International Relations (for want of a better description). Like it or not, the Indonesians have their own 'justice' system. Whether you think it works, is corrupt or just odd, it's there's. Funny how some shake their head at the differences of others and point out the wrongness of them. Like how some of the extremist Muslims don't like the way most Westerners live. Are they right to force change? If you want that part of the world to change to your mode of thinking, go live there and work for change. We expect it of the people there but few seem to step up and move over, to help. When you travel, mostly it’s to see the differences in this world. If it were all the same, what would be the point (though the land itself would be nice I suppose). Until you live somewhere and know the culture, the reasons why a place is like it is, try to allow for the fact that they may think the same about us, as we do of them.

Ultimately the 9 must face their choices. And they knew what they were choosing. Claims of threats against their families and fear for themselves and others can always be dealt with – and must be if we want real change. But when we start blaming others for the wrongs we commit, I do think we are passing the buck and forgetting what it is to be responsible.

Quickly, on ‘recreational’ drugs. If there were suitable, reliable tests for those under the influence while in charge of dangerous things (e.g. vehicles, machinery), I would support the notion of legalised drug. Individuals should have choices – as well as accompanying responsibilities. I do believe the great demand for drugs only proves that people are not happy with life and hide in the drug. No 'recreation' can replace a real experience - and I know I will cop a few comments about the euphoric feeling and creativity drugs bring... well, what does it say that we need artificial assistance to bring on this feeling and creativity?

This article is a little premature – of a trial and a judgement for a start – so what is the point of making it? Some limp wrested idea that Australia should demand Indonesians should not pass judgement on Australians – maybe there are opinions as to who should judge illegal Indonesian fishermen found in Australian waters.

As for the Bali 9 – pre-emptively suggesting they are being unjustly treated because they were engaged in serious criminal activity (yes drug trafficking results in killing people and is frowned upon universally) in another country – I suggest we wait for the trial and when found guilt – as they most certainly are and then have a collection to buy the bullets for the firing squad.

Before we bother to create a moral crusade in the name of these walking slime balls and samples of human effluent and someone complains about my lack "compassion" for these “misguided innocents” let me explain -

My friend Michael, who died aged 19, over 30 years from a drug overdose, at least he can feel somewhat avenged knowing the traders in filth and misery will soon be breathing as much air as he is.

Col, the young eighteen and nineteen year olds are too young,naive and impressionable to be taken to field and shot like dogs.By all means do this to those at the top of the food chain,but they are more likely found in the Indonesian or Australian bureauracies.
Indonesia functions on corruption.It is an accepted daily practise.

Those who take drugs have to take personal responsibility also.There will be always drug pushers so long as there are drug takers.Ban one drug and people will find another.

Like you,I knew a wonderful well liked young 21yr old who died of a heroin overdose.It was a shock to us all,however ultimately, he made the decision to ruin his own life.

Yes Arjay, with you on this one. There is a whole food chain on this sorry little industry and shooting the lot like dogs is like scooping up fine avoiders in the same cell with Ivan Milat. There are levels of crime Col, and just because it's an area which touches your nerve should not be a knee jerk reaction which stops the fair trial process. Under the Westminster law, (thank God for some imports!) we have a system whereby the prosecution must find the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In Indonesia the opposite applies. The defendant must prove their innocence (within a narrow jurisdiction, ie: nailing someone else.) Drug dealer/Kingpins are scum, let's face it, drug mules are idiots/opportunistic and perhaps scum, baggage handlers in Aust that may or may not! knowingly stash stuff in unsuspecting tourist's bags are lower than the heel of my boot, (but hey, that's just my opinion), but the ones that stick a needle in their arm and will do anything to get the stuff are victims as well as perpetrators.

They do have a choice as well. They create the demand as such and keep the industry ticking over. Whilst I understand it's a powerful addiction, I would hope that someone would remind me that I'm keeping the industry alive by being addicted. Supply equals demand.

Have you seen the way they demolish tall buildings ? - they take out (blow out) the lower levels and the rest crashes down.

Taking down a drug ring works in the same manner.

Zero tolerance is the only option... sympathy for mules? - tell me - what sympathy have they expressed or demonstrated for the people their "passport to instant riches" would kill.

The drug peddling garbage who got caught in Indonesia deserve everything the courts can throw at them - and if that includes bullets - so be it.

Any compassion and sympathy is wasted on every one of them - young or old - people are individually responsible for their individual actions - unless you are still thinking about the "he made me do it" rubbish which they trotted out before it was discovered they had been back and forth a number of times before.

Col,if Shaplelle Corby was a real drug trafficer,all she had to do was flash a few thousand to the immigration officials and promise them more upon her release.Shapelle really stuffed up,she had no money and protested her innocence.

Normally you bribe the officials,they confiscate the drugs and they,re for sale on the streets of Bali within a few hours.
All this nonsense about Indonesia being hard on drugs is a lie.
Go to Bali and drugs are everywhere,if you do get caught,make sure you have enough money to buy your life back.

The Bali nine were the olive branch to Indonesia to go easy on Shapelle.Indonesia don't give a stuff about how many drugs they can export to Australia.Many secretly despise us and would delight in the destruction of our culture with income from drug exports.
Indonesia had to act because of the official alert from Australia.

We will never stop people from drug taking.People can set up their own production in their back yards.As I said ,education should be our main source of defense.