The caning case<\/p>\n
Bravo Gary Gentry--at last someone gets closer to the crux of
\nwhere the "punishment-fit-the-crime" debate should be focused.<\/p>\n
It is a brave person indeed who from the relative comfort of
\nJakarta tries to step inside Michael Fay to determine whether he
\nis a criminal, a victim or a naughty boy.<\/p>\n
What we can say for certain is that rather than treasuring his
\nliberty and the responsibility it demands he has abused it.<\/p>\n
For the punishment to fit the crime, only deprivation of
\nliberty and\/or reparations for the damage relate directly to his
\nactions.<\/p>\n
The more fundamental challenge for us as a society is to
\nassess what permanent damage has been done to Michael Fay, to his
\nassociates, his parents, to the person who administers such
\npunishment and to us who sit back willing to pay someone else to
\ndo what we would not do ourselves.<\/p>\n
Or would we?<\/p>\n
To witness a good guillotining, hanging, stoning, whipping or
\ncrucifixion has historically been popular spectator sport.<\/p>\n
So perhaps we could hear from readers who would like to be
\nthere or actually be holding the cane when the skin and blood
\nstart to fly.<\/p>\n
GRAEME ST. JOHN<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-caning-case-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }