Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
CHARADE WATCH: Thanks, But No Thanks Secretary Panetta .. Our Works Not Done
This evening, Secretary of Defense Panetta announced yet another set of sweeping changes designed to stave the epidemic of sexual assaults. None of these changes include removing the victim and reporting of the crime outside of the chain of command. Herein, is my response, as written in response to a Service Womens Action Network's posting of the event. Thank you to SWAN for putting your best foot forward every day in the fight to end this epidemic.
Thank you to SWAN for doing the good you can do. But enough is enough when it comes to accepting the Department of Defense rejection of the STOP Act.
But, I believe all survivors need to stand together to continue to demand the progressive change that the STOP Act insures. We already know what the DoD will tolerate, and permit, when we are not looking! It’s time we balance the scales with this innovative legislation.
After 25 years, and 16 sum hearings, almost half a million survivors, this peace meal bartering in the 11th hour is not acceptable.
But even with these new changes it is clear, victims will be still trapped in a dangerous culture, until reporting of sexual violence, and the victims, are removed from the military chain of command, by a separate investigative body composed of military and civilian experts. It’s time for DoD leadership to acknowledge, criminal justice for rape victims within a society whose mission is based on giving one's very life in service, is a contradiction.
The UCMJ is not a fitting framework in which to process these sexual crimes to protect, especially, women, at this point in military history.
The problems relating to sexual violence cannot be undone with a shuffling of the cards, a redefining of the current rules. We need new rules. We need an outside the box approach to dissolving this epidemic. We need it now. Because generations upon generations of servicemembers have had their misogynistic views upheld, and reinforced, through policies like combat exclusion, false reporting mythology, mishandling of evidence, lack of prosecution, and allowance of retribution and retaliation against those who have the courage to report sexual violence.
Victims are reporting that the least of their troubles is the violent sexual offense. Lives, post rape, are being ruined. Stories of mental health practitioners assigning errant personality disorder diagnosis to ailing, traumatized, ostracized victims are unacceptable. Shuffling the victims out of the military is not diminishing the truth of the peril our most junior female servicemembers are in.
The truth is, military mindset indicates the individual's needs, and integrity, are counter intuitive to mission accomplishment. Under yet another set of "sweeping changes," I believe leaders will now be even more pressured to cover up these crimes, and find fault with the victim. The DoD is welcome to hold any leader accountable it deems necessary. But, DoD leaders are still not taking accountability, and they continue to spin this problem in the way of minimizing and characterizing the data, instead of simply being accountable. Its time for the DoD to admit, the real source of this epidemic, is that the theory behind the function of the UCMJ is counterintuitive to protecting servicemembers civil rights among the ranks.
It is time for the DoD to show this nation that it can drastically reduce the numbers of rape, assault, and the prevalance of victim blaming. But then and only then, can we begin to heal, and repair the damage that has been done. Once again, this is a shuffling of the same cards. Stop the CHARADE.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
LRHP Countdown: Day 92 Soul Filled Sunday
Super Soul Sundays on the Oprah Winfrey Network are a highlight of my week.
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.
Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.
Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!
My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."
And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.
No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.
I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.
If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3
Just like many people who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, I have an
aversion to attending church, or even discussing God. Where once I would
chase down books on the Saints and Martyrs, today, the inspiration of the
spirit is not even felt. I miss the time when I did "feel it." Many times through
out my journey, I have taken ten steps back in order to take five steps forward.
Resorting to television for spiritual nourishment, is one such instance. But I
know if I envision a time when I can once again participate in a religious
setting, it will come to pass.
Today, one of Oprah's guru's discusses stories. My story of rape, assault,
harassment, and victimization has been with me for a long while. In many ways
it's manifested again, and again. And I'm very ready for that to cease to be
the truth. This ride is my effort to get unstuck. To, take "massive action" as
explained by Anthony Robbins, the life coach, and behavior expert. My ride
signifies action, instead of reaction; manifestation, instead of infestation!
My mantra is, "what will I tell my sons that I did with my time, while we
were apart?" As is pointed out in today's show on OWN, "what did you
ask for?" And to that I say, "I asked to be a mother." And, "what did you get?"
I answer, "I got two beautiful little boys, who I love more than life itself."
And with them, came a set of less than ideal circumstances and responsibilities.
My prayer is that I have the evidence I need, when the time comes for me to
explain, that I am their mother, no one else. Even though my job as their mother
required me to send them to someone whom, at the time, I felt could protect
them better than I could, that that did not negate the fact the I am their mother.
No matter what anyone tells you ... I am YOUR mother. And even though,
people let us down, caused us to be apart, and broke our hearts.
We are still a family.
I am riding to build more momentum toward them, to get to them, on every
level. To be at the ready, healthy, vital, and able, to receive them, despite the
obstacles, despite our nay sayers. As long as I am able, and alive, I will be their
mother, and do whatever I'm called to do as a mother. If I'm sick, I'll get better.
If I'm poor, I'll find the resources needed, any way I know how.
Did you get what you asked for in life? And how are you handling your
answered prayers? Blessings to you my friend, no matter how unexpected life
has turned out to be. I promise you, it'll be worth the ride, if you hang on long
enough, to make it up that hill, just over yonder <3
Friday, April 13, 2012
LRHP Count Down: Day 94 A Beautiful Day
It's about 70 degrees and sunny in Upstate New York!
The human body is just amazing. One day of recuperation
is all that's needed. I'd been needing two full days. Now,
just my arches hurt. Sometimes I walk the entire nine-miles
on pavement, and sometimes I go "G.I Jane" *laugh out loud *
and hike on the grass. I like the instability of walking on grass
over nine-miles because I believe it works out my ankles
and calves more. I'm trying to put myself through as much
pain as possible now!
Well, o.k. I'm sure that it will barely diminish the pain and exhaustion
I'm going to experience on the road. But its worth a shot, right?
Truly. I thoroughly enjoy these longs walks. If I didn't have
this new goal, of biking cross country, I'd be tucked safely
away in my house not enjoying all the universe has to offer.
Since, my assault in October 2004, the events of my life
have rendered me a kin to the shiney black mole who pops
up to get hammered during whack a mole. Staying in doors,
looking after my mother has been the escape.
When I took mom in from the independent living program
for the mentally ill, I felt I was confronting something.
Now that we have uncovered most of her medical needs,
I feel I'm retreating from life.
On this beautiful day, I shall not retreat! I will forge
forward down the lanes of my beloved hometown
as I bask in the sunshine of this fine spring day!
The human body is just amazing. One day of recuperation
is all that's needed. I'd been needing two full days. Now,
just my arches hurt. Sometimes I walk the entire nine-miles
on pavement, and sometimes I go "G.I Jane" *laugh out loud *
and hike on the grass. I like the instability of walking on grass
over nine-miles because I believe it works out my ankles
and calves more. I'm trying to put myself through as much
pain as possible now!
Well, o.k. I'm sure that it will barely diminish the pain and exhaustion
I'm going to experience on the road. But its worth a shot, right?
Truly. I thoroughly enjoy these longs walks. If I didn't have
this new goal, of biking cross country, I'd be tucked safely
away in my house not enjoying all the universe has to offer.
Since, my assault in October 2004, the events of my life
have rendered me a kin to the shiney black mole who pops
up to get hammered during whack a mole. Staying in doors,
looking after my mother has been the escape.
When I took mom in from the independent living program
for the mentally ill, I felt I was confronting something.
Now that we have uncovered most of her medical needs,
I feel I'm retreating from life.
On this beautiful day, I shall not retreat! I will forge
forward down the lanes of my beloved hometown
as I bask in the sunshine of this fine spring day!
*** Public Announcement ***
Warning--any person and/or institution and/or Agent and/or Agency of any governmental structure including any city, county or state, the United States Federal Government and/or any other govermenntal body of the world also using or monitoring/using this website or any of its associated websites, you do NOT have my permission to utilize any of my profile information nor any of the content contained herein including, but not limited to my photos, and/ or the comments made about my photo's or any other "picture" art posted on my profile. You are hereby notified that you are strictly prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing, disseminating, or taking any other action against me with regard to this profile and the contents herein. The foregoing prohibitions also apply to your employee(s), agent(s), student(s) or any personnel under your direction or control. The contents of this profile are private and legally privileged and confidential information, and the violation of my personal privacy is punishable by law.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Calling All MST Survivors
We are seeking anyone whose been a survivor of military sexual harrassment, assault or rape to please sign this letter which thanks the 120 legislators who have signed onto the STOP Act legislation (See link in the Learn Section of this blog to the right). Also, this letter calls on all legislators to sign onto this act. Under the STOP Act, the investigation, prosecution and victim care associated with MST is taken from the normal chain of command and placed under the authority of an independent body of military and civilian experts. More than 19,000 servicemembers are estimated to have been impacted by MST in 2011, there have been 17 hearings over the past 25 years, and still no effective changes have been made. Rapists are still prosecuted at an alarmingly low rate, even fewer are convicted, while victims are being left to their own devices to defend themselves and their welfare. It's time we help our brothers and sisters in arms to get out from under the trauma that occurs AFTER an assault or rape occurs. The time to act is NOW!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)