I don't think all the facts are in about the David Hicks case. Who knows we may never learn the truth of what really happened. He's been gagged for a reason.

However, I do know that other nationals were released early - But not David. His Government did not come to his aid until it suited them politically. As an Australian citizen he was entitled to his
Government's protection and aid. David simply did not get it.

As for Dick Smith. I always thought of him as a "tall poppy."
And the old adage - "If you cut down the tall poppies, only the weeds remain," rings true in this case.

"Terry Hicks is an extremely low-class little man who really enjoys his public appearances." (Quote: Leigh)

Low-class eh? What a grubby little comment. Like the rest of this nonsense. That man put his entire life on hold to fight for his son. I would fight for mine, and would expect all of you to fight for yours.

Like Trtl I believe DH was a damn fool, I do not believe he was a terrorist.
I applaud Dick Smith for having the courage to speak out; he did not scream..

No time now, but I look forward to further discussing this!

Regarding David Hicks, I was very sickened by our governments position during the whole 5+ years of his incarceration without trial.

They just let an Australian citizen be tortured and brutalized by our "allies" for 5 years without explanation. He was captured in Afghanistan (which is not US territory), so that to say they had more right to deal with him than Australia did is ridiculous.

As "allies" the US should have let us deal with him.

Their whole conduct suggests they never had any proof that he was involved in terrorist activities, they just never released any information so as to create a myth that he was extremely dangerous, right in the centre of terrorist dealings, etc, etc.

And the fact they have put one of those silencing orders on him simply proves how embarrassed the US is of him.

He was their only white detainee in their whole crusade, and he conveniently gave the impression of a global conspiracy that could exist in every race and nation. It was entirely political. If he was an ordinary Afghani he'd be one of the first released years ago.

Agreed ptide;but I think you might have just opened a floodgate.

There's 'THE DIARY' you see!! Nobody will question why it has been released at this time. Nobody will question DH's increasing dislike of the Taliban.

And NOBODY dares question WHY a very wealthy millionaire chooses to live as he does, a hunted man; out of choice.

It is heresy to even suggest that something is wrong with the USA's propaganda.