The "so what can we actually do" thread...

[ImSoNotTelling]

Hello

Following on from the thread about changing the law on rape to grant anonimity to the accused, a few people have started to think about what we can do to get involved, to actually try and change stuff.

So I guess this thread is for suggestions, ideas, and for people to link up to actually try to change things.

So far we have someone possibly standing for pariament!

So come on everyone.

What's the plan....

I wrote to my independent MP, a woman, and got a reply to say she will raise the issue -but it was a personalised reply with a handwritten bit at the end to say she was also very concerned by this and to thank me for 'raising my voice so loudly on the issue'!

What a different response from some of those male MPs.

I'm so glad I gave this woman my vote! More women MPs required!

I got a reply from my MP (Labour) today, he agreed with everything I said, he also says he will sign the EDM and the petition, and assured me he will be voting against the proposal should it be raised in the HoC

I might even vote for him next time

Oooh yay, well done! You have fab MPs.

Huh, well mine gave me some bollox about how he agrees with anonymity in "some cases" so he can't sign the EDM...but keeps reiterating how he is "with me" on the issue. Er, you lot read the letter, I think I might have mentioned that I was against anonymity once or twice? I.e. I disagree with him? I thought being a generally decent guy with a teenage daughter he might be less stupid about it. How certainly are the govt moving on this? is it worth me getting in to see him now, or wait?

btw what's the latest on the site - did it happen? sorry having been out of work for ages everything's suddenly taken off and life is a bit crazy atm!

He's a libdem. That's crap about yours, have you ever been on www.theyworkforyou.com - I think that's right, they allow you to give feedback on whether your MP gets back to you. You can see ratings from other people who've written to him/her too, I seem to remember. Just tracking down the Ken Clarke thing now. WHo is Crispin Blunt and what's he all about then?

How far through was it roughly? There's only so much KC I can take

OH MY GOD! I cannot believe he actually said this (just found hansard online):

"We shall also have to consider the arguments on the other side, where a woman can make an anonymous complaint, the man can eventually be convicted, after going through a long and probably rather destructive ordeal, and the woman retains her anonymity as she walks away, with her ex-boyfriend or ex-husband left to live with the consequences."

He doesn't even have the grace to say "a false allegation". He's just sympathising with a man who has (in the eyes of the law) raped someone, because of the "long and probably rather destructive ordeal" that HE'S been through before his conviction. He's saying it's a bad thing that the rapist has to "live with the consequences". The victim just "walks away" apparently.

Unbelievable. Unbelievable. This man is in the cabinet.

On here: www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/02.htm I'm watching video now though and obviously not all of today's questions are in that link.

He said there wasn't likely to be early legislation on the issue. Must be good?

And for added kick in the teeth: "With great respect, I find it very surprising that so many questions are being raised about a proposition that has been before the House, on and off, for the past 20 years and is not easily resolved." That's because you have male privilege, mate. Notice that all the questioners are women. FFS. Does no man give a fuck?

Another argument for more women in parliament. As if we needed one.

Yeah actually I think it was the same guy who asked a question on the subject, have only just got to it. Best of luck with your job btw. I have an interview on Friday (guess where) after a gap - scary isn't it. You will be FAB though, and what a great place to work.

Not really, as Hansard indicated, it was a hubbub of (mainly) women, unable to believe their ears, saying "What"?

Here starting 50 mins in. So many people rise to their feet.

It's in a certain portcullis-themed public building, Proles! Bit worried that they won't let me in, being an agitator and all

You will be terrific, don't worry. You are smart as anything and care a lot about the issues - what more do they want? They probably just want to check you're not a hairy handed trucker...

Good luck for the job/volunteering, both of you I'm sure you'll be fab!

My father has been invited to some thing in the House of Lords in a couple of weeks. I'm trying to persuade him to do something radical He has said, if he gets chance, he's going to try to talk to as many influential people as he can about the topic - trouble is, he's going with work, so he can't to be too troublesome or he'll risk his job.

Hello all

Just checking in

Really good luck with those job interviews elephants and proles, you will be fab!

DH and I are utterly horrified by that ken clarke comment about how awful it is for rapists to have to stand trial, while women who have been raped are let off scott free. WHAT???