Good People,

First, my 10th great grandfather Ragem, asserts that this debate is healthy and will not necessarily be won by science. In fact, we’ll all be winners if we can save even one life, either by changing a behavior or reducing HIV susceptibility even by .0001% if circumcision does it.

My 10th also commands that freedom of expression must be accorded to all, Prime Minister included, because he has again taken the lead in opening discussion not only about circumcision, but risk behavior particularly in Luo culture. This is why I call him Thuon.

Indeed scientists have added their weight here by telling us that circumcision does not reduce the risk of HIV infection significantly. I put it to you that that which is considered insignificant in this possible extinction matter, might in fact be what will save us as a people. Instead of castigating the PM, let the scientists rededicate their time and resources and say without a doubt that circumcision does NOT reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Some have alluded here that they like sex natural and prefer their men uncut. Some men have defended the position not to cut, not necessarily because it will not significantly reduce HIV infection, but because it is against our culture. It is hard to win an argument with these people, but it is worth a try. Here is my testimony.

Through the advice of my 10th great grandfather Ragem, I underwent the cut as an adult. I ate the good fruit plenty of times before and after the cut. The sad news is that natural was indeed sweeter. But this debate is not about preserving culture or fruit sweetness but life. Another thing is that after the cut my libido went down significantly. No, do not feel sorry for me, because I am glad the cut saved me and perhaps my spouse from the risk others might have posed. Prior to the cut, I did not only like to look at, but want to touch and to be touched in return, and even eat the fruit which was not mine. After the cut, I also last longer while eating the fruit.

Let us face the truth people. My 10th agrees that the reason ‘Tero’ became our culture, is because uncut, our libido is too high, and through our chauvinism, we forced our women to accept ‘Tero’ as our culture. Of course ‘Tero’ had its own benefits then, but we must now agree to end it due to HIV infection risk.

Needless to say that the biggest sex organ is the brain, which if educated on safe sex or abstinence, is less risky or costly and can save a culture, but again not necessarily a life. Sex is a need that is met after desire. Can this desire be reduced? Isn’t this the reason why FGM was/is practised? I say that FGM is good if it reduces desire, which in turn prevents risk behavior. Judy says women flock to us, and we love them too because natural is sweeter, true. If cutting reduces fruit sweetness, it must also reduce desire, and this alone can save a life. This is the secret behind cutting which no one wants to say aloud.
Have a safe but fruitful night won’t you.

—
Joram Ragem
wuod Ndinya, wuod Onam, wuod Amolo, wuod Owuoth, wuod Oganyo, wuod Mumbe, wuod Odongo, wuod Olwande, wuod Adhaya, wuod Ojuodhi, wuod Ragem! (Are you my relative?)

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Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:25:24 -0400
From: Joram Ragem
Subject: Ragem On Circumsicion Culture & HIV/AIDS Debate. Rated X