list and about details:

Go to about section, and on each shown bit of information, click the little cog, and change who can see to those you want, instead of everyone.

MAKE SURE you go down to where friends and followers are listed, and click the pencil on the right and edit privacy:

Change options to look like this:



Do the same with music, with locations, etcetera.

Finally, on your timeline, there is a button which says activity log, next to it is a button which looks like a cog. Click the gear/cog. Say view as.

See if you left any important information out.

"Resigned the party Whip", what does it mean? (Question answered in text)

The Issue at Issue

Of late we have heard the phrase often in British media: 'Resigned the whip', 'resigned the Tory Whip', 'resigned the labour whip', 'resigned the UKIP whip', 'resigned the Lib Dem whip'. At first I thought it meant the Party Whip resigned: 'Resigned the party whip', as in 'Did quit the party whip'.

The Principles and Research

Either way, I searched the phrase to no avail, until finally I decided to analyse occurrences of the offending Britishism.

Firstly, I found it was not the Party Whips resigning. Not only that, but in many historic instances several people resigned the party whip at once.

Less reliable but more direct, at the Bottom of one of the recent articles someone had asked what a 'resigned the party whip' was, in the comments section, and a polite person answered that it was not the Whip who resigned. Rather, someone had resigned their position in the party representation. This was certainly the meaning conveyed in the historic uses I looked into.

Further, a party whip according to the Oxford Dictionary is the disciplinary official of a party (a meaning which also carries over here in South Africa), however it also means the elected representation of a party in parliament, which I think is what the British press are getting at and into:

'2 an official of a political party appointed to maintain parliamentary discipline among its members, especially so as to ensure attendance and voting in debates.
British a written notice from a whip requesting attendance for voting. See also three-line whip.
(the whip) British membership of the group of MPs that form the official, elected representation of a particular political party, together with the duties or rights associated with such membership:
he resigned the Tory whip in protest at mine closures'

(Emphasis mine)
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/whip


Application

In applying these to the question of 'What is the meaning of the phrase: he resigned the whip'?

It does not mean that the whip resigned.
It does not mean the whip resigned him or her.
It does not mean someone resigned from the position of the whip.


It does mean he or she, being a MP: that is to say: being a Member of Parliament, quit (resigned) the membership of the 'official, elected representation of a particular political party, together with the duties or rights associated with such membership' (Oxford above).


SO there it is...

ANC decries xenophobic attacks, while DA instead decries lack of 'Gender Reassignment' procedures? ...

As heinous attacks on foreigners plague South Africa, the Democratic Alliance emailed our editor urgently at 13h00 / 1 PM Today about 'marginalised' people... not the foreigners being subjected to ethnic cleansing, but rather those individuals denied cosmetic/plastic surgery to appear closer to a member of the opposite sex:

'All too often, individuals who have a genuine and legitimate need for gender reassignment are marginalised. All too often such people are not respected and their dignitary is often impinged on. This happens simply because people don’t, and sometimes refuse, to understand the affected person and his/her circumstances.'

The horrific tragedy saw foreign shop owners chased away from Diepsloot, in Gauteng Province, South Africa, as their businesses were looted in the violence. There are often xenophobic murders in South Africa, most do not make headlines, or even the middle pages of newspapers. This latest rioting occurred amidst false or true allegations that a Pakistani man shot a South African. Another suggestion is that a service delivery protest turned into an attack on foreigners. SABC news reported that locally owned businesses are flourishing, with their competition destroyed in a targeted ethnic cleansing.

The African National Congress has condemned 'so-called' xenophobic attacks, claiming the attackers are merely ordinary criminals.
Maybe this response was lacking, but I got a perplexing email from Manny De Freitas of the Democratic Alliance today, completely ignoring the horrific purge of foreigners, and instead focussing on those who were 'marginalised' by lack of cosmetic surgery upon their private parts.

One party condemns attacks on marginalised foreigners, the other, in emailing us, turns a blind eye, and instead considers this a time to push the cause of people desiring plastic/cosmetic surgery to alter their appearance?

I did not receive any email from the Democratic Alliance on Xenophobia, but they did mention it in a few tweets, blaming it on poverty, and saying the answer is to address poverty, and assist South African entrepreneurs.

Just before I quote the email, the DA has been busy on Twitter: mostly condeming a police strike, but also saying that in response to Xenophobia, which it says it 'condemns' and does not 'condone' on its Twitter, they say the answer is to fight poverty experienced by South Africans:

#Xenophobic violence is often driven poverty & unemployment in SA and the perception that opportunities are lost to foreigners- @maimaneam

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) May 28, 2013

We can never condone acts of violence/ intimidation. Government needs to proactively address the poverty faced by SAns- @maimaneam

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) May 28, 2013

We need to provide people with opportunities to better their lives and break the poverty cycle.- @maimaneam

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) May 28, 2013

Practical solutions, such as the implementation of the Youth Wage Subsidy and better support for entrepreneurs would help - @maimaneam

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) May 28, 2013

The DA appeals to the affected communities to end this violence and to adopt an attitude of tolerance and respect. - @maimaneam

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) May 28, 2013

and on a police strike, this quote was interesting enough to quote:

All SAns must rest assured that the country’s ability to fight crime & keep them safe will not be interrupted by such disputes- @dkb20 #SAPS

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) May 28, 2013

And foreigners also, right?


And the email quote:

'Department of Health does not keep a database of gender reassignment surgical procedures that are performed in public sector facilities. There are currently two public sector clinics in South Africa with “specialised and skilled held care providers that perform gender reassignment surgical procedures.” These clinics are linked to the University of Pretoria (UP) and the University of Cape Town (UCT).

The Department of Health indicated that information at hand suggests that the UP clinic has performed more than a hundred procedures since its inception in 1990. The UCT has performed more than 10 such procedures since its inception in 2009.

All too often, individuals who have a genuine and legitimate need for gender reassignment are marginalised. All too often such people are not respected and their dignitary is often impinged on. This happens simply because people don’t, and sometimes refuse, to understand the affected person and his/her circumstances.

Acts such as Alternation of Sex Description and Sex Status Act ensures that the golden principles listed in our Constitution and its Bill of Rights is put into practice.

It is now up to each and every one of us to be supportive of this and to educate those that do not understand this issue.

Kind Regards,


Manny de Freitas MP
Member of Parliament
Shadow Minister of Home Affairs
Member of Parliament for Johannesburg South
Democratic Alliance'

Should South Africa reconsider its giving Al Qaeda alleged safe harbour?

With Alleged Al Qaeda training camps given free reign in South Africa, according to the year of investigative journalism by the Daily Maverick, we note not only the likelihood the report is correct, but the extensive history Al Qaeda has with South Africa. We further note the manner in which the Muslim community has viewed the article as a biased attack against their culture and religion, and their claims of it as fear mongering.

Update: Today, after we published this work, State Security Minister Siyabonga Cwele: openly admitted that there are South Africans with links to Al Qaeda, and to terrorist activities affecting other nations. He stated however in a denial of claims of South Africa giving Al Qaeda free safe harbour, that investigations take time to stand up in court. This is in contrast to claims that South Africa refuses to deal with the multiple Al Qaeda camps alleged to exist. Below we detail the extensive reported history of the relationship between the South African government and alleged Al Qaeda. We also detail as promised above, the Daily Maverick investigation, and the likelihood the report from this is correct.

THE PASSPORT AND VISITS PROBLEM AND THE LONDON BOMBINGS

When the head of Al Qaeda in East Africa: Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, was found dead, in Mogadishu, in Somalia, with a South African passport, South African home affairs investigated the matter. Home affairs established to their satisfaction, in June 2011 that it was a forgery of the old design of the South African passport. The passport, under the name of Daniel Robinson, of a birth date in 1971, had a Tanzanian visa within, which passport had convinced the Somalis it was a genuine passport despite apparent design flaws. The issue was dropped.

The Official Opposition Democratic Alliance on the 13th June 2011 claimed at the time that this was not the first use of South African identity passes. In 2004, they claimed: that Tunisian national Ihsan Garnaoui told the Germans he has several South African passports, while suspected as a member of Al Qaeda.

The Official Opposition Democratic Alliance further claimed that British national: Haroon Rashid Aswat, who they allege was the ringleader of the 2005 London bombings, entered the United Kingdom on a South African passport, after residing in South Africa for a period.

The Official Opposition, in these claims by their Annette Lovemore, further noted the alleged use of a fake South African passport under the name Altaf Ravat by Mohammed Gulzar, which use they alleged was to further an intent of exploding transatlantic airliners during flight.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

When the African Union in 2010, asked South Africa to send its South African National Defence force to Somalia, the matter was considered by the Administration of Jacob Zuma, and troops were seemingly never sent.

When Mali's north was conquered by Islamist militia, and when Al Qaeda became involved in the conflict, the state of Chad, was the one to partner with France to preserve peace and security in the region. So much so, that foreign media alleged that Chad had surpassed South Africa as Africa's superpower. South African navy vessels carry troops up and down Africa's coastlines on multiple mostly little reported missions, and South Africa has multiple semi-permanent forces on the continent, including those which stood against the Muslim lead Seleka in Central African Republic, and those set to be deployed against the M 23 forces in Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo. When Al Qaeda is involved in a conflict, South Africa often seems to shy away.

THE ASSASSINATION OF FOREIGNERS

In July 2012, the Daily Voice, an Independent Newspapers title,via their Genevieve Serra, reported on a Christian bishop in the Western Cape, a former police inspector, who feared that a number of murders of Ethiopian Christians, were not mere xenophobia, but rather assassinations at the behest of Al-Shabaab, a group operating in Somalia with ties to Al Qaeda. The killings which took place over a ten month period were conducted across the Western Cape. It was claimed that Al Shabaab, in the guise of Somali refugees, were attempting to halt Christians from taking refuge in South Africa. Another Christian leader, Father Mike Williams, an Anglican confirmed the bishop's story, saying that he knew of seven such killing in his own congregation. According to Independent Newspapers, President Jacob Zuma, was made aware of these killings, and referred the bishop to someone in the police ministry, following which an extensive investigation was reportedly opened, due to a pattern in the deaths of these Ethiopian Christians. No follow up by police has made any headlines which our service was able to access, no Al Qaeda or Al Shabaab cell was paraded around, and there is no report of a finding of the absence of this, almost a year in the waiting.

REUTERS ON USA TREASURY WATCHLISTING OF DUCRAT FAMILY

Reuters says most South African Muslims are moderate and pragmatic, and unlikely to hear the Al Qaeda message. They note the US government listing of the Docrats, but do not see this as definitive, quoting the Docrats on a 'witchhunt of Muslims' against them. This is one of the articles linked to by Muslims after the Daily Maverick story broke: Reuters |'Jury out on al Qaeda presence in South Africa' by Michael Georgy 2 February 2007. The issue with this analytial article, is it appears biased from the start, with the subtitle of:'The Docrat cousins were leading a seemingly normal life in South Africa -- one a cleric at a rural mosque, the other a dentist with a neighbourhood practice in the country's financial capital.' and continuing consistently holding a somewhat one sided view.

OPERATION KANU

The Operation Kanu, launched shortly after the 9/11 attacks on New York city and elsewhere in the United States of America, was launched targetted two cousins, suspected of being Al Qaeda recruiters and funders. The United States of America claims these individuals are both recruiters and involved in funding the Terrorist organization which in Arabic means 'The Base', and has related claims involving the funding of Al Qaeda via the Pakistani Taliban. The Daily Maverick investigation took over a year, and was based on court records, views of those who neighboured these alleged camps, police sources, as well as Professor Hussein Solomon, who's claims of the risk of a 2010 attack by Al Qaeda, was seen as discrediting the article among the Muslim community. He is quoted twice, neither time as a source, but rather simply to give background an a professional or expert opinion. His notation of an Israeli request that South Africa get rid of Hezbolla (Arabic for 'The Party of God') training camps in the 1990s, is one of these, to give a history of the events and alleged Islamist Jihadi camps in South Africa. Muslim journalists, individuals, and groups, have seized on him to attempt to discredit the Daily Maverick piece, which in fact is based on many witnesses, but only refers to him passingly and to give context. To quote just some of the piece, prior the response of the Democratic Alliance and the Muslim community:

'The police’s specialised unit, Crimes Against the State (CATS) and the State Security Agency (SSA) have been monitoring the training of al-Qaeda terrorists in South Africa for several years, without taking any action. A year-long investigation by the Daily Maverick’s DE WET POTGIETER has revealed surprising inaction by police despite incriminating evidence about secret military training camps and sophisticated sniper training at three well-documented locations as well as several others across South Africa. These subversive activities have taken place at a farm near the notorious Apartheid police hit squad camp at Vlakplaas outside Pretoria, as well as a secluded farm in the mountains of the Klein Karoo.
[...]
All spying activities in connection with Operation Kanu were abruptly halted at the beginning of 2010 under yet-unexplained circumstances. The teams of intelligence operatives were recalled from the operation sites, all visual material seized and laptops with the surveillance data and situation reports of deep-cover agents taken away from them. The men were told by their superiors that the orders for the cessation of the surveillance operation had come “from the top”. No other explanations were given and they were re-deployed to other assignments.

In the wake of the cessation of Operation Kanu, British and US intelligence agencies began to pressurise the South African government to act against any possible Muslim terrorist threats emanating from within South Africa.

Top-level intelligence sources confirmed that representatives from both those countries’ intelligence services have been in the country for negotiations regarding the al-Qaeda operations here.

US and British intelligence have warned the South African authorities to stop “pussyfooting” with intelligence regarding international terrorists activities in South Africa. “The fact that no bombs have gone off to date in the country doesn’t mean that the threat doesn’t exist within South Africa’s borders,” they warned.

They have been frustrated for some years with the South African authorities for not taking action against perceived international terrorist threats.

South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations resolution against international terrorism and is thus obliged to act against any such threats.

Despite overwhelming intelligence information gathered well before the 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa, no action had been taken to date.

The cause of the anxiety stems from the fact that thousands of illegal immigrants from Pakistan manage to cross into South Africa, while the government appears to turn a blind eye.'

- The Daily Maverick | 'Al-Qaeda: Alive and well in South Africa' by DE WET POTGIETER at 13 MAY 2013 12:44 (SOUTH AFRICA)

The Democratic Alliance has demanded an investigation into Al Qaeda (Arabic for 'The Base'), allegedly being given free reign to establish bases for training camps in South Africa.

The Muslim community has had a very different response, alleging fearmongering, with some interesting statements on social media, some of which may or may not be justified depending on viewpoint, some of which are somewhat deeply concerning, though truly, they seem to take the article by the Daily Maverick as an attack on them, although it does not malign Muslims, anywhere I may note:

Channel Islam International Tweets and Retweets:

@channelislam I'm surprised that the obstacle course was seen as terrorist training, anywhere else it would be seen as paintball #AlQaeda SA

— Muhammed Ismail (@moh00786) May 13, 2013

@ijassat: Real target of @dailymaverick piece is SA law enforcement authorities. Want them to adopt more intrusive policies against Muslims

— CII Broadcasting(@channelislam) May 13, 2013

@channelislam @mrn1sa @zahidasmal @dailymaverick @wiedehel It begins. Poor joutnalism causing paranoia with lies. Division next...

— redsalute (@TheRealRafiek) May 13, 2013

@channelislam Are we also goin 2 b linkin up with US' fictitious bogeymans?New Hollywood Blockbuster..AlQaeda in SA? What a laugh!

— Rehana Shah Bulbulia (@muslimahatpeace) May 13, 2013

@channelislam @ijassat #Zionist sponsored academic is looking for attention

— Ahmed Jazbhay (@AhmedJazbhay) May 13, 2013

@channelislam Does the @dailymaverick and @wiedehel deserve the pubilicity - NO! If the people stay silent, the truth is not heard. #catch22

— Raisa Mahomed (@raisamahomed) May 13, 2013

@dailymaverick writer, De Wet Potgieter (@wiedehel) now on @channelislam on "Al-Qaeda: Alive and well in South Africa" (Pre-recorded)

— Azhar Vadi (@AzharVadi) May 14, 2013

@channelislam conspiracy without substance.

— ♥Mìshkåh Vallìê♥ (@mishpeaches) May 14, 2013

And Tweets and retweets from prominent Muslim Journalist Hasina Gori:

According to the @dailymaverick Al Qaeda is alive and well in South Africa.bit.ly/15E46U8

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) May 13, 2013

@scrogginsdeb touches on Al-Qaeda links in the country in her book Wanted Women:Faith, Lies and the War on Terror

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

@jazlaw24 reuters article dating back to 2007, they were put on the OFAClist as Specially Designated Nationalsreuters.com/article/2007/0…

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

"Silence is the fuel, fear and ignorance the roaring flames that burn the freedom out of everyone"

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

@jazlaw24 also felt that we know all this, the information is nothing new. Same names, same 2007 links, same allegations...

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

@oh_my_golly I think is a case of irresponsible journalism. Naming them as if they have already found guily is out of line.

— Mohamed Karolia (@MohamedKarolia) May 13, 2013

Ugh this Daily Maverick article is going to upset so many people.So many of us are somehow connected to Dockrats.Phones are going to be busy

— Fatima(@oh_my_golly) May 13, 2013

Excellent analogy! RT @jibu_za: US-UK-Al-Qaeda thing's like shebeen queen complaining abt alcoholism but continues to run a tab for patrons.

— Kay Sexwale (@kaysexwale) May 13, 2013

Why is SA expected by US & UK to fight their battles or be on their side against the Al-Qaeda they helped create is totally beyond me.

— Kay Sexwale (@kaysexwale) May 13, 2013

So ppl want to send all SA Indians back to India (Thanks to Gupta's) & now we're all in trouble for being Muslim too(thanks @dailymaverick )

— Fatima(@oh_my_golly) May 13, 2013

I smell a big fat Alex rat... #AlQaeda in SA... Mcim. Whoever provided @dailymaverick with ALL THAT INFO has an agenda.

— LERABELA LABOFELO (@JacquiThePoet) May 13, 2013

One person's terrorist is another's freedom fighter. #LastThoughtOnAlQaedaHypocrisyInSouthAfrica

— Kay Sexwale (@kaysexwale) May 13, 2013

Now on #SabahulKhair we speak to the @dailymaverick's De Wet Potgieter @wiedehel on his story that alleges 'Al Qaeda is alive an well' in SA

— CII Broadcasting(@channelislam) May 13, 2013

"@channelislam De Wet Potgieter @wiedehel says cannot spk to Cii Radio at this time as earlier confirmed,says has to attend urgent meeting"

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

Was looking forward to the interview on@channelislam with@wiedehel on the Al Qaeda links in SA

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

@zahidasmal: Muslim community should not become emotional about 'Al Qaeda' in SA drivel @dailymaverick @wiedehel

— CII Broadcasting(@channelislam) May 13, 2013

@zahidasmal: If Al Qaeda has such a dangerous presence in South Africa, why are law enforcement authorities saying otherwise

— CII Broadcasting(@channelislam) May 13, 2013

agree! "@ejaz_k :@ebrahimbham Nothing much new here.Pre2010 WorldCup Headlines screamed Terror and made some people very famous for a while"

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

.@dailymaverick piece on al Qaeda in ZA is disappointing; uses antiquated language, shoots in the dark & maligns a community.

— Azad Essa (@azadessa) May 13, 2013

"@ejaz_k: .@ebrahimbham :Shoddy Journalism. Generalization... one wonders what is the motive behind it.@radioislam #qaeda" @dailymaverick

— Media Review Network (@MRN1SA) May 13, 2013

Prof Hussein Solomon is a Senior Research Associate of the Israeli think tank - RIMA @channelislam @ijassat @mrn1sa

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

"@channelislam: @ijassat: Security cluster in SA clearly told us in 2010 they had no evidence of 'AlQaeda' activity in South Africa @mrn1sa

— Media Review Network (@MRN1SA) May 13, 2013

I should fix a plate on my forehead - 'Dont stereotype me'.

— BinAbdulAzeezKhalifa (@baakomar) May 13, 2013

Feel like the soundtrack for the day should be "What a wonderful world"

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

"Were all descendants from the first manWe can be one nation facing one GodWith no hatred, no envy, no war" #wishfulthinking

— Hasina Gori (@MiZz_haSiNa) May 13, 2013

To be honest, now I care less about Al Qaeda doing tumbles in the Karoo. I want to know how.why the security agency let this info leak.

— Nomalanga Mkhize (@NomalangaSA) May 13, 2013

I am now MORE worried that security agents or someone is using the press to get achieve some internal goal around this investigation.

— Nomalanga Mkhize (@NomalangaSA) May 13, 2013

Soft Drinks a naughty 'No No' in Mayor Bloomberg's New York, Weed, however is encouraged by Bloomberg.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg might have got a lot of backs up, by his much reported banning of large soft drinks for health reasons. A federal judge, Justice Milton Tingling, thought it unhealthy enough of a ban, to prevent it coming into effect. Soft Drink Vendors, none the less may hate Bloomberg.

Drug lords however, love him, as the City of New York's Mayor Bloomberg's police heads with much encouragement from Bloomberg:  now have New York Police Department police give dealers free reign, and pot smokers, where possible, at most tickets, but not jail, as Cuomo's decriminalisation push gains steam, with Mayor Bloomberg now seemingly on the decriminalisation gravy train. Apparently, health is not such a concern to Mayor Bloomberg after all.


The New York Post Explains:

'Pot arrests and seizures are plummeting as low-level offenders duck jail and cops ease off dealers, who are racking up record profits, police sources say.

Gov. Cuomo vowed in January to wipe out the lowest marijuana charge — fifth-degree criminal possession — for those caught lighting up in public or flashing their stash.

But even without the Cuomo proposal yet etched in law, an unprecedented reduction in enforcement has already begun.

Marijuana arrests in the city plunged 22 percent last year — to 40,661 from 52,220 in 2011 — and are on pace for another 20 percent decline this year, according to data from the state Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Decriminalization gathered steam in February, when Mayor Bloomberg announced that NYPD cops would now merely ticket those charged with fifth-degree possession, instead of tossing them in jail.

But it’s not just the casual user who’s catching a break.

Kingpins are also skating.

Figures show that in Manhattan and Brooklyn, police have nailed just three dealers this year for first-degree criminal possession of marijuana — a felony for sellers apprehended with 10 pounds or more.

That’s way down from the 28 such peddlers cops locked up in those boroughs last year.

One source said some NYPD detectives have been told to back off dealers because they’re considered a lower priority than those hawking pills, cocaine and heroin.

“When we have intel on pretty big marijuana cases, we’re being pushed away,” said the source, who works on narcotics cases.

“It’s. ‘Let’s just focus on pills and cocaine.’ Narcotics can still do grow houses, but a guy dealing a pound or two here or there, they don’t have much interest.”'

- New York Post | '‘High’ tolerance: NYC on the road to decriminalizing pot' by BRAD HAMILTON at Last Updated: 9:47 AM, May 12, 2013

University of the Witwatersrand Students Representative Council faces student revolt over anti-Israeli actions.

This fascinating plea by a claimed Witwatersrand Student has over 600 likes on Facebook already and has been tweeted about by the Wits Vuvuzela student newspaper. The student claims that the Witwatersrand University Students Representative Council, has sacrificed actual student needs for party politics. African National Congress Youth which is represented via their Progressive Youth Alliance do currently Run the Wits SRC. Mighti Jamie lists his name as Mighti Jamie (Uhuru Uhuru) [from this point I will call him Uhuru Uhuru]. Uhuru is Swahili for freedom. Swahili is not a native South African language. Uhuru Uhuru has 3 621 friends on facebook, and his address on Facebook claims he is the next Barack Obama. Observing his profile, on average maybe two dozen people like his posts on a day when many do. Uhuru Uhuru belongs to several religious groups on Facebook, and East African students groups, Limpopo University debating union, and African National Congress affiliated groups. He also is a member of the SASCO facebook group. There is suggestion he might have belonged to the Pan African Congress by someone who knew him on a profile picture. SASCO, of which he is a facebook member, has called for free university education. Uhuru Uhuru is also a member of the Witwatersrand Black Lawyers Association group.

Reportedly Uhuru Uhuru is highly influential among Wits African students. His actual name seems to be a mystery on campus, with people calling him just Jamie. He does appear perhaps, as is self proclaimed by Uhuru Uhuru, to be a law student, post graduate, although some on campus have speculated he is not a student, last year. He is confirmed as involved in debating, apparently as President of the Debating Team. Uhuru apparently can also apparently mean freedom from the 'white grip', and favourite topics of Uhuru Uhuru are Apartheid and race. Some of his posts seem somewhat dissatisfied with White South Africans. All of his posts start in letter format. However, the Wits Debating Union Student website lists Zweli Makgalamele as its Committee President. Apparently Uhuru Uhuru has had trouble with the Students Representative Council, and the Debating Union in the past, with a rumoured attempt to dislodge him from his purported position.

These doubts do make his post more interesting, especially his championing of the cause of foreign students, if he is one, or a student at all. None the less, the post going viral has its own power. This is thus newsworthy.

'Mighti Jamie

Friday at 19:20 near Johannesburg · 

Dear Wits Student

I love my University , but I do not love what is happening to it.....

I love my University so much I spent two years homeless and hungry trying to raise money to continue my education, and now I am worried about this great institution, I am sure you are too....

The student representative council, has chosen to ignore the 'R' in SRC, they have chosen to turn our University into their political playground at the expense of our issues.

To be blunt, I do not care about Israel and or Palestine, I am a hungry poor black man and I have more immediate issues that bother me, issues like my inability to buy text books, my inability to raise printing money, issues such as the crowded libraries with few computers, issues such as the Kudu buck machines with no coin slots for the poor students.

I have not heard the SRC speak of these issues for the past three months, all they have been making noise about is the Israel Palestine issue, which is not immediate to me.

Other students have different issues, those who have been lucky enough to get cars, speak of the high costs of parking, and the inavailability of parking, they speak of the high costs of drop off tags.

All students have issues with wifi coverage, with printers, library closing times, with security on campus, with the cleanliness of bathrooms and with the registration process.

International students speak of the difficulty of raising thirty thousand upfront, and paying extra fees, they speak of the high costs of medical aid and the low quality of service from the medical aid providers. At Wits international students are on their own! Where is their representation?

White students are on their own, all those viewed to be non comradely are not represented, and that is a shame!!! Where is their representation?

Today the SRC tells us they are fighting for us, for the right to protest, yet the truth is they are telling half the story. They may have a right to protest, but the jewish students also have a right to congregate without being bullied or disrupted. JEWS ARE STUDENTS TOO, THEY DESERVE REPRESENTATION TOO....

Representation requires listening and speaking for all students
The SRC is not the toy of political parties to be used to divide us and to advance your personal ambition. Your job is not to serve some of us , but all of us.

You do not represent yourselves, or only the palestinian students, your job is to represent all of us....and you have not done that.

The SRC is unravelling the Unity we need to create amongst students, and with the adminstration of the University. We are all on the same side, we all want to be better and be in the top one hundred. The new vice chancellor was not allowed to speak and accept their memorandum. How does this build unity and cohesion with even new unaffiliated people?

I love many of the people on the SRC as individuals, they are great people and will do well in politics. But we have had enough of your politics at our expense, you have turned the University into your personal spaza shop and are holding us all at your mercy.

As a student I feel unrepresented by you, I feel ignored by you, but more importantly I feel like you have come to harm the institution I have sweated blood and tears to be a part of....

You have eroded unity, you have disrupted peaceful gatherings and caused commotion at our University....and you have done this in my name as a student....but I NEVER GAVE YOU PERMISSION TO ....

With love

a Concerned Wits student'

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10151617259347394&id=709037393&refid=52

'Love knows no Gender' : Helen Zille's Democratic Alliance claims at 'Gay Pride March'

The Democratic Alliance has a habit of rewteeting the tweets of their hierarchy on the ground. Democratic Alliance News, the party's official voice retweeted a lot from Katlego Suzan, a local branch representative of theirs' in Limpopo Today, including a tweet and photograph of their 'Love knows no Gender' march:

@da_news today @the Limpopo Pride March#Love knows Gender twitter.com/Katlego_Suzan/…

— Katlego Suzan(@Katlego_Suzan) May 11, 2013

As our editor stated:

"@katlego_suzan: @da_news today @the Limpopo Pride March#Love knows Gender" I see the DA appealing to its core. Do they understand 'gender'?

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) May 11, 2013

Gender originated in languages, where every word is masculine or feminine, it originally related to the attributes of each sex, and cultural context of these. Gender theory, a creation of the political left, disputed that gender was linked to sex, and to date, about 23 'genders' have been added to an ever expanding list in the alphabet soup of LGBT...

Gay men say they have a feminine gender, and only like men. They have specific 'gender preferences', gay women are likewise.

Is Helen Zille's Democratic Alliance suggesting that every person is gay, and that gender is a boundary to happiness? After all, the phrase is rewording: 'Love knows no boundaries'.

'Love knows no gender', is a bit of a strange statement from the always entertaining Democratic Alliance, who named their recent recruitment campagin the Blue Blitz, a reference to the Nazi strategy of Blitzkrieg.

Other Tweets from the Democratic Alliance include one claiming South Africa is not an equal opportunity society for homosexuals, despite massive fines to anyone who gets in the way of this political constituency of the Democratic Alliance, so close to their core, and as our service noted in a quote from a Gauteng Democratic Alliance member of parliament, making up a portion of their positions in parliaments, somewhat disproportionate to the portion of South Africa which kicks with the other foot so to speak (which engages in homosexual lifestyle).

Here are some other tweets from the Democratic Alliance Limpopo Gay pride March:

We are an Open, Opportunity Society for all. With @lindywda @dumzk #limpopo Pride march.@da_news twitter.com/Katlego_Suzan/…

— Katlego Suzan(@Katlego_Suzan) May 11, 2013

@lindywda @da_news @dalimpopo1 was @limpopo Pride March #we are an open, opportunity society for all. twitter.com/Katlego_Suzan/…

— Katlego Suzan(@Katlego_Suzan) May 11, 2013

Faux Pas: Major South African Broadcaster confuses 'Homophobia' and Xenophobia, in relating Union leader threats.

Those foreigners are so gay? Or those gays are so foreign? Either way Eyewitness News... made a bit of an oopsie.

Besides their apology, the offending Tweets have been deleted by the service, fortunately, we managed to quote them beforehand.

Reporter clearly having a bad day. Apologies for the incorrect spelling and words. She has been rapped over the knuckles.

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) May 11, 2013

What are they apologising for?

"@ewnreporter: #DeDoorns Pieterse says homophobic attacks by farm workers will take place if farmers employ foreign nationals." sorry what?

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) May 11, 2013

Yes, we said sorry what too... in our quoting her...

We asked exactly what:

Either Eye Witness News has gays on the Brain, or a union leader is an idiot. Or he is onto what media care about most... attacks on gays...

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) May 11, 2013

And Eye Witness News again fumbled:

"@ewnreporter: #DeDoorns whoops sorry Zenophobic attacks :)" you mean Xenophobic attacks. GaysOnTheBrain?

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) May 11, 2013

But all was sorted out as we also noted:

"@ewnreporter: Reporter clearly having a bad day. Apologies for the incorrect spelling and words. She has been rapped over the knuckles."

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) May 11, 2013

Cape Town University Law Professor Pierre De Vos says not assisting a 'gay marriage' like sacrificing children to death. He adds his view that Christian beliefs are 'private', 'harmful'.

'Private belief to sacrifice children, say, cannot justify killing of children' and Christian beliefs cause acts which are 'harmful' and 'must be curtailed' UCT University of Cape Town Constitutional Law Professor tells our Marc Evan Aupiais and the Cape Talk radio station, on Christians refusing to assist a gay 'wedding' ceremony.

I often disagree with Pierre De Vos, especially for his strange approach to the Constitution. He hates the Roman Dutch approach the Constitutional Court often adheres to, I however love our 4000 year old heritage of law.

On an issue where yet another Christian couple is set to be punished by massive damages in the wondrous Equality Court, I said:

.@capetalk567 @pierredevos To force people to assist gay weddings is to force them to deny their faith. To me that is violation of religion.

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) April 30, 2013

Pierre quickly responded with a number of claims:

@sacnsnew @capetalk567 Nobody is forcing them to deny their faith. They can believe anything they want. They just cannot discriminate.

— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) April 30, 2013

"@pierredevos: @sacnsnew @capetalk567 They can believe anything they want. They just cannot discriminate." so no living a faith. Convenient.

— Marc Evan Aupiais (@SACNSNew) April 30, 2013

@sacnsnew @capetalk567 Sometimes when your private beliefs manifest in public acts harmful to others, those acts are and must be curtailed

— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) April 30, 2013

@sacnsnew @capetalk567 Private belief to sacrifice children, say, cannot justify killing of children

— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) April 30, 2013

@sacnsnew @capetalk567 Private belief to deny human dignity of women, black people or gay men and lesbians cannot justify discrimination

— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) April 30, 2013

@sacnsnew @adlena_evorg @capetalk567 Claiming persecution is laughable. No one prohibits you from believing or attedning church.

— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) April 30, 2013

@sacnsnew @adlena_evorg @capetalk567 What you demand is the right to persecute others and to deny them their human dignity.

— Pierre de Vos (@pierredevos) April 30, 2013

So not endorsing Homosexual civil unions by assisting such ceremonies, due to Christian beliefs, is the equivalent of unjustifiable discrimination, and of child sacrifice. Christianity is a private belief, not a religion, or must be a private religion, and Christians following their beliefs, via ABSTAINING from an action, is something that 'MUST BE CURTAILED'? The thing is here, and I know the Constitutional Court has been quite activist on the issue against Christians, and quite activist in supporting abortion and legislation forces Christians to tell people where to get an abortion, the thing is there is still such a thing as human rights. It does not greatly inconvenience a gay couple to conduct their ceremony elsewhere, it does inconvenience a Christian greatly to be forced to deny their faith, and to relegate Christianity as though something evil and shameful, to the four walls of a church, or as in China, to hidden churches in homes. It is not like the conscientious objectors in these cases are denying them the right to buy bread. They are simply holding a belief set, which does not acknowledge 'civil unions' as a form of 'marriage', which their faith permits them to endorse.

'Faith Without Deeds is Dead'- Saint James, perhaps the extreme Christianity hating secularist left hopes that this part of the Bible is deeply true. As for me, I do believe that the intention of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, was never to persecute Christians for ABSTAINING from taking actions which are a denial of their faith. This is indeed an issue where a small minority is able to persecute those who abstain for conscientious objection to a law that at its passing, ignored that 80 percent of South Africans held homosexual acts to be always immoral. But perhaps such thought crimes: perhaps such 'primitive' things as religion are behind us?

I would not deny a homosexual couple assistance in a divorce, or deny them bread if I were selling bread. 'Gay Marriage' is a whole other matter, because it relates to beliefs which are thousands of years old. It also relates to whether marriage is aimed at creating the next generation, or sexual pleasure, and a friendship of sorts, for however long the feelings of affection last. For a Roman Catholic a heterosexual marriage is a manifestation of the Trinitarian God upon this earthly plain, this is why sex is sacred, and why to endorse a homosexual union as this manifestation is believed to be an essential and deep blasphemy in the dogma of the church. A denial of faith in the dogma of the Church.

As New Dawn makes terrible waves in Greece, popular South African party adopts Nazi campaign language!

As powerful tanks left Germany, the world thought they would never forget. Some promised to remember never to forget. Alas, it seems a distant past, long forgotten by the conscience of many. That foul Blitzkrieg: the bloody tip of the spear that would bring genocide: it seems has been forgotten by many. The word blitz, or the fast, swift, invulnerable advance: the lightning strike which wipes out an enemy. Such a word has deep memories embedded through war and hardship upon peoples of the world. For this reason the resurgence of Nazism, the beliefs of those terrible National Socialists in wartime Germany: ignites horror, outrage and the slightest of terrible fear in the world as it stands sombrely watching financial crises rip apart the morals and values, and empathy for one's fellow man, once so cherished the world over. Maybe, it might seem strange: that just as Nazism is making a resurgence and terrifying the Europeans, the very word that brought the Nazi genocide upon the world, is viewed as trendy by an up and coming South African political party, and ironically thought by them to be good for their campaign.

The German combined phrase of Blitzkrieg, comes from the words blitz meaning lightning, and Krieg: to strike. This was the watchword accompanying the German rush of lightning fast strikes which devastated nations in their genocide against the Jews, in a war that cost at least 11 million lives. The blitz can also refer to the devastating cruel and evil that was the relentless bombing of London which cost many lives, during the Nazi attempt at genocide which was World War II.

A South African party quite popular with the people: has adopted the word blitz to describe and call to arms their preparation campaign for the election. This party is the Democratic Alliance, which likes to call itself the official opposition in the Republic of South Africa. This weekend is what the Democratic Alliance is calling the 'blue blitz': where volunteers are recruited, trained, prepared for the next election. Their party colour is blue, with a rainbow coloured dawn seeming to rise above the capital letters D and A. The Democratic Alliance has not replied to my request for comments from the party on what I now once again ask them: namely whether or not they have even slightly thought it insensitive to use the word blitz to describe their campaign as a political campaign and platform. Especially, now that Nazism is making a comeback in Europe.

Oxford English Dictionary: '1930s: abbreviation of blitzkrieg'.

And the Democratic Alliance campaign:

It's a #BlueBlitz weekend! All across SA DA activists are being trained and are busy with outreach in their communities. #BlueMachine

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) April 6, 2013

Blitz (noun): A big effort to make people notice something e.g: "The campaign was launched with a nationwide publicity blitz." #BlueBlitz

— Gavin Davis (@gavdavis) April 6, 2013

We also engaged with 26 372 potential voters #BlueBlitz #WeAreGrowing

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) April 6, 2013

Keep an eye on the #BlueBlitz hashtag for live, from-the-ground updates on the DA's activist training and outreach events this weekend.

— Democratic Alliance (@DA_News) April 6, 2013

RT @makashule: Another successful Door to Door activity in ward 41, Meadowlands. Building #DABlueMachine #BlueBlitz

— Gavin Davis (@gavdavis) April 6, 2013

#BringOn2014 Helen Zille @da_news @helenzille"@trendssthafrica: #blueblitz is now trending in South Africa trendsmap.com/za"

— ALETTAHA☺♥☀ (@ALETTAHA) April 6, 2013

South African soldiers: Child soldiers fought in Bangui, as new self-proclaimed President of CAR, asks for Allah Almighty to guide, strengthen him.

Djotodia used child soldiers during the Battle of Bangai: The South African National Defence Union has alleged to E News Channel Africa. The South African National Defence Union desires for South Africa to indict the self-proclaimed new president of Central African Republic in the International Criminal Court, which is situated in the Hague, in the Netherlands. Such is the report of E News Channel Africa journalist: Eleni Giokos of an interview with a spokesperson representing the South African National Defence Union. An interview, which had originally been planned to look into the recent helicopter crash claiming five South African National Defence Force soldiers' lives in a Kruger Park anti-rhino-poaching patrol: the fourth incident with that model of aircraft in four years, with ten percent of that particular helicopter model's 30 South African National Defence Force vehicles having incurred crashes in Defence Force care.

Djotodia leads a diverse band of rebels, allied under the banner of Seleka. It is not an alliance of trust, and it is one which is followed by and with intrigue by its members. Old school politics and shared interests have kept the Seleka rebels together, although it is thought that this loose alliance could easily fall apart if Djotodia is unable to keep the contrasting parties together.

The man whom the Seleka rebels disposed of, who has fled their country for Cameroon after their coup d'état: alleged that the followers of Djotodia are radical Muslim fundamentalists. The Archbishop of Bangai, representing the voice of the Roman Catholic Church: has voiced concern that Djotodia, a Muslim man by faith: has allowed his troops to target and attack Christians. Djotodia upon taking power has publicly prayed for God Almighty to give him and his new Prime Minister both intelligence and strength to manage and control the Central African Republic for the next three years after which he has claimed there will be an election. It is hoped that this prayer was not to suggest that the Central African Republic would now be ruled by Muslim or Sharia laws. The Central African Republic's population is majority Christian.

There have been reports of South African troops massing upon the respective Central African Republic borders in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and in Uganda, with heavy equipment being flown in as well as extra troops upon Herculese transport planes. These reports coincide with South Africa's President Jacob Zuma urgently flying to a meeting called by the president of Chad of the Economic Community of Central African States, the same community whom Jacob Zuma bypassed in sending South African troops to the Central African Republic. Jacob Zuma will fly up to the meeting almost immediately after a memorial service for soldiers killed in combat. It is unusual for a representative of South Africa to be present at such a meeting. The president of Chad, has previously been linked with the new self-proclaimed president of Central African Republic, however he allegedly fell out with him in December. It is this president of Chad who has called this meeting.

The Sowetan newspaper reported an interesting quote they made of General Shoke, which suggests that South African troops were not killed during the battle for the camp as most media had presumed, but after a peace treaty was in place between rebels and the South African National Defence Force troops on the ground. Reports by an early on the scene witness of the Reuters news agency of Great Britain, which interviewed the Central African Republic witness on the ground: suggest that at least six of the South African National Defence Force troops were not killed in a battle for the camp, but died in the city by their burnt out South African National Defence Force vehicles.

Other reports, denied by the South African National Defence Force: claim that the Central African Republic troops whom about 27 of the 200 South African National Defence Force troops, had been training in accordance with the memorandum of understanding signed between then South African President Thabo Mbeki and the Central African Republic in the year of 2007: had mutinied and joined rebels in an attack against South African National Defence Force troops. Bozize, the disposed of President of Central African Republic is said to have kept his army weak in fear they would betray and overthrow him.

If the Sowetan newspaper is to be believed: in this claim that the troops did not die in the attack on the camp and that their nationally tragic deaths did not occur during the nine to thirteen hour so-called high tempo battle for the South African National Defence Force camp just outside the city of Bangai: but after rebels raised a white flag and entered into a peace treaty with the South African force. If it is to be believed that these troops were attacked during the lull in fighting which news agencies place at that night after the battle for the camp. If that is the case, then the 13 casualties that the South African National Defence Force incurred, occurred as a breach of peace truce entered into.

South Africa does not necessarily have the logistics to withdraw their troops from the Central African Republic. The South African troops had withdrawn their military from their much fought for base outside Bangai, and now reside within the airport which the French took and protected, according to E News Channel Africa.

If South Africa were to find a way to get rid of the new self-proclaimed president of the Central African Republic, whether through a war crimes trial, via assassination or capture, it might cause cracks within the rebel alliance to further break apart into chasms. South Africa certainly has an interest in an International Criminal Court trial of the self-proclaimed new president of the Central African Republic, should this be conducted; in the Hague in the Netherlands.

The opposition Democratic Alliance has alleged that the troops of the South African National Defence Force were in the Central African Republic to protect African National Congress business interests. It has been consistently politicking since the news broke. It thinks it has laid waste the African National Congress claims that the troops were reinforced and kept within this resource rich, almost pristine African country to our  distant North: to ensure stability and to prevent a complete breakdown of the security situation within the country. The United Nations organisation known as UNICEF, has claimed that 4 million children in the Central African Republic are desperately at risk due to the instability and insecurity situation due to the above said recent coup d'état.

It is important to note that despite not having United Nations Security Council approval, and despite not having African Union approval, South Africa did have the approval of the Central African Republic at the time, to deploy its troops within their border with their consent. The scenario on the ground is much more complex than South African media would have it portrayed. I had been following the situation in the Central African Republic for many years now, with great concern for our troops upon the ground of this foreign soil. Our troops were not surprised by the Seleka attack upon the capital Bangai of the now devastated Central African Republic. If the soldiers were in fact shockingly taken by surprise in the tragedy frozen reality of the attack, they must have had an all-out blackout of media, and not at all have noticed the advance of rebels. In fact, after an earlier attempt at the capital, in which rebel stopped just prior the figurative gates: South Africa decided to reinforce our troops at Bangai with the significant contingent deployed precisely because we feared that the rebels would attack again. If South African troops as foreign media has reported: had created extensive checkpoints into the city of Bangai, preventing all but light units such as infantry and motorbikes from entering the city of Bangai in the first less heavy day of the fighting, then such a claim of surprise seems odd once again. I began to pay special attention to the scenario in Central African Republic quite a while before my South African media did. It was quite clear the fall of Bangui would be plausible at a much earlier stage than many in South African media anticipated.

The major reason that rebels gave for their attack and coup d'état, not reported often enough: was precisely the foreign troop presence within the Central African Republic. The new so-called Cabinet put in place by the self-proclaimed new leader of the Central African Republic, consists almost purely of rebel figures, and opposition figures who had been given power in a government of national unity: in accordance with the treaty the disposed president's government had signed with rebels. The Prime Minister of the new so-called national unity government, was a figure placed in that position in the previous national unity government on behalf of the rebels.

A promise to still hold elections in three years, is less promising when the leader of a coup d'état: creates a 'national unity government', almost purely representing one side.

It is true that the disposed of president of the Central African Republic gained power through a coup d'état of his own. This coup d'état took place before the founding of the African Union. If it had taken place after the founding of the African Union, it would have been considered an unconstitutional change of government by the organisation, and the same measures taken against the new purported government would have been taken against the past government.

Durban Cardinal Wilfrid Fox Napier responds to our questions about his Paedophilia interview!

I still would like an oral interview, but the Cardinal did email me this, from a private email address shortly after I asked his Archdiocese for a response. I have not seen this statement anywhere else, it seems I am the first to receive it (Update: it was later received by much of media about a day later.). The Archdiocese has confirmed that it is him who emailed me, and that it is his view:

Parts are still problematic, but at least he has hopefully by now realised the gravity of what has happened, and that statements such as his are not acceptable in any context, according to the morals and values of society. And I truly hope that in his explanation and seeming apology, he is not perhaps suggesting that he had anything to do with  shifting sexual predators from parish to parish in the 1990s. I would also like to ask the Cardinal whether the case/cases he referred to on the BBC ended with a police investigation and the sexual predators in jail, or whether they indeed got no punishment, when he has said he personally thought they deserved none.

If you follow this link to our earlier article, the first on the interview published in this corner of the world, to my knowledge: this account is what I believe is a fair account of what happened, and a context and history to this, including some statements by another bishop, who believed that there was a serious betrayal in South Africa, of Christ and victims, which has yet to see the light of day.

Just before I give his view, I'd quickly like to quote the BBC on his interview, to show the grave statements, which so concerned those who objected to the statements of the cardinal: whether he was ambushed or not, and whatever context they were in. These are the sort of statements which do need serious clarification, which it seems the Cardinal has realised this dire need in such a scenario as his words on British Broadcasting Corporation Radio 5 have created:

Napier said to the BBC's Stephen Nolan Show on BBC 5, according to the BBC:

'"What do you do with disorders? You've got to try and put them right.

"If I - as a normal being - choose to break the law, knowing that I'm breaking the law, then I think I need to be punished."

He said he knew at least two priests, who became paedophiles after themselves being abused as children.


"Now don't tell me that those people are criminally responsible like somebody who chooses to do something like that. I don't think you can really take the position and say that person deserves to be punished. He was himself damaged."'

BBC | ''Paedophilia not criminal condition' says Durban cardinal' by BBC at 16 March 2013 Last updated at 02:13 GMT

And now: Napier's response to me:

STATEMENT ON STEPHEN NOLAN SHOW

At the outset I confirm that I fully uphold the Church’s position that:

a.       Sexual Abuse of Children is a horrendous crime against Children, their Families, the Church and Society.

b.       It is to be dealt with according to the requirements of civil criminal law and Canon Law.

c.       Accordingly once the existence of an offence has been verified by thorough investigation by independent investigators engaged by the Professional Conduct Committee, the matter is reported to the civil authorities, either the police, a Child Welfare Officer or a Social Worker, so that civil criminal action may take its course.

d.       Once civil action has been concluded the local Church submits the case to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF).

e.       Action determined by CDF is carried out.

BBC Radio 5 Live Interview

On Friday night at about 21h45 I received a request from BBC Radio to speak on the election of Pope Francis. As I had done more than a dozen times I agreed.

The interview conducted by Stephen Nolan for Radio 5 Live began with a general discussion of the Conclave, the atmosphere in the Sistine Chapel, etc. Then Stephen asked what Pope Francis needed to do about reforming the Church with particular reference to Sex Abuse of children. I accepted the question as I had done with other interviews.

I spoke about my own experience. In the early 1990’s expert medical opinion was that paedophilia was a condition that was treatable, even curable. Therefore offenders could return to ministry after treatment. With experience that medical opinion evolved to saying that while offenders could be treated, their condition was not curable; indeed even treatment was not always successful. Therefore return to ministry was not an option.

To illustrate the complexity of the issue, I raised the question of the offender who had himself been abused, and with one particular case in mind opined that he needed treatment rather than punishment. That’s when the wheels came off.

I now stand accused of saying that paedophilia is a mental condition or disorder and not a crime. At least twice I stated that I was not qualified to say what paedophilia is. I was afforded no time to explain that the priority of pastoral concern must always be for the victim. But that has been overlooked in the heat of the argument.

The point was and still is: Child Sexual Abuse is a heinous crime among other things because of the damage it does to the child. In that concern I  include the abused who has become an abuser.

Whether he needs medical help as much as, if not more than punishment, is a question that is still to be answered by medical experts? Does the damage suffered by the abused in any way affect his culpability before a court of law? Again only the experts can give us the answer. I am not qualified, but don’t I have the duty to ask on behalf of the abused abuser that he be given treatment even while inprison?

Subsequent to the show I called Stephen on Saturday without success. Eventually at about 23h30 someone from Radio 5 Live phoned to say I could go on the Show to clear the air. That was done, but not too successfully as the interview once again became an interrogation.

I asked to speak to a superior to complain formally about the deception of being asked to speak about the election when the agenda was Child Abuse. The senior editor Paul passed me on to Philo who gave me a chance to listen to the clip recorded earlier and make further clarifications.

While I issue this statement to give the background to the interview and also to what the Church is actually doing about Sexual Abuse of Children, I apologise sincerely and unreservedly to all who were offended by the botched interview, and especially to those who have been abused and need every help and support that the Church can give.

+ Wilfrid Cardinal Napier OFM

Archbishop of Durban