In Reply to: I put a long reply to this further down posted by cliff on Saturday, 29. January 2005 at 03:58 Bali Time:
with interest, Cliff. I have never smoked anything, tobacco, pot, nor anything else, so I have no axe to grind.
My understanding is that growing hemp was originally banned in the US due to intensive lobbying by other sectors of the textile trade and many governments have remained illogically paranoid about it ever since.
I think it is preposterous that Schapelle faces a serious charge. Maybe just a bit more serious than trying to get through with extra tobacco or alcohol, something which many of us joke about and pass on helpful hints and tips on how to avoid the eagle eyes of the customs inspectors.
Things she could logically have been charged with may include:
Attempting to do business in Indonesia without first obtaining a business visa.
Bringing in undeclared plant material which could be infected with pests or disease and which could endanger the local crops.
Anything else?
A moderate fine and perhaps a ban on obtaining an entry visa for say 2 years would surely suffice for a first offense.
The ability to accurately assess priorities has never been a requirement for a responsible government position anywhere in the world. We see the results of that all the time in so many ways.
Speaking as an Australian, [by choice, not by birth], there are plenty of legal anomalies and instances of injustice in Australia, but I can't see many of us falling over ourselves to permanently leave the place. Similarly, most, if not all of us will carry on enjoying our Bali holidays, regardless of the outcome of the Corby case.