Dear Paul,

Richard Cooke in the link I gave earlier asked
the question "What happens when the Australian
Establishment lines up behind a convicted
paedophile?"

He goes on to explain that "supporting a convicted
paedophile is morally wrong and was an
uncontroversial statement in Australia a few days
ago. It is no longer and that change really is a
tectonic one that has shifted the grounds of debate
so far it is hard for some to know where to stand.
It is a shift that began immediately after Cardinal
George Pell's conviction on child sexual abuse
charges were announced."

As Cooke says, "Pell's defenders cannot be shamed.
A man has been found guilty of orally raping two
13 year old boys and now people are willing to protect
him."

Cooke points out that "Ray Hadley is almost alone among
conservatives in backing the verdict reached by the jury
or at least respecting it. "
"I think it would have been more prudent to allow justice to
take its course before a public exhibition of their
support for a now-convicted paedophile, he said."

Ït's impossible to put ourselves in the position of the jury
because they're the only ones who heard that evidence."

Richard Cooke tells us that the "law is complex and an
appeals process is still to take place. But Pell's
defenders have not decided his guiltlessness after a
careful review of the evidence. They don't know what the
evidence is. They have not sat in on the trial, or reviewed
its transcripts. It seems that they did not - and this is
damning - even take the time or have the inclination to
read unsuppressed media reports before weighing in."

John Howard gave Cardinal George Pell a character reference
for the court hearing and he stated that the conviction did
not alter his opinion of the Cardinal.

Howard had as Cooke points out the option
of saying nothing or waiting for more information but Howard
especially did not take it. Instead it seems that Pell's
position, his politics overruled everything.

cont'd ...

Dear Paul,

I stated earlier that I have faith in the integrity
of our legal system. I believe that the Cardinal
has a right to lodge his appeal and I believe it
will be treated appropriately. But the disregard
that is being shown to the jury and the disrespect
that is being shown to victims by this public
commentary is quite extraordinary. This is the
reason I feel obliged to correct the strawman
arguments and disinformation.

Dear Philip S,

You petulantly wrote;

** Are you seriously stupid enough to stand by you last post, if so please seek help. **

Lol.

For the record; Pell's QC lawyer has not quit his support of Pell. He stated that he was so angry that an innocent man could be found guilty. That he had done his best to make his case for this innocent man, that he felt that another lawyer needed to take it further. He heard the facts and felt that a guilty verdict by a jury was wrong.

Hi Foxy,

I like you respect the juries decision, as I respect the actions of Judge Kidd in fastidiously ensuring Pell got a fair trial. At this point in time Pell is guilty and is behind bars awaiting sentencing next week. With the maximum penalty being 50 years, I think it is incumbent on the judge to apply a custodial sentence, if for no other reason than satisfying community expectations for these sorts of crimes.
Then Pell has the avenue of appeal, which could go anyway.

Dear Paul,

Chrissie Foster appearing on the 7.30 Report with Leigh Sales
was heart-wrenching:

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/chrissie-foster-on-the-conversation-of-george-pell/10851846

I remember well the difficulties that she and her husband
(who died in 2017)
had with Pell. It was shameful what those people were put through
over what was done to their daughters.

Francis Sullivan former leader of the Catholic Church's
response to the child sex abuse Royal Commission -
and former chief executive of the Truth, Justice, and
Healing Council said that the "Melbourne Response"
(set up by Pell) was a front - and every possible obstacle
was put in their way. Sullivan said it should be discontinued,
torn down. And that the days of the Church investigating
itself should end.