The Incredible Sexist Idiocy of General Tom Lawson

I've never had much time for Gen. Tom Lawson, our country's top soldier.

I believe he has helped turn our military into Harper's Army. And has not done enough to fight this hideous problem.

The Canadian Armed Forces perpetuates a sexualized military culture that is hostile to women and gay members, and harassment and assault are often tolerated by senior officers, according to a report released Thursday.

But this is the absolute limit. 



Sexual harassment is still an issue in the Canadian Forces because people are "biologically wired in a certain way," Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Tom Lawson said Tuesday, drawing outrage from opposition politicians and on social media.

"Much as we would very much like to be absolutely professional in everything we do, and I think by and large we are, there will be situations and have been situations where, largely, men will see themselves as able to press themselves onto our women members.

Because firstly it helps explain why the military has been dragging its feet for so long, even though they have known about the problem for years.

And it will not give women who serve with distinction in the Canadian forces any confidence that anything will ever be done to correct it.



And secondly, does Lawson seriously believe that men are "biologically wired" to do this? 

Participants reported of dubious relationships between lower rank women and higher rank men, and date rape. In extreme cases, sexual violence was used to enforce power relationships and to punish and ostracize a member of a unit. 

The use of the word “cunt” is commonplace, and rape jokes are tolerated.

Or this?

Male victims of sexual assault are even less likely than women to report what happened to them. Deschamps heard stories about violent sexual attacks involving men, including gang rape. The report found that male victims may be afraid of being seen as weak, or potentially as gay in a culture that continues to have “strains of homophobia,” which prevents them reporting the crime.

Because if he does he must be out of his mind. And has in addition to everything else insulted every decent male in this country.

Because while I will admit that many men, including myself, are wired to do stupid things like fight too easily. And that is something I have had to struggle to overcome when confronted by bullies or bigots.

My list of male stupidities, and those of every male I know, straight or gay, doesn't include sexual assault or rape.

And so outrageous is Lawson's suggestion, that this belated apology is worth NOTHING. 

"I apologize for my awkward characterization, in today's CBC interview, of the issue of sexual misconduct in the Canadian Armed Forces. Sexual misconduct in any form, in any situation is clearly unacceptable," the statement said. "My reference to biological attraction being a factor in sexual misconduct was by no means intended to excuse anyone from responsibility for their actions."

And he should resign immediately.

And while we're at it, so should his boss Jason Kenney, for having remained silent about the problem for so long. 

Which as I have pointed out before speaks volumes about him...



A Canadian army that doesn't reflect our values is not a Canadian army as far as I'm concerned.

The Cons have corrupted everything they touch.

We need to declare war on sexual violence in this country.

And the day we take our country back, we'll take our army back as well...

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