lithera posted this update from CNN about the Saudi rape case.

I've seen comments around the web from people arguing that the rule of law is the rule of law, and that while we may not like how Saudi Arabia does business, its their country and they've got a right to do as they please.

Bullshit.

She was raped. And she's being punished for it. She is being flogged 200 times because she had the audacity to go out without a male relative accompanying her. And that's the excuse for it, because that's her wearing a short skirt, innit? She was asking for it, right?

Except, this little thing, this tiny little thing, that says that a human being shouldn't have to move in fear in the world. That a society that equates and unescorted woman with a viable target is a broken one (and yes, I'm aware I'm talking about more than Saudi Arabia, here).

I will say it again. She was raped. Specifically, she was gang-raped by 7 men. And she's going to spend 6 months in a Saudi prison (and anyone who can weigh in on what that stay is going to be like, I'm sure we'd all love to hear it.) She's going to be flogged 200 times, and then she's going to prison for months.

And saying they -- meaning the Saudi Government -- has the right to do as they please is the same as saying that what's happening in Darfur is cool, because, y'know, that's their thing, we don't have anything to do with it.

Basic.
Human.
Rights.

Universal rights. Inherent rights.

But Saudi Arabia has never really been big on those. Not when a society is built upon a caste-system of dehumanization and hatred. No, Saudi Arabia has never been big on those basic human rights.

And to all you NeoCons out there -- nice fucking job, assholes. You sure as hell have done a bang-up job showing Saudi the way towards Democratic Enlightenment. You dumbfucks.

The fact that, time and again, the Saudi government is excused for its reprehensible, vile, horrific behavior, makes me want to projectile vomit. Our government's continued kowtowing to their regime is shameful.

Some things need to be indefensible, must remain inexcusable.