on Grand Manan

I am currently on Grand Manan so many not post as much as I typically do - I just can't be as cynical down here. Currently, these are the questions I've been thinking for one reason or another:

-If you get cloned, and you hook up with your clone, is that masturbation or gay sex?

-Is it possible to wear the 'Breathe-Right Nasal Strips' at all times? Those things are amazing!!!!

-How long can one survive a stress-tummy ache? Mine keeps acting up and Im pretty sure I won't be all right unless I get rehired...I do love my job.

-How many hours of sleep do I need to feel awake again?

-How long would I have to stay on Grand Manan to see everyone?

Home for March Break

Today, I am heading home to Grand Manan for March Break! It might not be much of a break because I have an essay to finish but I'm pretty excited all the same to see my friends and family (and my cat!).

The weather hasn't been overly cooperative on the island but I'm ready to get home and have a great time...and sleep! Lots of sleep!

Defending the right to free speech

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms states: "Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms...freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication..." Speech is generally considered a form of expression, so if everyone has the right to speak freely, does that mean my speech should be allowed to hurt other people?

The Silent no More campaign, a pro-life campaign group had women who regretted having an abortion spoke out about their experience, was recently held outside Tim Horton’s on the UNBSJ campus. I had to take a step back from this topic because admittedly, I am pro-life but am not a fan of pro-life or pro-choice’s use of theatrical stunts to get attention. While I commend these women’s bravery for speaking out on such a personal topic, admittedly I petitioned university administration and student council to rethink the LifeLink group and their actions that day. Now I’m left wondering if I don’t support freedom of speech, a core belief I always thought I held strongly to.

Freedom of speech in Canada is limited – hate speech, for example, is illegal. In questioning LifeLink’s right to speak in such a public venue on such an emotional topic, I asked if this was legal – and it is. In my opinion, LifeLink and Silent No More had no intention of inciting hatred towards anyone. It obviously had public interest and was an attempt to benefit the public on a topic they believe to be true. I support LifeLink’s right to freedom of speech in such a public venue.

When trying to understand why I was so upset, if I agree with their rights, I looked to information about post abortive side-effects – something the Silent No More presenters had mentioned.

In 1990, Catherine Barnard wrote ‘The Long-Term Psychological Effects of Abortion’ for The Institute for Pregnancy Loss. It stated: “19% of post-abortion women suffer from diagnosable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…20 to 40 percent showed moderate to high levels of stress and avoidance behaviour relative to their abortion experience.”

Other symptoms of post abortive disorders cited by another pro-life site include a study from the Internet Journal of Mental Health were 42% having major depression, 39% coping with an anxiety disorder and 27% having suicidal ideation due to the stress after the abortion.

Admittedly, statistics can be skewed but these are from websites that are pro-life so I see this as a basis for concern. Is outside a Tim Horton’s really the spot to attempt to get a woman (or man) to consider counseling as they experience symptoms of PTSD? Is that the message they took away, or was there a feeling of judgment and shame because of the topic itself? I wonder how many women walked up – in an extremely public venue – and asked for counseling. How many women walked away without even asking for information because it was an upsetting experience?

My concern is not for LifeLink – they have the right to say what they did. It is not for the people who are pro-choice – they have the right to hold a pro-choice rally. My concern lies in the hypothetical woman, who walked in their university that they are paying to go to and experienced the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression because of an emotionally charged topic.

LifeLink has the right to hold a rally wherever they want – it is their right as Canadian citizens and I will defend that right even if I don’t agree that this is the best venue.

Pride in my school

Although I have been upset about this whole topic yesterday, I am proud of the students who took a stance both for and against abortion, the method in which is was done and the fact that they did something.

While I don't think their avenue was the best...I really (really) don't...I do believe trying to do something is better than not doing anything at all. They believe they were doing something good...arguable but they weren't out to intentionally hurt anyone. There were people that gave their testimony...do I think it was the proper area? Not a chance - but I commend them on their bravery.

Secondly, to the people that are offended - keep writing your SRC and administration. If you're upset, your voice should be heard. Pro-choice is not the same thing as pro-abortion - it is also not a pro-abortion club. I believe in the right to information and free speech...But that doesn't mean every spot is the right to speak.

Please remember, this blog is NOT the opinions of me in any student government, media, or other capacity. It is only me - Sam - the person, the human. Do NOT assume that everything on here is true, don't assume that I'm automatically right (or wrong)...this is a blog - take it as is.

Silent No More...I'm getting a bit loud on this

To whom it may concern,

(first paragraph is out as it just says "this is me as a student not in my professional capacity).

On Feb 28th, outside Tim Hortons, Lifelink sponsored the 'Silent no More Campaign' an anti-abortion (pro-life) group to students. Money was spent by the SRC for this event. I am opposed, appalled and discouraged by the group's location and use of microphones to subject their views on other people. I am also angry with the SRC's financial contribution as they state that they do not associate themselves with any one religious group. Lifelink and Silentnomore.com are both religious in nature. I do not believe my SRC fee's should go to something like that and it was a callous decision.

The speakers mentioned triggers that induce emotional and/or physical pain from people who have had an abortion - there was at least one woman who was not ready to deal with this topic and left in tears from her class. There were more people who just wanted to get their coffee without hearing about these traumatic experiences.

I don't agree with pro-life being slammed in my face like this - even as someone who is pro-life. There is freedom of speech but there is also a place for it. This affects women who do not want to recall their personal experience, or feel as though they should regret their abortion and don't. A university is not the venue to make people feel guilty.

Since the use of the PA system made it possible to hear the presentation in class, I would also consider this a violation under the Student Disciplinary Code Appendix A, Section B:

"In accordance with the commitment set out in the University's Mission Statement to provide an environment conducive to the development of the whole person, all members of the University community - staff, faculty, students and administrators - have the right to work and/or study in an environment which affords them respect and dignity, and is free from danger, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and behavior which is destructive, disruptive, or unlawful."

Students being able to hear the presentation in their classrooms is disruptive. The lack of available study space in the Tim Horton's area and Alumni lounge is also disruptive.

Abortion is a controversial topic and draws at emotions on both sides. I find this disgraceful that LifeLink was so unbelievably insensitive to the topic and held it in such a public venue. I also find that this sort of behavior is what gives people who are personally pro-life a bad name. I should not have to explain that although I am pro-life I refuse to affiliate myself with the groups because of this sort of behavior. It is not acceptable to make people feel guilty in their school. It is unacceptable to have such a controversial and moral issue in such a public venue.

Sincerely,

Samantha Tinker