Yes, Christians in the Middle East face genocide, so call it that.

Today, I was watching the BBC news with two guest newspaper reviewers. They discussed a report suggesting that IS were commiting genocide against Christians. The two reviewers expressed discomfort with the idea that Christians were getting a special me tion and said that IS were "equal opportunity oppressors" They also said that genocide was an inappropriate term.
For Heaven's sake, BBC paper reviewers, yes, IS are slaughtering all kinds of groups, but the targeting of the ancient Christian communities in Iraq and Syria is genocide, as it is targeting an ancient ethnic group for destruction - what will be left of the ancient Assyrian civilisation when IS are finished? Genocide is not just the slaughter of a people, it is the attempt to wipe out evidence of their history and existence, so look at the destruction of the ancient shrines, the tomb of Jonah in Iraq, the destruction of the relics in Mosul, the attacks on Palmyra, the destruction of the oldest monasteries of Christianity as well as all Churches that come into their path.
They are trying to wipe out all signs of the ancient Christians of the Middle East and create a Year Zero. That is the very essence of genocide.
So a couple of BBC reviewers say they "feel uncomfortable" when the Christians are singled out for special mention and that genocide is an inappropriate word. Well boo-f#@king-hoo, you self-satisfied liberal softies; I suggest you use your superior intellect to do some study rather than confirming your preconceptions through chatting with your colleagues over a glass of Sancerre, spa water or a skinny soya latte.

Tyson Fury and the hypocritical reaction to him.

Muhammed Ali professed some vile racist views, which he has never totally withdrawn, and he is described, because of his sporting prowess, as "The Greatest."
 Mike Tyson is a convicted rapist, who we laud for his one man show and love his cameo appearances in films, and, because of his sporting prowess, he is seen as the greatest since Ali.
We put it down to their difficult backgrounds, upbringing and the racism they have faced
Tyson Fury holds three of the Heavyweight belts; he has said some illiberal things and so a petition is demanding he not be able to be on the Sports Personality of The Year shortlist. Important politicians have weighed in as well to make the same demand.
He isn't racist or a rapist.
Apparently, being from an difficult background and facing prejudice doesn't count if you are Traveller.
I don't agree with what he said, but I am sick of the bloody hypocrisy. If you don't like him, don't vote for him to be Sports' Personality of the year.

Thank you for the prayers.

My sister, Paula, is npw cancer-free. Thank you all so much for your prayers.
I didn't have much heart for blogging.