Help the Guilty, Forget the Victim

http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/World/2010/08/18/15062266.html

I read this story today about two 11 year old boys who attempted to rape an 8 year old girl. That got me angry enough, but then I thought a little more about the article.

Quote:

Sentencing them to three-year supervision orders, the judge Justice Saunders said: “I do not accept that what happened was a game but I do accept that you did not realize how serious what you were doing was.”

He said that to impose any sort of custodial sentence would be “counter-productive” and not in the best interests of the boys, the Press Association reported.

Okay, I get that rehabilitating these kids, especially at this age, is the way to go. I don't really have a problem with that, though there should be some punishment to go with the rehabilitation.

Quote:
“Because you are so young, the court is mainly concerned with doing what is best for you with the aim of ensuring that you do not do anything like it again. That means you must be helped to understand the seriousness of what happened.”

So here we are, talking about what is best for the boys who attempted to rape this little girl. The judge then comments that he is not forgetting her and says the following.

Quote:
“Everyone will sympathize with her for what she has gone through. Not only what happened to her as the victim of these offences, but also to have to give evidence about them.

“I hope that she will be given all the help that she undoubtedly deserves to get over her experiences. I very much hope that she and her family will not be forgotten by the authorities.”

So here we have two attackers and a victim. The attackers are given court ordered supervision to look out for their best interests. The victim will "hopefully get help". How about the boys' families being ordered to pick up the tab for that poor girls therapy, or whatever means she needs to recover from such an attack?

Unbelievable. Court ordered best interests of the attacker, and nothing but a best wishes to the victim. Absolutely terrible.

Canadian Television

I read an article today about Alberta's Culture Minister making comments that "Canadian TV is crap".

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/story/2010/06/16/calgary-blackett-banff-television-comments-backlash.html?ref=fh,www.mymanitoba.com

He's taking a lot of flack for it, but honestly, I can't really say that I disagree with him (before he backpedaled). When I think of good Canadian programming (excluding sports coverage, which is excellent), I have trouble thinking of a lot of candidates. The ones that come to mind are:

Corner Gas
Canada's Worst Driver/Handyman
Battle of the Blades
Dragon's Den

Honorable mentions to programs that have been out of production for a few years - Royal Canadian Air Farce, the Red Green Show, The Littlest Hobo, and old school Degrassi

I really can't think of any other Canadian programs I really enjoy watching, to be honest. I think one of our problems is Canadian programming has to feature the best Canadian for the job. Compare that to the United States, where it's not the best American for the job, it's the best person for the job, period.

I have to wonder if we cut down on the Canadian quotas (for crew, actors, etc) in our television and film industry, if that would in fact strengthen what we have.

Robert Munsch

It has come out in the news over the last couple of days that children's author Robert Munsch has been battling drug and alcohol addictions; he announced now that he is 4 months clean and sober.

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/05/18/munsch-support.html?ref=fh,www.mymanitoba.com

The article I've linked to above talks about the positive feedback Munsch has received for coming clean on his addiction, and how most people are being very forgiving and understanding.

While I'm glad to hear he is 4 months sober, I do have to wonder though at the acceptance he is receiving. Robert Munsch is a children's entertainer, through his books and the tours he goes on. As a children's entertainer, whether he intended to be or not, he is a role model for young kids.

I have to wonder if people would be as accepting if it came out that a school teacher was battling drugs and alcohol. Would that teacher, who is also a role model to children, get such acceptance? Or would they get run out of town? Is Munsch's celebrity the reason he is receiving accolades for revealing his struggle?