The Khmer Rouge Tribunal: What a joke!

The Khmer Rouge Trial  (you can access the English version here) that is underway in Cambodia has recently detained many people suspected of crimes against humanity and war crimes. One of those people is torture leader Duch. Apparently, he has been detained by police since 1999 and has since been held in prison in Cambodia. Now that he is finally appearing before court, his defence lawyers are seeking bail on the foundation that his human rights have been violated as a result of his long detention in prision while awaitng trial. He is set to appear…Wait a sec. Did I read that right? He wants to talk about human rights violation? Seriously? He, who has tortured and killed almost 1.7 million Cambodians during a few short years, wants to talk about human rights violation? You gotta be kidding, right?
No, it’s no joke. Well, the idea itself is a joke, but I’m not kidding you. It’s true.

His defense lawyers argued that Duch’s human rights were being violated by his long detention and he should be freed on bail…

But his prosecutors are saying Duch is:

 …a “flight risk” and urged the court to keep him behind bars - for his own safety and in the interest of public order.
If Duch were released he could be harmed both by “accomplices wishing to silence him and by the relatives of victims seeking revenge,” Robert Petit, a prosecutor from Canada, told the court.
Petit added that “the entire public order (could) be jeopardized” if the aging Khmer Rouge official were freed.

 Well, duh. A man who is being put on trial for what he and the rest of the world knows is a serious offence is hardly going to stick around for everyone to discover the truth, now is he?
Another point, the families of those who he has murdered is most likely going to want some revenge, right? Hell, I sure would. So, I think the prosecutors have a point. No bail should be granted. It would be a stupid thing to do and it’s just simply not fair.

For him to claim that his human rights have been violated really makes me see red. He believes that during the Khmer Rouge regime he simply had to follow orders otherwise he, too, would die. What a  load of crap. You can follow orders, but you needn’t kill 1.7 million of your fellow countrymen! Ladies and gentleman, that to me, is not called following orders. To suggest such a ludicrous idea, makes me believe that perhaps there is no punishment suited better to this man than the death penalty (despite my severe aversion to the idea).

The idea of justice in some cases such as this, is merely an illusion. Justice can never be done. People who have died cannot live again. People who have had families exterminated cannot bring them back to life. People who have survived can never escape their nightmares. So what is this justice that they are seeking? It is nothing more than an illusive dream.
The perpetrators of these crimes are in their old age. Just look at the leader himself, Pol Pot. He lived to the ripe old age of eighty something. He died in his sleep, as peacefully as they come. The other perpetrators are well in their sixties and seventies, what purpose is their prosecuting them? Certainly, not in order to obtain justice. Definitely not. They have lived their lives. They have propsered, they have had the chance to do all the things in their lives that none of their victims could. That is not justice.

Perhaps the media simply uses the term justice for a better lack of word. But justice just seems to make a mockery of the whole ordeal. Perhaps they are simply trying to bring closure to all people involved. Perhaps it is not justice that they seek, but truth.

Stem cell debate: What’s all the fuss about?

I’ve never really understood why some people are against the idea of stem cell research. Is it the possibility of saving so many lives that people are against? Embryonic stem cell has been an issue of hot debate for the last many years and, I, for one, do not understand why people aren’t jumping up and down giving a thumbs up. Seriously, I don’t understand.
There was an article in today’s paper about the use of skin cells instead of embryos to further the current research. Apparently, it’s  a way to tip toe around the issue of using embryonic cells. Well, I’m sure people have many reasons as to why they oppose the idea, but surely the possible advantages outweighs its disadvantages? Surely?

Is it not a good thing that science can potentially have the ability to find new cures? Clearly, I’m the only one that is befuddled here.
More research is underway. It’s just a topic to keep in mind and think about. I shall post more on this later.

Love – why it’s good and bad

Often we are lead to believe that love is a positive emotion. Most of the time, it is. Nevertheless, love is not always good for you. I propose that love can be good and bad.

A man who has been smoking for nearly all of his life, loves his cigarettes, correct? But his love for cigarettes and smoking alike are not good for him. Why?
As well all know, cigarettes have the potential to cause serious harm to your health and well-being. So why does he still smoke? Well, apart from the fact that he doesn’t care about his own health or the health of others, and aside from the fact that tobacco is an addictive substance, he continues to smoke because he enjoys it. For whatever reasons that he seeked smoking initially, he continues to do so because he…dare I say it? He loves smoking.

An obese woman who knows eating junk food is dangerous to her health continues to do so because she loves food. Aside from the fact that she might, and probably does, have self-esteem issues and so forth, she loves eating. But she knows it has the potential to put her six feet under in no time, she still continues to do so because of her love for food and eating.

These are bad love.

So, what’s good love, I hear you ask? A child’s love of learning. A parent and child’s love for each other. A husband and wife who’s been married for 45 years and can still remember the first time they made love (not necessarily for that reason, but you can put whatever reason you wish) is a good type of love.

Sometimes, it’s difficult to distinguish good from bad. Hence, why we have teenage girls falling pregnant while still in school and the father has long run off. And why we have women who stay in abusive relationships. Bad love.
Perhaps, its a combination of addiction and blindness. Addiction to something that’s bad for us, while at the same time blind to that addiction. Hmm…Possible.

We can only hope, and if possible, try to make conscious decisions to choose the right type of love. Preferrably, the good type.
Cigarettes, anyone? No? How about cake?

Love for sale

Recently, I stumbled upon a website for the The Center of Social Development program run in Cambodia. I’d have to say that it impressed me somewhat, in both content and presentation. It seems to be fairly well run and there’s not a grammatical or spelling error to be had in sight. An amazing fete in itself.
I was particularly impressed with their Voice of Justice program, a sort of outreach program aimed to teach Cambodians of the nature of justice and that perhaps it does exist in Cambodia. All hope is not lost yet, people.

I was extremely impassioned by an article written by the executive director, Theary C. Seng, on the ever present issue of prostitution and women’s rights. As most will know, or those that are familiar with the country, prostitution is a major issue within the country. The original article can be found here.
Ms. Seng’s article moved me deeply, but it’s not something that I haven’t heard or seen before. It’s an issue that concerns me as much as Ms. Seng.  In her article, she suggested that an ideal Khmer woman:

…need not be the deferential, submissive, homely, soft-spoken, well-mannered, long-haired, almond-eyed Asian mannequin of society.

Well, done. I couldn’t agree more. Undoubtedly, this definition of a woman should not, and does not apply merely to Khmer women, but all women in general.
Women in Cambodian society are so suppressed, their very freedom is hinged upon their male guardian. This may be their father or their husband, perhaps in some cases also their brothers.
Now, as a young woman living in the twenty first century, enjoying all of the ideals and freedom affordable by living in a developed country, I find this issue difficult to swallow.

It saddens me that young girls are selling their bodies in order for their family to survive, or in cruel cases, where families sell their daughters to better their life. What kind of world is this? What happened to equality for women? What happened to women’s right? Somewhere along the line, the movement that brought about change to women’s rights, somehow missed little Cambodia. It merely skimmed over the country, leaving a legacy of abuse to continue.

But in a culture where men keep many wives and mistresses, it seems that society has accepted its fate. With power there is always corruption, powerful men will corrupt. Consequently, in a country where men have the upper hand, a woman’s life may depend on a man’s mercy. Sometimes, it is dangerous to refuse. There is a fine line that khmer women tread. To be caught involved with another woman’s husband will usually lead to acid-attacks upon her person. On the other hand, to refuse the man, she may find herself dead in a vengeful attack of a lover spurned. Dilemma?

Since when did Cambodia start accepting the idea of 60-year old men with 16-year old girls? It sickens me to think about it. It’s cruel to destroy a young girl’s life by subjecting her to the sex trade. I don’t condone it and I never will.
The sad truth is that even though media reports of caucasian men abusing young khmer girls, the fact of the matter is that most abuse is done by Cambodian men.

But in a situation such as this, everyone is a victim. Khmer women must find the strength to stand up for themselves. They need to make a stand, however difficult it is. There must be change, however slow. Men need to change their attitude towards women. We have desires, emotions and needs, too. It is a long road to change, but the first steps must be, will be, and are being made. There is hope still.

Putting Cambodia on the world map

A little background and history
Located in South-East Asia, surrounded by Thailand, Laos and Vietnam and facing the Gulf of Thailand is a small country that might otherwise be forgotten.
Cambodia.

This small country is not particularly known to the Western World. In fact, I have come across individuals who have asked me “What’s Cambodia?” Clueless.
But this small country has been through so much hell that its little wonder that it hasn’t just given up and vanished.
Its neighbour, Vietnam, is more well known in global communities. The Americans involvement in the Vietnam War put Vietnam on the map in no time. However, it is estimated that almost two million people died in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime when Pol Pot ruled the country. But no one knows about it. Well, who needs to know about Cambodia? After all, the US were never involved in it. Apart from the fact that they drobbed bombs on the country!
During the war, Cambodia practically disappeared off the map. No one has ever heard of little Cambodia. When asked about whether they have heard of the country, most will reply “Oh yeah, Cambodia. Right. I’ve seen that movie! The Killing Fields, right?”
Idiots.

My Adventures to Cambodia
During the course of many years, I have visited Cambodia in total of three times. Each of which has been a vast learning experience for me. Next month, I’m planning another trip over there. As you will soon discover, a lot of my weblog will be dedicated to this country close to my heart.
This country never fails to amaze me. From its corruption infested officials to the glories of the Angkor Wat, I find that each time I am there, I am humbled.

My next adventure there will last three months. I’m quite excited. I plan to go traveling around the country, from dirt covered province to dirt covered province. Perhaps there I shall report back on the interesting finds that I come across. Oh, the stories you’ll be hearing! I’m excited just thinking about it.

Perhaps what Cambodia needs is a fan. I intend to be that fan. Maybe I shall find other fans, and together we will rule the country and begin our reign of world domination!
Or not. One can dream. No?
I’ll leave you with this idylic photo of Cambodia to soften your heart

Oh, Angkor, when will you see your former glory days again? Perhaps when all those who leech onto you are D-E-A-D (that spells dead, by the way).

Federal Election: Australia’s search for its next PM

After more than a decade in power, the current Australian government stands to lose its long running title. In less than three weeks, the Australian people will head to the polls to vote for its new leader. The ad campaigns are in full force, so much that you cannot even glance at anything, anwhere, without your eyeballs hitting one advertisment or another. We even have whole newspaper sections dedicated to the upcoming elections. While this onslaught and bombardment of repetitive ad cycle continues, there really is no point in buying a newspaper.

What are our options? Well, standing in one corner we have good ol’ Johnny Howard. He is the current PM. He’s been in power for so long that people are starting nasty rumours that he’s getting too old for the top position. According to some, he’s ‘too old and sneaky’. Hmm. Old and sneaky? Of all the nasty names they could come up with, that’s the best they’ve got? Luckily for Johnny, he hasn’t had too much bad press coverage about him. I can’t say the same for the leader of the opposition. Ha.

Kevin Rudd is our running contestant for the top job. Now, I happen to like Mr Rudd. That’s not to say that my vote will go to him nor does it imply that it will go to Johnny Howard. But the problem I have with Mr Rudd is that he looks too much like a grandpa. That’s right, you heard me. He looks like a sweet grandpa who should be at home with his grandkids. Do you honestly believe that a guy who looks like that should be running the country?

Perhaps I’m being too harsh. After all, one must not judge a book by its covers, right? Well, Mr Rudd has many other covers to be judged by. Recently, old footages of him picking his ear waxing it and then eating it was released to the media. I kid you not, folks. Is this the man who will be our next leader? Perhaps we was hungry? Goodness me. 

I favour neither candidates. Maybe I’ll just cast a dud vote. Yeah, that’s right. I’ll vote for the Greens!

Hello, WordPress!

Introductions are in order, I believe.
I am an individual living in the not-so-tiny island of Australia. This is not my first webblog and I don’t believe it will be my last either. But perhaps it will be my first attempt at serious blogging. Serious blogging can be defined as (in my dictionary anyway) blogging that does not consist of either of the following:
* random and endless snapshots of one’s head and face (or any other parts of one’s body)
* detailed rantings of why the girlfriend/boyfriend failed to call last night or why they failed to do anything for that matter
* emotional writing
I’m human, of course. So if I let loose an emotional tear now and then, please refrain from sending angry letters.

I am an amateur writer. Ok, ok I confess! I’m merely a wannabe writer. Is that so wrong? I need somewhere to freely (and creatively?) express myself. Long have I been tainted and tarnished by the world of social network sites such as xanga and myspace. Don’t get me wrong, they have their place in this vast world of cyberspace. One does need a place to vent and be emotional sometimes when the world just gets too much. Hang on, do we really? Hmm…
Moving along, I’m in search of a higher experience. One that challenges me as a writer and one that provides me with the space to experiment. Ok, so you’re thinking ‘what the heck? It’s just a goddamn blog!’
Ahh but that’s where you’re wrong, my friends. It’s not just a blog. It’s so much more than that. It’s a place where I can…it’s where we…I…its where…Ok! Ok! It’s just a blog, I admit it! But hopefully, it’s a place where I can learn to improve my writing and learn to sever myself from the inherent cyber language that shrouds the world wide web.
No more shall words (are they even really words?) such as lol, or cya or even the good ol’ hahaha be allowed to reside within the confines of my vocabulary. Well, at least not on this weblog anyway. Unless of course, the occasion warrants such extreme abuse of the English language. And maybe except for the occasional hahaha. I quite like that word. 

Thus, introductions and salutations have been appropriately made. I hope. Let us take a positive step towards better writing! (take the damn step, will ya?(No! I used a forbidden word. Damn. Can parentheses be used within another parentheses? Hmm.))

To better writing!

Update: After my first post, I received two encouraging comments from fellow bloggers. Fancy that! On my very first day blogging. So thanks guys!