#Nameit #Shameit

Yesterday, the Twitter-verse was stunned to see Calgary Centre North MP Michelle Rempel attacked by misogynist comments.  She wrote: 

Michelle Rempel, MP‏@MichelleRempel

I gave you Exhibit A on why more women don't run for office, I now give u Exhibit B (see reply thread, NSFW) #sexism #shameit cc @CdnIssues

Remember when this sorry episode was taking place a few months ago involving the son of the Ward 1 Councillor?:  http://bcblue.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/viciousness-of-municipal-politics-shown-in-newmarket-ontario-with-vile-attacks-on-female-councilor/

I am not writing this to expose the neanderthals that still roam the Internet spouting sexism, racism, and all other sorts of pathological anti-social viewpoints.  We all know they exist.  MP Rempel is quite correct when she writes that we must expose (via #nameit #shameit) the legions of numskulls which includes the likes of @CdnIssues, @vegha0535, and @dunkie69er amongst others.

I am much more interested by the attention (or lack thereof) by some members of the media, community leaders, etc.  For example, on the positive side, Sun TV anchor David Akin (@davidakin) voiced his strong support of Michelle Rempel.  That is the right thing for any human being (regardless of gender) to do. 

On the negative side, while @dunkie69er used language such as (* used by me to blunt the offensiveness of his actual words): "ret*rd". "b*tch". "wh*re", "c*nt", "moron", "Really hope your dad stomps all over on that wh*re", and "coma inducing trauma", Newmarket Era Editor could not find anything repulsive in those words and refused to condemn them.  I know this because I personally tweeted her and asked her to speak up.  @dlkyorkeditor was more interested in knowing why I blog under a pseudonym than she was in standing up for women's rights to participate in public office. 

Also on that list of people who refused to condemn these words include: MP Lois Brown, MPP Frank Klees, Liberal leadership hopeful Kathleen Wynne, Newmarket Mayor Tony Van Bynen,  Councillor Tom Vegh (the "dad" referred to in the tweet who continues to sit as 'proud member of Newmarket's Inclusivity Advisory Committee'), and others, as mentioned in my earlier blog here:    http://newmarkettownhallwatch.blogspot.ca/2012/08/these-are-your-community-leaders.html

I am sick and tired of the media, politicians and other community leaders who just don't get it.  Therefore I am going to follow MP Rempel's advice.  #Nameit #Shameit.