I think their are a number of good arguements for and against the death penalty although the idea that its not a deterrent is leftist dogma with no evidence but quoted by every brainwashed unthinking person.

Dear runner,

Logically thinking - you can't blame the
"Leftists." If capital punishment was a
deterrent - Indonesia wouldn't have the
on-going drug problems that it has and yet
despite capital punishment the drug-trade
continues.

Dear Jayb,

Capital punishment is not a deterrent.
The drug trade will continue regardless
of whether these two men die or not.
The system is corrupt - and will continue
to be corrupt - we both agree with that.
As you stated -
That's the way business is done in Third
World Countries.

We all feel sorry for the victims of drug
trafficers. Especially when the "King Pins"
responsible (as in the case of the "Bali 9"
as apparently free and living lives of luxury in
this country.
However our government is not
interfering with the laws of Indonesia -
they are simply appealing for clemency under
an already corrupt system.

As for what the Saudi government would do
regarding a woman driving a car in Australia?
Well, so far as I know the Saudi government
has not voiced any objections on that matter.

o sung wu,
If they are not 'topped' there will be a deal for them to be deported back to Australia on the basis that they are imprisoned for life without parole.
That will cost us a fortune and the Indos will have solved their problem as well as keeping face.
The definition of 'life without parole' will be modified and they will be back on the street within five years.
We saw the similar circumstance with the French in NZ after the "Greenpeace" incident.

Fox,

You are in complete denial if you believe that Indonesia, leaders and people, do not rightly see the comments - some implied threats (such regarding foreign aid - as interference in Indonesia's domestic affairs.

You need to travel in the SEAsia region to learn for yourself the jealousy and hatred of Australia that is scarcely below the surface.

Indonesia is a developing country and has vastly different problems and priorities to Australia. The culture and traditions are very different AND they want it to stay that way.

Some multicult you are if you don't recognise that. You are living in a fairy land.

Diplomatic representation and what Australia is doing are chalk and cheese. Indonesians believe they are being patronised, preached at and lectured to by fat, comfortably well off 'whites' whose sense of entitlement and insensitivity prevent them from understanding and from showing respect by not nagging when its President has already made several responses.

Repairing the diplomatic damage will cost the Australian taxpayer dearly. Most here are honest enough to acknowledge that on previous occasions where Australia has interfered (examples give earlier) the PMs at the time have fallen over their own feet giving expensive presents (eg aircraft and patrol boats) and other valued concessions to make amends. This time I would say that control of prime agricultural land will be part of the deal.

otb,

Since when have you become such an expert on Indonesia.
And where is the evidence of what you are spouting is
true.

I don't claim to be any sort of an expert. However, I do
glean my information from experts - political commentators
who live in the country - and know its politics very well.
Julie Bishop, our Foreign Affairs Minister is an extremely
capable person - and I am sure thatb she will be able to
repair any damage that our PM has done or will continue
to do - as she's done in the past.

You're entitled to your opinions, of course, however unless
supported by evidence and reason - they don't really amount
to much.