It was Never About the Park

No, it wasn't. Yet, it caused to much stress, discomfort and pain. Add a pinch of war, the recipe is complete. While the country is rocking like a cradle, a riot here, a protest there, a trip seems to be in order: Beechwood Park by The Zombies from the album "Odyssey and Oracle."

Grey is the New Orange

Well, it did not last long. Erdogan's governor quickly repainted it, back to grey. At this very moment governor Ahmet Misbah Demircan is just on TV, explaining why grey is the new orange and how he hates to see smiling faces.

#direnmerdiven

Tears Can't Hide Figures

I watched PM Erdogan crying on TV. Apparently he was deeply moved by the death of a 17 year old Egyptian girl in demonstrations. The video (subtitles are not mine, live with it):



It is really upsetting to see people die of all ages and gender and color, especially if you cannot do anything to help when it happens right in front of your eyes, on your TV or computer screen. You know it is not a game, no magical potion or wizard will give their lives back.

But was he sincere? I really hope he was not!

According to Bureau of Statistics, for the period 2002-2008:

• 241 police officers, 91 soldiers, 17 special ops members, 15 rangers, 45 wardens were tried for sexual assault and rape. None was convicted.
• 50% of rape victims were under 18.
• 90% were girls, 10% boys.
• Women called emergency response lines for:
  57% physical assault, 46.9% sexual assault, 14.6% incest, 8.6% rape
• Total number of reported rape victims was 62,000.
• In 2002, 66 women were murdered, in 2007 the number reached to 1011.
• 55% of 5-10 year old children and 40% of 10-16 fell victim to incest.

And for the period of 2008-2013, the Bureau managed to say sex offences increased by 30% compared to previous 5-year period; no numbers yet (maybe they are too ashamed). I would also go ahead and say, after cross-referencing ... data, that ... (but it only means jail time for me).

He has/had an opportunity to make a difference and he has done nothing. When innocent people were being massacred in Egypt, his police force (my heroes he call them) killed 5 people and injured approximately 9000. Long term effects of 400,000 gas bombs and thousands of litres of chemicals used and literally poured on peaceful Gezi Park protestors are unknown yet.

So, I sincerely hope that he is just a lousy politician trying to steal a vote or two by publicly crying. If he is sincere, then there really is something wrong with him as his tears cannot hide his numbers.

King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia Should Resign!

Turkey – a "preciously alone" country – is now pointing the finger at Middle Eastern monarchies for their extraordinary political and financial support to the Egyptian coup d’éta. Here is an example op-ed from the press:

That’s why I believe senior Turkish government members preferred to direct their criticisms toward Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, the Turkish secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). As they cannot demand the resignation of King Abdullah, it’s a lot easier to bash İhsanoğlu, who was elected to this position thanks to the great efforts of President Abdullah Gül during his stint as foreign minister in 2005.

There has to be a saying to describe this behavior but what? Pity I cannot remember, my memory is preciously weak!

No Mini Cooper to Turkish Police

Some products become icons; even when neither their creators  nor their manufacturers wanted them to be. In rare cases, it does not even help the sales. Mini Cooper is one such product; a car with a cult following. Now, take a look and see Turkish Police in action at Taksim Square:

Now see them in a Mini Cooper, almost exact same place:

I have no idea if this will hurt the sales of Mini Cooper but I do know that I am terribly hurt. Please, stop selling Mini Coopers to Turkish Police!