Andrew Chan & Myuran Sukumaran Don't Deserve To Die

"There but for the grace of God go you or I".

Today, Andrew Chan & Myuran Sukumaran have been moved from their Bali prison to the place of their execution. 

I know the devastation that drugs cause.  And, no one denies that these two young men led a life of crime. No one denies that dealing in drugs should never be condoned and that people who do must be punished. No one denies that in this country of ours we are far too soft on drug dealers.  No one denies that Andrew & Myuran knew the risks they were taking but teenagers & those in their early twenties never think they will get caught. That is not meant to condone their crime merely recognise the reality. But is execution befitting the crime when terrorist murderers are set free after pathetically inadequate sentences? After serving 10-years in jail to murder (yes murder) these two young men now smacks of vengeance particularly when their exemplary behaviour is completely disregarded by a new President out to make a name for himself. 

The case of Myuran and Andrew is made worse given our own AFP delivered them into the hands of the Indonesian authorities knowing their possible fate should they be caught. After all they were not dealing drugs in Indonesia. They were bringing the drugs back here and they should have been arrested charged and jailed here. The irony is, had they been, they probably would simply have continued to offend.  

 

As for those who say Andrew and Myuran were the ringleaders. Rubbish. They were NOT the drug barons. Andrew and Myuran didn't live in multimillion dollar mansions. They didn't drive around in exotic sports cars. They don't hide behind the veils of respectability.  The drug barons do and they are also protected by those who so easily snuff out the lives of expendable people like Andrew and Myuran.

Hundreds and hundreds of people are arrested and jailed. Most just keep offending. But Andrew & Myuran faced with an uncertain future (sentenced to death 10-years ago) made a decision to try and do something positive with their lives. They were encouraged by the prison Governor who had long held the conviction of rehabilitation so that prisoners didn't stay on the spiral of a continual life in jail. 

Myuran turned to art and has become an accomplished artist. He in turn has taught others and helped them to recognise that there is more to life than a life of crime. More importantly, helped others to help prepare them for their release. Andrew turned to religion and is now an ordained Christian minister. He also has helped to rehabilitate his fellow prisoners. Both have gained the admiration of the Governor and their fellow cellmates. 

So it is with heavy heart to learn today that Myuran and Andrew have commenced their final journey. To those who are cheering the Indonesians on, I would ask two questions; how blameless are you. Have you NEVER done anything in your life that you deeply regret? And what have YOU done to improve the lives of others? 

To those like me who believe you should be given a second chance when you prove to society you deserve it, let’s send our prayers to Andrew, Myuran and their families and let's pray their new found faith can sustain them through this dreadful and barbaric ordeal. 

 

And, let's always remember, those who have fallen, picked themselves up and dedicated their lives to helping others (even from a jail cell) have proven themselves much more worthy of our admiration and our compassion, than those who have no forgiveness in their hearts.  

 

Free Speech Comes with Responsibility

I have always been a strong advocate for free speech. As a child, before I even understood what free speech was, I have been often in trouble for saying it, how I saw it. My parents taught their children the importance of expression. As a result, the three of us have always been considered outspoken. What I needed to learn as a child, however, was how to present what I believed in a responsible way. Hopefully I have learned I do that, more often than not.

As the debate over free speech rages following the terrorist attacks in Paris the howls are gaining in intensity. Many of those screaming the loudest (many right wing, Christian conservatives) had never heard of Charlie apart from the odd rumble over a Muslim cartoon. They are probably not even aware that Charlie was an ultra-left publication that despised everything conservatives stood for. In making that comment I am in no way condoning the cold blooded murder of Charlie employee's & other innocent people by Muslim extremists.

But it does in my mind create a question over free speech, standards and our collective desired harmonious society.  The original intent of free speech was to give a voice to the suppressed minority and as I read recently; to keep our governments honest. But free speech is now rapidly declining into the tool of choice by far too many to incite and validate hatred, attack & vilify others based on opposing views on religion, politics, human rights, environment etc. Even other conservatives who express middle of the road views are attacked and vilified by other far right wing conservatives. I find it laughable that 'the pen is mightier than the sword' cartoons are swamping the internet and various publications and yet, it hasn't dawned on those promoting this that is was the (it could be argued) inappropriate use of the pen that has led to the deaths so many people.

I had the temerity to suggest yesterday that "Charlie" were not very nice people. Via their cartoons they attacked Christians, Jews, politicians and Muslims in the most appealing fashion.  I was at pains to point out that in making that statement I in no way condoned the murder of Charlie employees over a religious cartoon. I was immediately attacked and accused of being a hater and an ISIS sympathizer. Yes, by so called conservatives.

So back to free speech. Our right to free speech has to come with a level of responsibility.   I have said this on numerous occasions. It can't be used as a tool to bully and vilify others.  This comment sums it up beautifully. "In a democracy the right to free speech is given by the people through the parliament. However, it is impossible to legislate decency."

So let's continue to fight for the rights to free speech and that includes the repeal of 18c. But as responsible people, let's also fight for common decency, balance, respect, truth, tolerance and civility.

Let's Make 2015 A Better Year Than 2014

As we reflect on 2014, we are left with a sadness about a world in conflict in so many countries. Now there is nothing new in that, except now, the impact of those conflicts are much closer to home than many of us have ever experienced.  As a result, new hostilities and hatreds have become more evident on our own shores. Our political divide became more hostile as well. Further fracturing us as a society, as the community of Australia.  

But as we look ahead to the new year, we are presented with a completely blank canvas.  It's a chance to reflect on the failures of the year gone by and to commit to making changes to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

Life is a gift. It's the greatest gift that is given to all of us, regardless of our colour, our race or our beliefs. For most of us, living in our country, we have so much to be thankful for. Our health, our surroundings, our family, our friends and most of all, our freedom.

It's so easy to become desensitised and to some degree isolated from what is happening in other parts of the world. And, to condone, reject or simply ignore the atrocities that we see, based on our own biases, prejudices or interest.  We have the good fortune to live in a developed country. Many don't. Many are faced with a daily battle to simply survive as they fight against others (including western governments and businesses) for control of their lands, their resources and their rights to follow their chosen paths.

These people have different beliefs, customs and practices to us, but are they really any different?  In truth, they are not. We all have the same genetic code and origins. Our needs for survival are the same; clean air to breath, food to nourish and sustain us and shelter from the elements.

For many who live in our country and who have called this their home, they also have family and friends who are still living in countries in conflict. Where death and destruction is an everyday event. To fear for ones loved ones must be dreadful.

So as we enter 2015 we have the opportunity to show we care about our fellow humankind. That means people in all countries and with a special place for those who are fighting to survive against tyranny and injustice. It also means those people should care about me and my well being.

If we all start to care a bit more about others than we do about ourselves, the world would be a much better place. We can't change the whole world, but we can start here, at home. We can start by judging people on who they are and what they do rather than on where they came from, what they believe or what party they support. It's not the total solution, but it's a start and what better place to start than the beginning of a new year. All the planetary alignments are positive, as we come out of years of conflict to move into a period of harmony. The rest is up to us.

Happy New Year.

Self-interest Serving Self-Interest

Poll results, highlighting that a majority now prefers a man who has a record of moral failures as long as your arm as their preferred Prime Minister over a family man, with solid religious principles got me thinking about moral decline. 

The Moral decline in business started when Human Resources Professionals convinced management to brand people as "Human Capital"..

People then became overheads not assets to be traded and discarded at will. When business sacrificed their community obligation and made, the shareholder the priority over keeping people in work. Even worse is when businesses fail despite the efforts of the workers and those leading the business (and who presided over the failure) walks away with massive handouts and the employees a pittance.   

The moral decline in democracies started when politicians realised that people would vote for those who gave them the most with little regard for the cost or long term viability. And, when people realized they could manipulate politicians into keep giving them more and more, or they would lose their jobs, even if that means voting for politicians with low values and no interest in the long term viability and prosperity of the country.

The moral decline in society started when people realised they could get whatever they wanted now, (on credit) despite their inability to pay and when they could no longer pay off their debt, someone else would pick-up the tab.

And, more and more people discovered they could manipulate the system, not work and someone else would pay for them. 

When people had children and put their hands out for more and expected others to help pay for them. 

Just a small sample of self-interest, serving self-interest!!!

   

Fake Sheik Haron & the Litany of Failures

Fake Sheik Haron (Haroon): Governments (past and present) and the courts have questions to answer over their action or non action over hostage taker Haron. We have a right to be angry and we have a right to answers. As a community, both have failed us and as a result three people are dead (including Haron's ex-wife). And, whilst I don't wish to cause alarm, we have a need to know how many potential Sheik Haron's are walking free within our community as a result of similar failures.

As has been reported in our local papers Iran warned our Govt's about fake Sheik Haron. As you would expect 'Iran' has been critical of Australia in light of the events of this week (see attached report) They should be. As a country we've failed them as well.

In 2007 our local Muslim community asked the then Govt to investigate Haron, who had caused concern within the community here. "The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils has urged Sheik Haron - who ambiguously claims on his website to be a "small soldier" - to identify himself and stop exploiting freedom of speech to attack mainstream Australia under the banner of Islam." (From The Australian 28, January 2008)

The courts added to the litany of failures in allowing this man out on bail not once, but multi times despite the seriousness of the crimes he committed. And despite the requests by police and prosecutors to keep the lunatic behind bars. Our police, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors are also victims of the court failures.  

It appears multiple requests for action have been ignored and despite the evidence and requests from Iran a con-artist and fraudster was granted asylum in this country. A con-artist and a fraudster who went on to become a fake Sheik, an accessory to murder and a rapist is given license to walk free in our streets.

I have no idea why repeated warnings and requests were ignored. It's hard to comprehend that a person with such a dubious background can be afforded so many liberties despite the evidence against him.  On all counts this is a collective ultimate betrayal of us as a nation, of the families left to grieve and of the Muslim community. It must never be allowed to happen again. And we must continue to demand answers.

Iran News:

http://217.25.54.55/en/News/81430222/
http://217.25.54.55/en/News/81428520/

Some earlier local articles on Haron: (copy and paste to read)
2007 - http://austrolabe.com/2007/12/06/the-fake-sheikh-haron/
2007 - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/sheik-faked-to-stir-up-ill-feeling/story-e6frg8yo-1111115203676
2008 - http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/defence/call-to-probe-mystery-shia-cleric/story-e6frg8yx-1111115413357
2009 - http://www.crikey.com.au/2009/10/23/give-us-a-break-the-fake-sheiks-not-worth-the-effort/