An Open Letter To BoycottScotland.com

Hi,

Since reading your website, I have felt compelled to write this email, for I wish to try and understand the reasons behind your vociferous opposition to an entire nation, on account of the action of just one man.

Have you stopped to contemplate the notion that “compassionate” release actually ameliorates a country’s standing as a progressive society? A country such as Scotland, or indeed the US, which is proud to portray itself as a free-thinking, progressive and advanced society, has a responsibility towards upholding the values of humanitarianism. This is one of the fundamental constructs in the foundation of an advanced society. Without governance that accepts humanitarian values, the world’s “advanced” nations would be nothing more than quasi dictatorships. And if that were true, we wouldn’t have democracy either. You get the picture.

One of the most notable differences between what we perceive to be openly “democratic” and “undemocratic” societies – and one upon which the west’s social model is sold as superior and therefore desirable for all nations – is the spirit of compassion. We forcefeed nations our tightly wound idea of democracy, because we believe it to be founded upon essentially humanitarian values – freedom of speech, freedom of political expression, freedom of the press, civil liberty etc – which themselves are grounded in principles of compassion and acceptance. Tell me, how would we differ from the repressive authoritarian regimes we hold as abhorrent, if we cease to accept a decision that takes into account these qualities?

The Libyan reaction was deplorable, but the Scottish Justice Secretary can hardly be blamed for that. His role was merely that of a mediator – upholding the values here mentioned. Further, if the role of prison is to punish and deter, could you tell me in what way a man who has been incarcerated for his crime and is now weeks/months away from death has not been punished?

In what way will future terrorists not be deterred by the knowledge that life imprisonment will be the result of a similarly executed crime? I hardly think that potential terrorists would fail to take seriously the prospect of retribution on account of the possibilty of a release engineered by terminal illness. Tell me, would leniency shown towards infirmity convince you to risk life imprisonment?

It is fine to disagree with the decision – many people do – but to revert to the boycott of an entire nation, in my view demonstrates an immaturity and temperament that is characteristic of the “backward” societies we in the West are so quick to scorn and deride