Saturday, January 19, 2008

Egyptian girl died during despicable female circumcision procedure...


Egyptian girl died during despicable female circumcision procedure...

The reported death of a 12 year old Egyptian girl at the hands of a doctor performing that revolting practice of female circumcision had apparently sparked a public outcry there, and so it should, and has prompted health and religious authorities to ban the practice. It is, after all, a cultural practice that has really nothing to do with Islam. It is practised in North Africa and Afghanistan, and has more to do with the sexist treatment of women in those countries - treatment allied with that of animals ie possessions.

The poor little girl who was named Badour Shaker, died a few months ago while undergoing the procedure in an illegal clinic in the southern town of Maghagh. Her mother, Zeniab Abdel Ghani, said she paid about 50 Egyptian pounds($NZ11.85) to a female physician to perform the disgusting procedure.

The mother also said the doctor tried to bribe her to withdraw a lawsuit accusing the physician of murdering her daughter, in return for 15,000 ponds, but she refused.

A forensic inquiry into the case indicated the girl’s death was caused by an anaethesia overdose.

It is to be hoped that there is a state enquiry into the corruption surrounding this and other similar cases.

Peter's World and Life Events

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Sir Ed Hillary - the conqueror of Everest - he died today - RIP ...




The conqueror of Mount Everest has died. The giant of the forest has fallen!

New Zealand mourns the death of Sir Edmund Hillary, arguably the greatest New Zealander in living memory; he died today of a heart attack at Auckland Hospital after a long illness. He was 88 years old.

Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to climb Mount Everest, in 1953, accompanied by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. He is also a living legend in Nepal where he set up a trust in the 1960's to build hospitals and schools in the kingdom.

He has been described as an inspiration to millions. He was the first New Zealander to appear on New Zealand currency. He will appear on a new $5.00 note here.

He was originally a beekeeper in the North Island and reportedly financed his mountaineering trips from that activity. He started his climbing in NZ of Mount Cook and then overseas to Nepal.

Sir Ed's exploits overshadowed the coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second in 1953, and for his comments on radio of " I knocked the bastard off !" He was also well known for his adventuring activities in Antarctica where he transversed the continent in a tractor.

His legacy will live on. His exploits were classic 'boys own' and will continue to inspire generations of New Zealanders to come. He is almost venerated by Nepalese of his generation.


He will be honoured with a state funeral, normally reserved for prime ministers who have died in office, or former governors general. His honour is for a national icon who died in office.He is also a former ambassador to India.

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