bolueeleh wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 7:40 am royal pardon means nothing

Bolueeleh, I can see that you are viewing the issue from a partisan, national perspective. For documentary film makers and journalists worldwide his pardon is seen in a very different context. Personally I think he did cross the line but let me explain the context in which I see it.

RT was refused access to a Macron rally in France. Considering the constant deluge of Russian spy stories in Western media that we are currently seeing (even involving an opposition party leader and the US President) it wouldn't surprise me that, if they (RT) did try to launch a drone for the same purposes, they would have found themselves facing espionage charges too (not that I would disagree with that either - it's new tech and dodgy ground).

John Pilger's lastest does a great job of explaining the current trend in the media world. Cambodian clemency offers a glimmer of hope in this respect. If every country could issue royal pardons, perhaps there would be more clemency in the world (and better media coverage).

TOG wrote: ↑Fri Sep 21, 2018 10:16 pm I would imagine that the effect on democracies around the world as a result of this case is the square root of zero.

I can understand your cynicism. I think that many people share your feelings given recent trends. However, this case did get media coverage in papers around the world (and especially in Australia). Considering that, it is a big deal, and we can, at least, expect some coverage of his release by MSM.

TOG wrote: ↑Fri Sep 21, 2018 10:16 pm I would imagine that the effect on democracies around the world as a result of this case is the square root of zero.

A square root = when a bunch of guys who hate rock music have an orgy?

britscienceteacher wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 11:23 am I can understand your cynicism. I think that many people share your feelings given recent trends. However, this case did get media coverage in papers around the world (and especially in Australia). Considering that, it is a big deal, and we can, at least, expect some coverage of his release by MSM.

Media coverage means naff all. Todays new's is tomorrow's history and quickly forgotten.

Cynical? Yes, when it comes to meaningless gestures like this I am.

I will however congratulate you on you optimism as that is always a good thing. As you will know, hope was the last gift of the God's that remained in Pandora's jar and that is all we have most of the time.

StroppyChops wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 12:45 pm

TOG wrote: ↑Fri Sep 21, 2018 10:16 pm I would imagine that the effect on democracies around the world as a result of this case is the square root of zero.

Jeepers Stroppy, don't you get all intellectual with complicated math equations. One on this forum is enough.

TOG wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:43 pm

StroppyChops wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 12:45 pm

TOG wrote: ↑Fri Sep 21, 2018 10:16 pm I would imagine that the effect on democracies around the world as a result of this case is the square root of zero.

Jeepers Stroppy, don't you get all intellectual with complicated math equations. One on this forum is enough.

I'm waiting for someone to correct me on the point that determining the root of a number is not achieved by dividing by itself (which gives 1 as a result) ... but it's a fine point.

StroppyChops wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:48 pm I'm waiting for someone to correct me on the point that determining the root of a number is not achieved by dividing by itself (which gives 1 as a result) ... but it's a fine point.

Point taken.

Or we could ask, is Zero a number or a concept and if it is a number then it the only number that when divided by itself returns the answer 0 and not 1.

Now we wait for Anchor Moy to step in and reprimand us.

The Arabs gave us the concept of zero apparently

There is zero chance of me going to Saudi...somehow there is irony there

TOG wrote: ↑Sat Sep 22, 2018 2:41 pm I will however congratulate you on you optimism as that is always a good thing.

Thank you. Please excuse my simple words, it's just how I want to write on this:

Hope is something very basic for me , but essential for good living and enjoyment of life. I think that we all have free will as long as we want it. Free will means that people can choose. Hope means that there are always options available (given enough time and focus) if you can think enough, and figure out how to deal with things.

I've faced what have looked liked brick walls before, only to see the situation spin 180 degrees and new opportunities to present themselves.

I've seen people convinced by lies, living in a bubble and waited patiently, for years, for that bubble to pop, and it did.

These things were not possible without hope. Nobody wrongly accused or persecuted is ever vindicated without hope.

I haven't read your story. That's real life experience, and now common sense to me. And yes I do hope that Cambodian clemency will have a far-reaching effect, like the beat of a butterfly's wings. It's not unknown.