corby, page-109

I happened to have had the honor - of attending Van Tuong Nguyen's Requiem Mass, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne.
One of the most moving experiences of my life. The casket was the object of an impassioned ovation, as it proceeded up the main aisle, after this very moving service.

It's not that we thought him not guilty, per se. It's that we thought this death sentence brutal, and harsh. I'll never forget the anguish of his mother that day. There was some sort of hidden power present that day - during that service.

I'd spent previous weeks trying to (futilely) lobby - for this young man's life. as did many others, I know. Like trying to hold back the tide - which is the rigidity (and hypocrisy) of Singaporean law.

That Corby received the same sentence as one of the main Bali bombers is nothign short of outrageous, and sick.

But she stuck to her guns. Could have shortened her sentence - with a "yes I am really guilty" plea shortening her length of sentence. which the Indos would have loved.
Now she must sht up - or find herself back in prison. quick smart. Elections looming.

I hugely abhhor those who judge from a distance - no clue of the real facts - of the real guilt - or innocence. In so many instances - not just these. In no way do I condone drug dealing - or sneaky criminal importations - but let's take a step back - and allow - we could be well wrong, in leaping to premature conclusions - not knowing what are the real facts, of each individual case.

In the Nguyen case - he was caught. No doubt, allegedly, doing this, to try and clear his brother's considerable alleged debts. May his dear soul rest in peace.

Very easy to sit back here in our comfortable OZ armchairs - condemn quickly - and say - "kill them all!".

and worse, assume that WE are the experts - across each and every detail we think we know.
Assuming, arrogantly, that WE know. All the relevant facts.