Heather's Pick

I heard from P that Heather Reisman was on the CBC today talking about her campaign to save an Iranian woman from being stoned to death. A noble effort, surely. But I asked if anyone questioned her about Heseg, her lone soldier foundation. The answer was no.

I feel that the CBC dropped the ball on this one. There is a certain hypocrisy that exists when someone portrays them self as a humanitarian; saving a woman's life from the medieval punishment of a brutal regime, and that someone is simultaneously promoting militarism.

She rewards mercenaries with a free education.

The minimum service required before being eligible for a scholarship is 2 years. That means that persons who served in the Gaza war, a war that has been described by numerous human rights organizations as having been excessive and disproportionate; where a UN sponsored report has documented war crimes and crimes against humanity, are being rewarded with scholarships.

I could understand if these persons were defending their homeland. But Heseg is specifically targeting non-Jews and persons with no connection to Israel. This is a recruitment drive for mercenaries.

So excuse me for thinking that Heather should have been made to answer a few questions. If the CBC avoids the tough questions, then the CBC is basically giving Heather a free commercial. Promote what you want to promote, no questions asked.

I'm sorry, but 34 million Canadians have a right to know where the money they spend at Heather's store is ending up. If they know and they still choose to shop there, fine. But a democracy depends on an educated populace. If the CBC doesn't ask those questions, then they've failed Canadians. The CBC mandate is not to protect the interests of the rich.