spikey:"Anti-semitism was lurking in your mind because you read an article about synagogue members being upset about Einfeld being publicly associated with their synagogue?"

Anti-semitism wasn't "lurking" anywhere. The response of the Jewish community was fresh, however and I feel it is a little puzzling. Given that he has been such a prominent member of that community and will no doubt be welcomed back into it after he does his time and that the Synagogue is a purely Jewish organisation, beholden to no Gentile, what would their motive for distancing themselves? Are they concerned that his actions and such an association might fuel anti-semitic sentiment? Certainly muslim groups have moved rapidly in the past to act similarly when prominent members of their community have done stupid things, for similar reasons. The same applies to Christian denominations.

spikey:"The 'realms of possibility' are a long way removed from relevant evidence whether it's the synagogue or your 'very prominent Anglican Church school in Brisbane' ."

My original comment was:"his religion has nothing to do with it, other than that it may (among other factors) have played a part over the years in allowing him to get away with things he should have been punished for."

You'll note the use of the word "may". In case you don't have a dictionary handy, that implies that a possibility exists. My later comment made the basis for that possibility clear. Following so far?

If I had not used the qualifying "may", I would have been making an unequivocal assertion, which would have required corroboration.

Still, at least you've acknowledged that the possibility exists. That must have been hard for you.

Why are you so keen to see anti-semitism? Are you Jewish?

It was reported in the news last night that as soon as he got into prison, Einfeld asked for a personal psychiatrist and a masseuse and something else that I can't recall now.

I'd have thought that, with the other things he's said and done, Einfeld has a massive entitlement complex.

While putting myself at risk of being accused of sinking the boot in, I think the authorities should say a big NO to his request. They should do enough to ensure his basic human rights but no more. Just like any other prisoner. Maybe plenty of reflection time tinged with a little bit of pain is what Einfeld actually needs.

Should the taxpayer be footing the bill for his living well within the prison system?

Dear Rob,

I'm not trying to be contentious - but
could it possibly be that the man is
really stressed out and needs counseling?
Maybe he's just grabbing at straws?

He can ask, but it doesn't mean he's going
to get it does it?

As for the taxpayer's money funding his prison
requirements? Well, he would have paid a large
amount of taxes during his working life
wouldn't he? And, there's probably many people
in jail who never paid any taxes, and we're
supporting them.

Foxy,

I'd say he should get the service if and when he needs it as opposed to him just wanting it. I suppose there's some merit in him asking for it now when he's still able, rather than waiting until he's in such a bad state that he can't. Maybe that was in his thinking, I don't know.

OK, I agree with you to the extent that he's alerted the authorities to the possibility that he could have a problem in future.

I still think though that there are double standards within society. Those in a position to ask and influence get, while those that can't don't. That was the real point behind my opinion.

"Well, he would have paid a large amount of taxes during his working life wouldn't he? And, there's probably many people in jail who never paid any taxes, and we're supporting them."

One could just as easily argue that his persona opened a lot of career opportunities for him in his life that he wasn't really entitled to if it were based purely on merit. This counterbalances the idea that he paid a lot of taxes.

It's certainly a tough issue to do complete justice to.

Our system can be manipulated by one who knows all that he is entitled to under it. The average person does not know. I did not know I was entitled to a pension until several years after I was eligible for one. Probably Einfeld is entitled to everything he is asking for. He knows what one is entitled to under the system. The average Aussie is not informed. It minimises government expense if they remain uninformed.

Foxy, given his position and connections, I doubt he's paid much tax at all, that seems to be the way it works. Unfortunately he'll obviously have to stay in "protection", with all the rock-spiders and such, fitting company in my opinion. He will be sent somewhere cushy too, that's also a given, so he may well get his wishes fulfilled, so even in gaol he'll still benefit from the "one law for the wealthy" effect.
He will suffer nothing socially upon release, the wealthy will take his lying as normal behaviour, and will sympathise with him, look at Bondy and his ilk.
Don't look now, here comes the new Feudalism.