Schapelle Corby – presumed innocent: Do I look like a criminal?
Black Americans are very familiar with draconian prison sentences for minor drug offenses. But Australian Schapelle Corby could never have fathomed her fate when she decided to bring along a little home grown weed to keep her and her friends in a partying mood during their exotic vacation in Bali, Indonesia.
Indeed, Corby’s arrest and conviction (just yesterday) have induced shock and incited both moral and racial indignation amongst her Aussie compatriots. They ostensibly believe her fatuous defense that baggage handlers at the airport stuffed the pot into her luggage without her knowledge. And, Australians have demanded that their government turn her unfortunate plight into an international incident.
Nevertheless, Australian Prime Minister John Howard has demonstrated reassuring good sense and equanimity amidst the national hysteria now gripping his country. In fact, he cautioned that:
…although everyone feels for this girl it was necessary to trust the Indonesian justice system. We have to respect the justice system of other countries.
Indeed! Especially since PM Howard has been the most ardent supporter of President Bush’s policy of summary arrests and indefinite detention of innocent people worldwide in his war against terrorism. Moreover, since PM Howard considers Indonesia a democratic atoll in a sea of Islamic Jihadist, it would seem foolhardy to compromise this strategic national interest for the sake of a misguided, pot-smoking party girl!
Therefore, off to the pokey she goes (for 20 years!).
Guilty! And, yes, looking very much like a criminal…
Let’s hope that her punishment will serve as a deterrent and reality check for privileged kids who think themselves immune to the consequences of breaking the law (even in quaint and exotic countries).
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Anonymous says
First off, I certainly feel for the lady from Australia. 20 years is an awfully long time for extremely poor judgment. The countries in South East Asia are notorious for extremely low tolerance for drug offenses. I remember reading the stern warning in bold red type on the landing card on a flight to Singapore several years back. No doubt most Australians are quite familiar with such laws and their consequences. Let us hope this case gives us more respect for other nation’s laws when we travel abroad.
Rage in NJ