Straight Talk

Greens dump Fleetwood-Port Kells candidate Alan Saldanha over rape quote on Facebook

by Matthew Burrows on April 13th, 2011 at 5:32 PM
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      The federal Greens have dumped their candidate in Fleetwood-Port Kells as a result of an offensive post on his Facebook page.

      Alan Saldanha listed as his favourite quote: “If rape is inevitable, lie back and enjoy it!”

      Kevin Purton, CEO of the party’s Fleetwood-Port Kells electoral district association, told the Straight he was not aware of Saldanha’s resignation until the Straight informed him. He said he had met just this morning (April 13) with Saldanha and his candidate said nothing at that time.

      “I think the intent of it [the quote] was meant to be different than what the actual words were that were used,” Purton said by phone. “But he, because he’s, I guess, his background is a different culture, he’s used inappropriate words to sort of explain an objectionable, in our culture, to sort of explain a simple concept. So unfortunately, even though it was removed within five minutes of him being told about it, and over a week ago, it’s become apparent that it’s gotten into cyberspace, and it spreads like a fire after that.”

      Saldanha’s page has already been removed from the Green Party of Canada website.

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      Matthew Burrows

      @mpbuzz

      Matthew (Paul) Burrows is staff writer with the Georgia Straight, where he’s called Matt. He was born in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, England in 1971. He shares his birthday with Billy Connolly, filmmaker Mark Achbar and the current mayor of Fort St. John.

      Now Matt’s a vegetarian...

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      Comments

      7 Comments

      JessieM

      Apr 13, 2011 at 6:14pm

      This is why people from countries with contrasting cultures need integration programs before being allowed to fully immigrate into this country.

      Donz

      Apr 13, 2011 at 11:17pm

      A very weird comment to post and offensive to victims of sexual assault!

      KP/Surrey

      Apr 14, 2011 at 3:39am

      Apparently, Mr. Saldanha's intended meaning was something like, 'if you are confronted with a difficult situation, do the best you can in that situation'. Obviously a very poor choice of words and topic though....and he paid the price.

      Styles

      Apr 14, 2011 at 9:07am

      Honestly just a ridiculous comment to be making why would that be your favorite quote...

      Aaron

      Apr 14, 2011 at 11:00am

      The fact that he had that on his page and therefore didn't think it was offensive proves he doesn't understand our culture and isn't the brightest bulb on earth. Good riddance. Understand the culture BEFORE you immigrate.

      uh...

      Apr 14, 2011 at 8:34pm

      I don't understand how this is an issue of culture.

      Is Purton, and those that agree with him, suggesting that in other cultures/specific religions/whatever, there is actually a general consensus that "rape is bad, but if it's happening, might as well enjoy it"?

      I realize that rape isn't thought of, culturally speaking, in quite the same way that it is here everywhere else, but it's still a very severe issue wherever I've seen it referenced in other cultures, not the equivalent of a "yo momma" joke. Actually, the only culture where I've seen rape become anything close to a "yo momma" joke is in North America.