In an excellent example of what happens when only one side of an issue gets all the media attention, the Bush administration has pledged U.S. tax dollars for the relief of Afghan women and children who suffered under the Taliban. Never mind, apparently, the young boys who were conscripted and the men who were murdered.

Tony writes "This article raises some questions about the recent detainees. "Post-9/11, federal law enforcement is on its highest level of alert," said Dan Nelson, a Justice Department spokesman, "We are extremely vigilant in our enforcement of U.S. law." The strange part is that while they are vigilant the ONLY people being rounded up are men. While the racial profiling aspect of the roundups has been discussed it is strange no one has mentioned the obvious gender bias in this crack down." While most terrorists in the past have been men, it's not going to be long before a woman commits an attack making use of this bias.

Neil Steyskal sent in two male-bashing articles, the first one a very serious attack on masculinity by equating it with violence. Judy Mann claims that our current idea of manhood is "toxic to men and lethal to women," and equates the Taliban with "ultra-masculinists." Please take a moment to respond: letters@washpost.com. The second article, this one from the UK Telegraph, is a bit less threatening, but still bashes men by perpetuating the stereotype that men are careless gift shoppers, and by extension more selfish or morally flawed than women.

I've been working on this article for a while now, and thought readers might like to see how it's going. To be honest, I need to do a lot more work on it, so think of it as a preview of great things to come. :) I'll keep adding to it on the go, so it can only get better. Feel free to point things out, such as how I could make it better, arguments I might have left out, etc. You can e-mail me at adam@mensactivism.org. Click "Read More" below to read it.

jaxom writes "A Calgary man received a $1.1 million payment for his wrongful rape conviction. It looks like the Canadian government tried to once again hide the fact that they have too many wrongful convictions of men with resulting payouts. The story is here." This article quotes Kaglik extensively on what it was like in prison (inmates tried to rape him), and the background of his false accusation.

David Compas writes "“The Male Intellect: an oxymoron?” - [is] a show in Reno, Nevada that begins on 9 January 2002. Probably male bashing at its worst. See the web site here." Hey, there's nothing like a guy mocking men and masculinity as a way to make money as a comedian, right? Careers have been built on this stuff.

Neil Steyskal submitted this article from the Washington Post about the way some Afghan men suspected of being spies have been tortured. I'm encouraged to see that this issue is receiving some exposure in the Post.

My apologies for the rerun here, but considering that the The Guy Code removed my column from their archives, I thought I would repost it with its new URL. Here, for posterity, is my own trial-by-fire with the phenomenon known to us as "false accusations."

donaldcameron1 writes "On AngryHarry.com I was surprised to see myself "included" in a study of my own experiences. Reading something like this is most illuminating for me. In addition to providing pure validation and catharsis, it confirms for me just how oppressed we have, and continue to, become. That which does not kill us only makes us know for certain that the system has been corrupted. We have spent much time on getting women to "come forward" it is time to encourage men to do so."

I don't normally post messages from egroups, but this one is a exception. The writer makes the case that "special needs" kids (almost all of whom are boys) suffer due to the fact that there are no role models for them, and this is why they're put in the "special needs" section. It makes for quite a convincing case, so click this link to read it.

Claire4Liberty writes "When I saw this article in my morning paper, regarding Paula Poundstone's return to the stage, I nearly brought up my breakfast. This reporter absolutely fawns over her, making her sound like Mary Poppins instead of an accused pedophile. "To see Poundstone onstage is to understand why she might relate well to kids, and vice versa.""

I've found a new E-Book on father's issues, it's written by Robert Lindsay, and while its main focus is on fatherhood, he does digress into men's issues a bit, judging from the chapters I've quickly looked at. Robert himself made a forum post over at Arizonafathersrights.com to explain things better, and as the man says, "This is a watershed work that completely connects-the-dots for any reader so interested to take the time and read this work." How can you resist? Visit the book's home page and begin reading.

Anonymous User submitted this Boston Globe story and writes "Although I generally think that sex discrimination law suits are awarded monetary damage that far exceeds the damage done, it is refreshing to see an a man benefit from such vindictive laws. A former Coach at Smith college received $1.6 million in a sex/age discrimination case. Anyone familiar with Smith college can easily understand that he worked in a highly sexist environment."

Wendy McElroy's FOX News column this week makes one of the most impassioned pleas on behalf of men and the women who understand equality I've ever read. And the timing couldn't be more appropriate. In her ever-eloquent style, McElroy boils down many modern problems with gender feminism and the equal rights of men into a short, but powerful, call to women: As a Christmas present to the men in your life, make a commitment to stand up for them. Do not tolerate slander directed toward those you love. The infant son you hold in your arms is not an inevitable rapist or exploiter of women. The father who worked every day to make you safe and comfortable is not an enemy. The husband with whom you are planning a future is not a part of "the rape culture." They are family, friends and good neighbors. Scott's note: Also thanks to Thomas for submitting this story.

This week will be our final Mensactivism.org on-line chat of 2001. Will suggested to encourage people to read books on men's issues by having a few chat sessions set aside for discussing a particular book. This week will be an introductory session where we can decide on which book(s) to hold future chats on and give people the opportunity to buy and read these books before those future chats are held. People new to the Mensactivism.org community, or those who haven't done much reading about men's rights will definitely receive some great suggestions on where to start reading by other members. Join us on Wed. (12/19) night starting at 9:30 PM EST.