Post by Anja Nieser on Sept 12, 2006 3:46:34 GMT -5
PRIME Minister John Howard must appeal to the Indonesian Government in the strongest possible terms to have the death sentence imposed on six Australian drug smugglers commuted, perhaps to life imprisonment.
An appeal for clemency, based on Australia's legal and cultural objection to capital punishment, should not be confused with support for what the so-called Bali Nine were attempting to do.
Their plan to smuggle deadly drugs to Australia was unacceptable and repugnant.
But this nation must not be apologetic about its abhorrence of capital punishment.
Nor should it be apprehensive about upsetting the Indonesian authorities by voicing that opposition.
The relationship between Australia and its nearest neighbour is sufficiently robust to absorb uncompromising dialogue, particularly based on firm principles of fairness and decency.
The alternative, to wring our hands domestically and do nothing diplomatically, is not only inappropriate but could be perceived, even by Indonesia, as weak.
The guilt of the Bali Nine for attempting to smuggle drugs out of Indonesia is not in doubt.
And Indonesia makes it transparently clear that convicted drug smugglers almost inevitably face the death penalty. But that doesn't make capital punishment right.
Australians should be as disgusted with the possibility that six young Australians will be shot in Indonesia, as they would be if they were being stoned to death in Afghanistan.
As a nation, we must make our position transparent and unequivocal.
Queensland backs Beattie
QUEENSLAND Premier Peter Beattie must be the luckiest politician in Australia.
Barely a month ago, his Labor State Government was facing likely defeat after fumbling issues like domestic water supplies, health and ageing public infrastructure.
Yet, on Saturday, Labor was returned with an increased majority, underlining, once again, the cast-iron political rule that voters will not tolerate internal division or dissent.
The combined National and Liberal Opposition relinquished its grip on victory, first by proposing an ill-conceived merger plan, and later committing fundamental campaigning errors. As Premier, Mr Beattie made mistakes. But in times of prosperity, people need genuine reasons to change their vote and their government.
When his opponents displayed weakness and division, Mr Beattie responded like an attack dog, enhancing his image as a strong leader and highlighting the potential frailty of the Coalition.
Ironically, Mr Beattie's greatest test is not winning a fourth term in office.
It will be how he handles the big political issues in the next four years – securing reliable water supplies for southeast Queensland, harnessing government spending, selling electricity assets, fixing the health system and building desperately needed infrastructure in the fastest growing state in Australia.
Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by The Editor, Melvin Mansell, 31 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA 5000
An appeal for clemency, based on Australia's legal and cultural objection to capital punishment, should not be confused with support for what the so-called Bali Nine were attempting to do.
Their plan to smuggle deadly drugs to Australia was unacceptable and repugnant.
But this nation must not be apologetic about its abhorrence of capital punishment.
Nor should it be apprehensive about upsetting the Indonesian authorities by voicing that opposition.
The relationship between Australia and its nearest neighbour is sufficiently robust to absorb uncompromising dialogue, particularly based on firm principles of fairness and decency.
The alternative, to wring our hands domestically and do nothing diplomatically, is not only inappropriate but could be perceived, even by Indonesia, as weak.
The guilt of the Bali Nine for attempting to smuggle drugs out of Indonesia is not in doubt.
And Indonesia makes it transparently clear that convicted drug smugglers almost inevitably face the death penalty. But that doesn't make capital punishment right.
Australians should be as disgusted with the possibility that six young Australians will be shot in Indonesia, as they would be if they were being stoned to death in Afghanistan.
As a nation, we must make our position transparent and unequivocal.
Queensland backs Beattie
QUEENSLAND Premier Peter Beattie must be the luckiest politician in Australia.
Barely a month ago, his Labor State Government was facing likely defeat after fumbling issues like domestic water supplies, health and ageing public infrastructure.
Yet, on Saturday, Labor was returned with an increased majority, underlining, once again, the cast-iron political rule that voters will not tolerate internal division or dissent.
The combined National and Liberal Opposition relinquished its grip on victory, first by proposing an ill-conceived merger plan, and later committing fundamental campaigning errors. As Premier, Mr Beattie made mistakes. But in times of prosperity, people need genuine reasons to change their vote and their government.
When his opponents displayed weakness and division, Mr Beattie responded like an attack dog, enhancing his image as a strong leader and highlighting the potential frailty of the Coalition.
Ironically, Mr Beattie's greatest test is not winning a fourth term in office.
It will be how he handles the big political issues in the next four years – securing reliable water supplies for southeast Queensland, harnessing government spending, selling electricity assets, fixing the health system and building desperately needed infrastructure in the fastest growing state in Australia.
Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by The Editor, Melvin Mansell, 31 Waymouth St, Adelaide, SA 5000