cd.thomson
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 08:44 AM |
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There was an american journalist of BBC radio Nottingham the other day who was ranting on and on and on about why the "UK" [England] could
not impose its will on the "Scottish" decision making process "A lot of Americans want to know why the UK is so weak and let the
Scottish do what they want".
Er, Mr/Mrs America, are you deriving your knowledge of our political and justice systems on the blockbuster "King Arthur"?
Craig
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scootz
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 10:30 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Steve Hignett
If Kenny MacAskill had his reasons for letting him out, then fine, but I would not of let him back to Libya, to die like a hero, he should of stayed
here, and I wouldn't of cared how much it would of cost for his care, and probably round the clock police protection.
He just shouldn't be let to die like a hero...
Problem is Steve, Kenny MacAskill did have his reasons - it was 'due process' passed by the legal system and has been in place for years.
There are set grounds for 'compassionate release' which Megrahi met.
As for being sent home to die like a hero? Not sure I agree. Had he been kept in jail to die (which could not have happened due to the foregoing
process), and then been found posthumously 'Not Proven' (as many legal experts believe he would) then he will have died a Martyr in a UK
jail. A political prisoner.
I'm just glad I'm not Kenny Macaskill!
I keep coming back to the point that MacAskill was stuffed! However, I have a new admiration for him for having the strength to stand forward and do
what he had to do, and for doing so in such an eloquent and thought provoking fashion.
I noticed the UK Govt ran away and hid from the subject. In fact, our great leader has still not passed comment! Wonder why! Cowardice?
Duplicity?
Sure all the other parties will use it for political jockeying... "we would never have allowed this".... blah.... blah... blah! Sorry,
the fact is - there was never a choice and Cameron et al would all still be in hiding, just like Brown has, had they been the PM at this time.
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Humbug
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 12:01 PM |
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quote:
Anyone Up For a Discussion on the Release of Al Megrahi?
No
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MautoK
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 12:42 PM |
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"Oh, what a tangled web we weave
When first we practise to deceive!"
He's whittling on a piece of wood. I got a feeling that when he stops whittling, something's gonna happen. (OUATITW/Cheyenne)
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RK
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 01:03 PM |
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It's economic. You really don't want to pay 100's of thousands of pounds a year for this guy while he sits in jail, eating better
than half the population, do you?
As an aside, I lived for a while in the US, have had great times there, but once their government starts putting their nose into something, it's
their way or the highway. They have no regard for how other countries do things, and ZERO respect for other cultures. If someone does better than they
do, they must be cheating.
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Steve Hignett
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 06:37 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by scootz
[Problem is Steve........
I think what I wrote down and what I meant were slightly different! 
I was more in agreement with your statement that it sounds when I read it back again. I think the point I was trying to make was something along the
lines of:
If it were me I would of done XYZ (and)
If that system of compassionate release did not exist, it would of been better to do XYZ (and)
It is a shame that he is glorified in any way whatsoever, whether that as a dying martyr in jail or praised in his home...
PS - I know you weren't having a go at me in your reply, but wanted to clarify anyway!
ETA, Oh, and yes I think MacAskill was in a very difficult position and my respect for him has grown...
[Edited on 24/8/09 by Steve Hignett]
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scootz
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| posted on 24/8/09 at 09:00 PM |
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Absolutely no offense intended or taken Steve - just talking as if we were sat round a table at a pub!
The reason I've been bleating on about this one for so long is because the whole issue has really struck a chord with me! It's dredged up
so many memories, but also questions! Questions that were destined to be answered at Al Megrahi's appeal and now, we'll never know...
we're left to assume that Al Megrahi was Guilty, but still the stench is unbearable.
It has also affected me because I am a proud Scot. Our justice system is (was) envied the whole world over due to it's transparency and
evidential requirements. It's now regarded as a joke - mind you, in many ways it is these days as the courts are far too soft and the convict
is treated better than the victim. But that is how society has been allowed to develop by those in charge. Unfortunately, it was also a joke at the
time of the Al Megrahi trial... a puppet court unduly influenced by the US.
I started the thread with Kenny MacAskills statement as that was what really made me think hard about the whole issue. The decision was
straightforward for him, but still, to have the balls to bear the burden and to deliver THAT statement with such undoubted sincerity restored my pride
in being a Scot.
I'm not an SNP supporter, nor am I convinced about full-devolution, but if there were more MacAskills in the party, then they would give me
something to think about.
I honestly think that this statement will be studied and debated for years to come and will be found over the passage of time to be one of the most
important of speeches. One from which lessons can be learned by all - particularly those who might be tempted to bring terror and fear to any
community.
Compassion delivered as a strength, not as a weakness!
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GrumpyOne
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| posted on 4/9/09 at 10:53 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by GrumpyOne
Compassionate grounds my a**e, I am willing to bet the UK will be buying cheap Libyan oil within six months.
Never thought for one moment that the Scottish Government released him on their own without the say so from Whitehall or that compassion played any
part in his release.
http://news.uk.msn.com/uk/article.aspx?cp-documentid=149531963
My wife is very understanding, she understands that if I am in the garage I am not in the house annoying her.
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