THE DEED IS DONE

[Heather]

That's a possibility Neville. The same with Schapelle Corby. I read a book about her a few years ago and went into that book thinking she had done the crime but seriously doubted it once I finished the book. (The book was written by a journalist who looked at the facts, not a sympathiser). The media beat up all sorts of things about her family that simply were not true. Either way, she certainly did not get a fair trial. Because her case was so publicised, the Indonesian government took a very hard line on her to look tough. There were others who smuggled larger quantities or harder drugs who got off with much, much lighter sentences. I felt incredibly sad after reading that book. We all should be really aware that if you get caught up in the legal system of a country like Indonesia, the system is not always fair or honest. In Indonesia you are guilty until proven innocent. Schapelle had to prove she didn't do it, in other words in order to prove her innocence, she had to prove who did smuggle the drugs. Put yourself in that position and you will see the impossibility of the situation.

I've mellowed too Terry, and I've learnt to not judge people or accept what the media feed us and I've also learnt that if you look, there is good in most people. I can't see the point of executing someone when they have been in jail for 10 years and are clearly rehabilitated. There are seriously bad people in this world but these two boys had obviously changed and were doing good things. Show me a 20 something male who hasn't done something stupid, reckless, or illegal -(speeding and drink driving fall into that category). And take the case of Mary Jane Veloso who nearly faced the bullet at the same time. At the 11th hour the person who set her up came forward and if they hadn't, an apparently innocent woman, would also be dead.

[Terry]

I agree Heather, the media are a law unto their selves with little regard for the truth and will squeeze the last drop out of a story, then add a few more drops of their own for good measure.

Like you I believe this was as much about Indonesia thumbing their noses at Australia and at the same time trying to garner support for an increasingly unpopular President. They are already threatening us if we protest too much.

Bet it doesn't reduce the numbers who go to Bali though?

Terry

[Heather]

A lot of people have forgotten East Timor and the murder of two Australian journalists. I resolved then never to go to Bali. The Indonesian government have shown no respect for the Australian government or our citizens. The PM tried to speak to Widodo but that request (and others) were ignored! I don't think we can have any idea of the frustration Julie Bishop and the consular officials have gone through.

[Terry]

I haven't forgotten either Heather.

Terry

[Heather]

I'd like to point out I was just a kid!!

[Cropduster]

Heather - you could not have been any more than 1 or 2 yrs old at the time

I can only hope that wordwide condemnation for the callous single-minded actions of Widodo, which will leave him with blood stains on his hands that will never wash off, will result in an end to capital punishment in that country. I also hope that in future there will be a jusicial system which if fair, just and unbiased. Maybe then sentences will reflect the crime and not the level of media attention.

[Heather]

I was maybe 5 Allan. ☺ i was young though, just on the brink of political awareness. I clearly remember the murders because one of the journalists was a regular in our lounge room each evening. I was sad and very cross at the time.

[Gary Harding]

Gee Allan ... you have really prompted some lively ABPA discussion !!

In one episode of Get Smart I recall. ... Max and 99 were lined up before a Mexican firing squad.

"Any last request, Senor?"

"Yes, a cigarette" and Max promptly produces one 2ft long....

Not to suggest that it necessarily happened in this particular case of course! ... but the execution did seem a bit delayed.

Anyway, I do not pretend to understand it .. I am pretty dumb and unsophisticated.

Traditional rhyming poetry nicely written I DO understand though, quite well ..... (good writing Allan!)... and nothing beats Traditionally written poetry!

[Cropduster]

Heather - that is so very sad. Little wonder you were so deeply effected.

Gary - I think it is a discussion that is being had all over the country. The execution of these two men has opened a wound in our collective souls. Thank you for your kind words and positive feedback. Very much appreciated.

[warooa]

Had to laugh at that, Nev . . . wishing the media would keep it to a circumspect minimum. With these ridiculous 24hr news coverage it will only get worse.

As for Australia "furious in its condemnation" - withdrawing our Ambassador. My god the Indonesian government must be in absolute choas due to such a crippling blow of retribution. Really . . what a hollow tokenistic, absolutely meaningless gesture it is.

What will happen is that 24hr news cycle will quickly move on and there'll be football players behaving badly, lots of vacuous reality TV gumph, Royal babies, race riots, political scandals and much much more other stuff to be outraged about, very soon. The Ambassador with quietly slip back into Jakarta in a few weeks, if not before, and Australia's tetchy relationship with our northerly neighbour will continue.

There is too much at stake, trade wise, to let this rock the boat (oh, wait up, we stopped them). So yes, Julie Bishop may don the head scarf and Tony Abbot will empathise with peoples anger, but the fact is there's a massive reliance upon each other adding up to billions of dollars in trade. We provide more than 60% of Indonesia's wheat, worth $1.4 billion annually. There's also the beef and cattle exports worth hundreds of millions along with substantial exports of cotton, sugar and other horticulture.

It's our third largest market worth a lot more than a few crocodile tears for a couple of drug mules. I agree they didn't deserve to die. But the law in that country is implicit. As Bob said succinctly - actions and consequences. They lucked out. I just think all these words coming from politicians are dripping with insincerity - how hurt, offended, appalled, sickened we are. Are they genuine? Perhaps, or are they just regurgitating the torrents of outrage that spew forth on social media to feel in sync with the masses?