Yuyutsu,
Why do you think prison is the worst punishment possible?

What do you think a more appropriate punishment be for the serious crime he was convicted of?

Dear Aidan,

To begin with, I do not believe at all in humans punishing each other. I do believe in divine justice, but this is not for us to carry out.

Protection from further damage is a different matter, but in the case of Pell, even the judge admitted that he poses no further threat to society.

«Why do you think prison is the worst punishment possible?»

I admit, not for everyone. There are some of the lowest type of people for whom prison-life is not even that different than their normal life.

I speak for myself and for people like myself, who are spiritual, sensitive, who try to purify their life, seek only pure influences and stimuli, stay away and shield themselves from the evil and the impure, including even such impurities that are legal and considered "normal" in society.

In brief, prison tears away our shield. Prison cuts us off from pure influences (such as scripture, spiritual guides, good spiritual company, spiritual rites, quietude, pure diet, pure music, etc.) and exposes us to the worst influences, let alone of "normal" society but even of criminal society. This undercuts all our spiritual endeavours for which we came to this world and sets us instead on the path of evil to spiritual ruination - death is much preferable.

Yuyutsu,

I think that Pell could have spent the rest of his life in the Vatican. It has happened before, but I'm sorry that I can't name the cardinal or what he did. Pell certainly should not be in jail given the ridiculous, unbelievable farce that was his trial. The so called Dark Ages were more enlightened than modern Australia.

Like you, I cannot think of punishment worse than incarceration among the scum of the earth for someone like Pell. He is old, he is sick; neither of which conditions would stop him from being physically assaulted and worse by natural low-lives, who presume to have 'standards’ that apparently allow them to judge other people. We know that the hateful Left will be enjoying the prospect of that, even though it is incarceration that is the punishment, and not thuggish behaviour from other prisoners.

For the first time in my life, I am thoroughly ashamed of, and embarrassed for, my country. Like a fool, I honestly thought that we were better; that we would never condemn anyone, irrespective of character or offence, beyond reasonable doubt.

Alasdair MacIntyre warned us a few years ago that: “The time is coming when men and women of virtue would understand that continued full participation in mainstream society was not possible for those who wanted to live a life of traditional virtue”.

I think that time has arrived.

Australians should be extremely uneasy about the fact that the Victorian police began the investigation without a complaint.

‘Show me the man and I’ll show you the crime,’ Lavrentiy Beria assured Stalin.

One can’t help but feel Pell is not being treated like any other convicted prisoner. The live broadcasting of his sentencing hearing was intended to maximise his shame and humiliation and the Victorian County Court chief judge, Peter Kidd, seemed to take considerable pleasure in doing his judicial duty so publicly.

Hi there TTBN & RUNNER...

One of the AFP's former Commissioners was a bloke by the name of, Maj. Gen. Ron GRAY - He was a decorated soldier and Vietnam Veteran. He was quoted as saying, '...he'd rather face a Coy. of Vietnam Regular's, than a single 'media hack'. He went on to say, they never quote you accurately, they often distort your statements, and in some cases lie about what you've said or done.

And my own experiences with the media will bear out all that the Maj. Gen. has said. On one isolated occasion, I arrested a bloke who was complicit in the commission of malicious wounding. The TV media arrived, and I showed the TV Crew the Butterfly Knife used, which was televised that night on the TV News. To say I was misquoted up hill & down dale would be an understatement, so much, so I got a real 'blister' from my Boss (a Supt.). Police have a Media unit who generally look after most news releases from police. And to ensure we don't put our size 12's in the sh.t.

TTBN & RUNNER...Whatever negative opinions you might have about the NSW (Australian) media, I could only concur with you. Apropos Geo. PELL. I don't know whether he's guilty or not. He received a Trial and was found guilty by twelve of his peers. The law (subject to appeal) says he's guilty, as charged. One thing I found curious gentleman, Geo. PELL showed a great deal of dignity during his trial and subsequent imprisonment. The guilty people I've dealt with, usually display either, utter fear, nonchalance, or courage, when sentenced to a prison term. Despite his age and quiet demeanor, Geo. PELL is no wilting violet, despite his high office in the Catholic Church.