Hmmm. America won't sign a women's rights treaty (CEDAW). We've got a woman Secretary of State (two times in a row!). Almost had a woman President or Vice-President. Must be a good reason. Ah, says here we're not the only ones: seven other countries think this treaty stinks. I betcha England or France is on there, which is probably why we don't like it. Let's see: Sudan, Somalia, Qatar, Iran, Nauru, Palau, and Tonga. Geez, none of these guys would get picked in sandlot softball! The most influential and powerful of the bunch is Iran. Must be some sorta outreach program. "See, Iran, we don't like women's rights over here, either. You wanna get rid of those nukes? And how 'bout treating Israel a little better". Reminds me of a song by one of my favorite groups, Queen. "Take care of those you call your own, and keep good company":
10 comments:
Ouch! I'm sure it's a good song, but I can't get over that bubble-gummy sound, kinda tough on the ear cavities!
that said, like you I suspect a "Trick or Treaty" here.
We're just trying to lighten the world mood by being wacky and unpredictable!
... on the video of the family barbecue, nice! (and hey there, Mr. Green Thumb, nice lawn!)
Ange, the song is better in the context of the album, A Night at the Opera, which included Bohemian Rhapsody, and a couple of songs, like Death on Two Legs, that rocked. I've always been a fan of properly placed "camp". I like Good Company, but not Neil Diamond's "Heartlight", because I'm pretty sure Queen were (was?) kidding and Neil wasn't (and you know I like Neil).
Yeah, Chase, it's bad. The house is, actually, generally clean these days, but falling apart. The yard? Well, we don't have a homeowner's association, so... (neighbor John has offered to let me borrow his mower. Sadly, I don't seem to have any actual grass to cut).
I like the point made in the article that Saudi Arabia is a signatory to the treaty. Afghanistan under the Taliban was too. And don't forget those human rights champions China and North Korea.
Afghanistan's inclusion in the treaty didn't come until after we invaded it, according to the Amnesty International article linked in the post (well, the 2002 article said Afghanistan was, with the US, one the few holdouts, so the Taliban couldn't've been the ones to vote for it). Yeah, some "bad eggs" have also signed on, but- except for us- all of the "good guy" countries have signed up.
And, John, I'm surprised you made no mention of the kitteh about two minutes into the video.
Is this a binding treaty or just another exercise in good intentions?
Don't know what kind of teeth are in it. The Amnesty International article provides that all of the provisions within the Treaty must be passed by the Congress to have any effect in America. I suppose what bugs me about our reluctance to ratify this thing is the messages it sends to the rest of the world: we don't care what it looks like, we don't care what you want; we'll use the world community when it suits our ends, otherwise, screw you. Can't blame W either; this Treaty has been around since the end of the Carter Administration.
Don't know what kind of teeth are in it.
So what's your point, then? If you don't even know the effect of signing the treaty, what is your reason for supporting it?
The only reason that I've seen so far is that all the cool kids are doing it.
Sometimes, symbolism is reality. We didn't support the Equal Rights Amendment; we don't support this. 'Course, I haven't heard anything from any women on this issue. Maybe you're right; maybe it isn't important.
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