November 19, 2003 Opinions ¢ the other press © Over the Rainbow Ashley Laughlin OP Contributor We are here, in college—an insti- tute of higher learning. Yet, it seems that one must still face dis- criminatory comments that can only be explained by the individu- als resolve to hang on to their igno- rance. I could see, in some areas not pertaining to the studies of human behaviour, there being some snide comments made in societal interactions. Though these would still be offensive, I could at least take solace in the belief that these comments were made by the uninformed, and uneducated. But when sitting in a sociology class, in which an entire chapter is devoted to the study of homosexu- ality, one is forced to realize that there are still those that choose to remain ignorant. In the face of years of scientific research there are still those who believe that, “The rise in AIDS cases over the years is because of the acceptance of gays. If we didn’t accept them, there wouldn't be so much AIDS.” Excuse me? Did I hear that right? Now, whether or not it is a choice or a sin can be passed off as a per- sonal belief, be it naive, still a per- sonal belief. But to scoff at years of research, to still believe in the year 2003 that aids is a “gay disease” is not only completely ignorant, but also unsafe. To believe that you are not at risk because you are straight is just dense. If anything, the belief that “it can not happen to me” is to blame. As if that was not enough of a reason to believe in one’s resolve to hang on to their ignorance, I was forced to hear how a select few in this class, believe that in the sphere of moral standards, lesbianism is as atrocious as alcoholism, and other forms of drug abuse. If one was to say the same about race or religious beliefs, it would be deemed horren- dous, but when dealing with sexual orientation it is okay? Somehow I do not see the difference—igno- rance is ignorance. Furthermore, I am not saying we all must believe the same, but if you do choose to hold views which may be deemed offensive, then please, at least have the courtesy to keep your comments in check when in a place such as a classroom or a workplace. And have the respect, that when someone does call you on your comments, not to revert back to a grade seven behav- iour level. When you pass notes, and whisper/point at this person while in class, all it does is show how immature one can be—and really, is that what we came to col- lege for? In the end, every- one has their own opinions, and I welcome anyone to tell me how they feel, be it praise or disgust, but please choose appropriate times. Want to comment? Contact Ashley Laughlin, Pride Liaison of the Douglas Students’ Union, local 18 of Canadian Federation of Students, phone: 604.527.5474, email: prideliaison@douglasstu- dentsunion.ca or drop by the Pride center, room 328 of the SUB, drop-in hours are posted on the door, and meetings are held Thursdays at 4:30. Maher Arar Got Screwed Simon Jester OP Contributor Thats the only conclusion available to Canadians. The RCMP have been associated with some less-than-ethical crap before, (remember Wiebo Ludwig?) but this is disgust- ing. Let’s assume the rumours from the US State Department and Bill Graham were true: Maher Arar is a member of al-Qaeda, and a legitimate terror suspect. He’s been living in Canada since he was 17 years old, so why wasn’t he arrested here? Why did he have to face “justice” in the US, without a deportation hearing in Canada? Why was he scooped up by US authorities, and then shipped off, not to his home country for trial, but to Syria?—one of the countries that the US has lately used in order to commit acts of torture. If he had committed crimes in the US, the RCMP should have arrested him here and deported him there, for a fair and free trial—not that with the current climate it would be possi- ble for him to get one. If he'd committed crimes here, he should have been brought up on charges, like any other citizen. Instead, according to Colin Powell, and US ambassador, Paul Cellucci, Canadian law enforcement agencies co-operating with the investigation said that they didn’t want Mr. Arar returned to Canada. Way to take responsibility, guys. Throughout his deportation procedures (not “hearing”) in the US, Arar wasn't allowed a lawyer. He apparently spoke to a Canadian diplomat, who assured him that he would not be deported, especially not to Syria. The US, knowing that Syria tortures its pris- oners, sent him off. But don’t blame the US— this has been policy for nearly two years now, and we shouldn't be surprised. But Canada stood by and watched, and no one spoke up for Maher Arar. More importantly no one said “Hey, let’s consider our moral character and our image abroad”—especially not Bill Graham. This is sick. Nobody wants this person here if he’s a terrorist. But who's proved that he is one? No one’s even said he’s still under investigation. He likely ought to be—but in Canada, as in every reasonable justice system worldwide, accu- sation doesn't equal proof. The problem is that Bill Graham and the Foreign Ministry, Wayne Easter and the Solicitor General’s office, and all of the RCMP apparatchiks on this side of the border are now doing exactly what they did back then—staying mum. Graham, you'll recall, stood by and let Saudi Arabia torture William Sampson. He's also said nothing about the fate of Abdullah Almalki— another Canadian being held in Syria. If Arar is a terrorist, let him face charges. But not in the dark, not in back rooms, not under torture. Justice must be clearly seen to be done! Any and all of the agencies above may be guilty of violating the Canadian constitution. The US is guilty of violating the UN agree- ments on torture, to which it is signatory, and the Prime Minister should immediately open a Parliamentary investigation into the conduct of these people. Or the RCMP could just rat them out when they go on their next trip south, and when they're found guilty, we can let the US ship ’em off to Syria. University College www.mala.ca http://www.otherpress.ca MALASPINA University-College 900 Fifth Street * Nanaimo, BC * V9R 585 Friendly atmosphere, scenic campus and Vancouver Island lifestyle make Malaspina University-College the Right Choice to complete your Bachelor's degree Apply now for Fall 2004 semester For information contact Advising ®* 250-740-6410 Page 11