Again, when someone says they'll do something, at the absolute least I'd expect that they make the effort to TRY. That having been said, I've spent a great deal of time and effort trying to make my voice heard, my issues know and awareness spread about exactly how serious an issue that military rape really is. Many good people, cyber-friends and personal friends, and even a few family members, have been helping me gather information about this subject for the purpose of trying to make a difference in the outcome of the decision of wether or not the Military Justice Improvement Act ever gets passed. I WANT for this to work out, because the thought of another Soldier/Marine/Airman/Sailor experiencing anything like what I had been through, though in reality it often amounts to far worse, fucking infuriates me. Any regular to my blog has a pretty good idea how important this is to me.
But that's not all that's got me very upset: I've been publicly decrying this manner of horrific violence since I hung up my Uniform last summer, I've come across quite a few organizations and figure-heads whom, at least on the surface, claim advocacy and a voice for women and men who were assaulted and/or harassed while serving in the American Armed Forces. I've written to damn near every single one of them that I've ever heard about.
Most of them never even bothered to respond at all.
Before I proceed, know this: I am not accusing anyone of fraud, at least not all of those. I can understand a Senator having far more on their plate than a run-of-the-mill journalist. But any organization that touts 'a voice for survivors' could at least expend the courtesy of a confirmation e-mail, takes about a minute to come up with something simple and professional with which to answer somebody, so from where I'm standing the lack of support from some of these "voices" is puzzling and at worst inexcusable.
THESE people have taken the time to hear me and/or help me be heard.
The Herd Mentality Podcast
Atheist Hangouts (with David Viviano)
SGT Skeptic Podcast
26,000 Letter Project
THESE people haven't (and for some, it's literally been MONTHS)
Women Veterans Foundation
S.W.A.N. (Service Women's Action Network)
Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers
My Duty to Speak
Protect Our Defenders
Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
A particular journalist from The Raw Story
Military Justice for All
... there have of course been more, but as you can surely understand as to why, the mere fact that some of these are even on the list at all is very surprising and kind of alarming to me. Really? I can't necessarily make any claims that "It's because I'm an atheist, isn't it?" partly because MAAF is in there as well but I also have no proof that THAT'S specifically the reason. But why else a group of large-scale assistance organizations wouldn't even give me the time of day, forget so much as an instant message or an e-mail, is very disconcerting indeed. I think that if you're going to take the time and effort to create a network of people who "care" about the rights of survivors and actually preventing and prosecuting rape, one would at least have the decency to respond in some way, even if it's just to say "I'm a bit busy at the moment, but I'll get back to you soon." This is supposed to be an issue of justice, compassion and "care", so if you don't care then it's time to hang it up and go home: You don't belong here.
As usual, if anything changes, I'll do my best to keep people posted.
Thanks again for listening to me rant, this has been exhausting but I'm very grateful for your help.
But that's not all that's got me very upset: I've been publicly decrying this manner of horrific violence since I hung up my Uniform last summer, I've come across quite a few organizations and figure-heads whom, at least on the surface, claim advocacy and a voice for women and men who were assaulted and/or harassed while serving in the American Armed Forces. I've written to damn near every single one of them that I've ever heard about.
Most of them never even bothered to respond at all.
Before I proceed, know this: I am not accusing anyone of fraud, at least not all of those. I can understand a Senator having far more on their plate than a run-of-the-mill journalist. But any organization that touts 'a voice for survivors' could at least expend the courtesy of a confirmation e-mail, takes about a minute to come up with something simple and professional with which to answer somebody, so from where I'm standing the lack of support from some of these "voices" is puzzling and at worst inexcusable.
THESE people have taken the time to hear me and/or help me be heard.
The Herd Mentality Podcast
Atheist Hangouts (with David Viviano)
SGT Skeptic Podcast
26,000 Letter Project
THESE people haven't (and for some, it's literally been MONTHS)
Women Veterans Foundation
S.W.A.N. (Service Women's Action Network)
Military Association of Atheists & Freethinkers
My Duty to Speak
Protect Our Defenders
Senator Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY)
A particular journalist from The Raw Story
Military Justice for All
... there have of course been more, but as you can surely understand as to why, the mere fact that some of these are even on the list at all is very surprising and kind of alarming to me. Really? I can't necessarily make any claims that "It's because I'm an atheist, isn't it?" partly because MAAF is in there as well but I also have no proof that THAT'S specifically the reason. But why else a group of large-scale assistance organizations wouldn't even give me the time of day, forget so much as an instant message or an e-mail, is very disconcerting indeed. I think that if you're going to take the time and effort to create a network of people who "care" about the rights of survivors and actually preventing and prosecuting rape, one would at least have the decency to respond in some way, even if it's just to say "I'm a bit busy at the moment, but I'll get back to you soon." This is supposed to be an issue of justice, compassion and "care", so if you don't care then it's time to hang it up and go home: You don't belong here.
As usual, if anything changes, I'll do my best to keep people posted.
Thanks again for listening to me rant, this has been exhausting but I'm very grateful for your help.
Maybe they haven't seen your correspondence yet. They probably have whole mail rooms filled with letters from people looking for help from them.
ReplyDeleteForgive me, I didn't mean physical correspondence (most of these people insist on being contacted via e-mail, and so I did)
DeleteI check my e-mail at least twice a day, still nada.