Whoopi Goldberg seen nodding in approval…
(Overland Literary Journal) — Let me begin with my position: I have no opinion on the allegations regarding Julian Assange. I do believe rape is unconditionally wrong. But what we are talking about in the Assange case are allegations, with the associated presumption of innocence. This is further complicated, however, as rape allegations are so rarely taken seriously by the state.
It has been disconcerting of late, since the allegations against Julian Assange surfaced, to read the internet, listen to the radio, watch Democracy Now!.
In one corner of the ring we have people — often men — taking the iniquitous approach of publishing intimate details of these sexual misconduct allegations and attempting to dismantle them one by one through their own, unflawed, privileged logic: champions for the new poster boy of the Left. Evidently, this is not only reserved for men; Naomi Wolf has taken a similar, equally presumptive stance, as well as implying that she knows the intimate life of Julian Assange.
The problem, as I see it, can be summarised like so:
- Rape is a crime of capitalism. It’s about power and dominance, and capitalism takes people’s power away. It is systemic.
- The state will do anything to hide its secrets — even using women as a political tool.
- WikiLeaks has done outstanding work; this is separate to the individual behaviours of Julian Assange.
- Just because you’re a woman, it doesn’t make you a feminist.
- The state currently has no interest in protecting women’s rights.
- We want a justice system that works for the people.
- Women are being used, as usual, for political purposes.
HT: Jay T.