The whole Carleton thing

So I have been steaming mad over the last two days at the Carleton University Student Association's decision to no longer support their annual Shinerama fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis.

The reasoning was ignorantly claimed the disease is not inclusive enough. CUSA ignorantly claims the disease only affects white men. Seeing as many sufferers don't survive into their 20's, this already disproves that claim. People who are of other "races" such as South Asian, Arabian and South American descent have been known to be affected. In Canada we've seen a less common affliction among Natives, those of southern African and eastern Asian descent afflicted by this disease. This is all stated by the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's CEO Cathleen Morrison. Of course, in Canada there is a growing number of those with mixed ancestries.

I've only met three or four people in my life afflicted with this horrific disease. They were all women. According to Morrison, the percentage of men to women affected by the disease is about equal, with women succumbing to it more quickly. Being diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a disease affecting the lungs and digestive system, generally leads to a death sentence. One diagnosed is extremely lucky to live into their 40s.

With that being considered, CUSA should be ashamed of trying to be politically correct, rather than taking human life into consideration. Perhaps when the members of CUSA who made this ill-informed decision hit 40 (and I have yet to hit 30), they will be ashamed of themselves. I hope they are. They are an embarrassment to all who call themselves liberal-minded.

Hey, I'm updating!

I know I've been completely lazy updating the blog.

Tomorrow night (or now tonight) Rochdale Rhymes and Readings happens at the Regal Beagle, 335 Bloor St. W. with THREE poets, Mike Schram, Michael Fraser and Cathy Petch as well as an open mic. Cover is pass the hat.

I'll update a couple of other events I'm involved with. I'm guest hosting Cryptic Chatter on Nov. 7 with features Joe Dewar and Kate Marshall-Flaherty. It happens at the Renaissance Cafe, one-and-a-half blocks west of Woodbine Station at 8 p.m. There is an open mic as well. Cover is $5.

As well, I am reading (I'm not totally sure of who else) at Oral Stage Nov. 10. It happens at Paddy's Playhouse, at 161 Gerrard St. E. in the gaybourhood.