July 22, 2007
Schapelle and her family are still waiting for the Indonesian Judges to decide on her Judicial Review.
We are pleased to report that the dental problems that Schapelle wrote about in her book were taken care of.
A defamation suit has been lodged in New South Wales by Mercedes Corby against the Seven Network and the Today Tonight program. It could take up to 18 months to be heard, but we are very pleased that Stuart Littlemore, QC is on our side. He is a very prominent specialist in media law.
Forums:
The Schapellefn Forum
http://schapellefn.30.forumer.com/ was taken over by Kath Talmage in New Zealand earlier this year,
given a new format and is making progress. Angela, the former web owner, contacted me recently. her health has improved,
she is moving to Perth and she sends her love.
Spirit of Schapelle (SOS) Sad to report that a few days ago we were informed that SOS has terminated. It did an excellent job and had a considerable following. We don't know the reason for their closing down but we're hopeful that their data base will be passed on.
Freeschapelle.net http://www.freeschapelle.net/ is part of the
Freeschapelle Official Website and only started this April.
The Website & Forum are the best source of up to date information available.
The Forum is going ahead in leaps and bounds with over 159 members as of this writing.
This is, no doubt, in part to the close relationship with Foreign Prisoner Support Service (FPSS) and also some very active and dedicated members who keep a lively discussion going on a wide range of related topics.
I strongly recommend this site and forum to you, especially our overseas members. It is very pleasing to see the interest from overseas.
Influx of new Members:
Since Schapelle's book "MY STORY" came out, there has been a lot of new interest generated in her case, both in Australia and from around the world. Many contacted Kay Danes at FPSS and it was creating an overload for her. SASG is taking care of the new contacts, many of whom are among the new members of the above mentioned Forums.
Even before this influx occurred, our mailing list was approaching 200 and we are proud of that. In spite of all the vile lies, distortions and rumours spread around, there are still many people out there who believe in truth, justice, integrity, the rule of law and a fair go. There are support groups in many parts of the world, working in many different ways. We have seen last years "Smiley" campaign on SOS. This year on freeschapelle.net, we have the "Lucky Elephant" campaign and of special mention is "The White Hat initiative" on freeschapelle.net working with Rotary International to bring about improved conditions at Kerobokan prison for the women especially. There are, indeed, many ways to serve. Well done!
Item from the Freeschapelle.net Forum on 'White Hats':
Joined: 21 Apr 2007
Posts: 214
Location: Australia
Posted: Sat Jun 30, 2007 9:31 am Post subject: About White Hats Campaign
WHITE HATS CAMPAIGN
Update July 2007
Ladies and Gentlemen,
After battling through some last-minute red tape and getting the last few signatures on forms, the White Hats campaign is now ready to launch.
Bali Rotarians have been working closely with Perth Rotary and White Hats founder Chris Dickinson, to establish initiatives in support of all female prisoners in Bali.
'Firstly, we will be doing that all-important work on the women's water supply. We will make it reliable, and clean. That is our core mission. We will also be providing bedding for the women, so that the poorer inmates do not have to sleep on hard concrete, which is both unhealthy and very painful!' says Chris.
The Rotary Club will fund a prison education program aimed at "ending offending". The program is run by the local Yayasan Sri Kandhi group. It encompasses vocational training and life-skills, such as proper sanitation, baby nutrition, and so on. It's all stuff the women need to raise their expectations in life, and avoid further prison sentences! If money permits, the new 'White Hats Campaign' will also be looking at other issues, such as general upkeep of the cells, health and sanitation.
This is a wonderful opportunity for people to offer assistance to the women of Kerobokan. This campaign has the support of the Prison authorities, the Australian Consulate in Bali, the Yayasan Sri Kandhi group, and the international Rotary Club. Rotary will administer all funds to ensure donors have complete confidence that they will not be lost or misused.
All donations are strictly confidential. The total amount of money needed for the White Hats project is twelve thousand dollars, but due to the funding arrangements already in place, we only need to raise another $2,500 to make it happen!
To donate, simply post a cheque to:
Rotary "White Hats" Campaign
Third floor
110 William Street
Perth 6000 Australia
Cheques are payable to:
Brearley Custodians Pty Ltd
Remember to write WHITE HATS on the reverse of the cheque, or on a cover note, so they will know what it is for! This is very important!
Lastly, remember to put a return address on the envelope. This will enable Rotary to post you a receipt, which your accountant can use to get you a nice REFUND at the end of the financial year. Thank you to everyone who has been involved in supporting this initiative.
I keep an eye on matters related to 'airport security' and 'drug trafficking.' They are not without a bit of humour:
Report: Hollywood Director Detained By LAX Security
Thu, 31 May '07
Ya Need To Watch What You Say Around Airports...
In Hollywood vernacular, a "pilot" is a proof-of-concept production to sell an idea for a TV show or movie. And what cameramen do with cameras is called "shooting" a movie. Perhaps airport security screeners in Los Angeles, CA need training on local vocabulary, or maybe they're just wound a little too tight.
Either way, Monsters and Critics reports a tale regarding director Mike Figgis, best known for his film "Leaving Las Vegas", in an encounter with security at Los Angeles International Airport. The story has Figgis being asked the purpose of his visit, and responding, "I'm here to shoot a pilot."
As you might imagine, completely un-hip security personnel are said to have detained the director for five hours until they finally consulted online sources to confirm the phrase's alternate meaning.
We're not completely sure whether this story isn't just an urban legend... but if it is, it's certainly a believable one
As mentioned above, FPSS/Freeschapelle.net is the best up to date news source, so I'll devote a bit of space to another of our functions, that of dispelling rumours:
a.. Schapelle has made hundreds of trips to Bali. WRONG, this was her fifth trip.
b.. Why did she take her boogie board when her brother-in-law owns a surf shop? WRONG, Wayan has never even worked in a surf shop, let alone owned one.
c.. Any number of rumours to the effect that the whole family are involved with drugs. THE FACTS, Michael Corby was fined $300 (NO CONVICTION) over thirty years ago in Queensland, during Joh Bjelke Petersen's 'No Tolerance' regime, for possession of 2grams yes, dear readers, two grams. Schapelle's brother, Clinton, was serving time, when Schapelle was arrested, for burglary and car theft, NOT DRUG OFFENCES. James had no criminal record until his brain fade in late 2005. Both brothers are free now and trying to get on with their lives.
d.. What about all the allegations on Today Tonight? As there could be issues of sub-judice, all I will say is that we are 100% supportive of Mercedes and confident in a positive outcome.
We must be very vigilant regarding the media. The mass media is focused mainly on profit, on selling advertising. Integrity becomes a casualty in the zeal for beating the competition to a story and if they can throw a bit of dirt in the mix, it's good for ratings and circulation. People will believe the bad before the good, it's easier on their consciences that way.
Reporters are always facing the pressures of deadlines and, unfortunately, far too many of them succumb to unprofessional and lazy habits and resort to getting their information from the pubs and the gutter gossips.
When you hear someone use phrases like, "Everyone knows---" or "They say---" or any of a number of similar phrases, always ask the question that Margaret Thatcher asked George Negus when he tried such tactics on her. She came back with, "WHO SAID?" "NAME THEM!" See how quickly they go to water!
Much can be resolved by the application of good old 'common sense.'
a.. What about the 'Aussie Gold' being sold on the streets of Bali? Where's the evidence? If commercial quantities of the product were coming into Bali, do you think the local dealers would tolerate the competition? Would the corrupt police, who do deals with the local drug dealers? Would there not be many arrests? Why would people go to Bali for a cheap holiday and pay top price for MJ? The locals are capable of growing hydroponic. Other than that, MJ is dirt cheap on the street. If anyone tells you that they bought 'Aussie Gold' on the streets of Bali, chances are you're talking to an idiot. Word gets around very quickly in that drug subculture and if a rival firm moved in there would be ructions. People who sell illicit drugs are hardly likely to suffer pangs of guilt over false advertising.
b.. What about Schapelle using the monies donated by her supporters to bribe the guards to let her out for day trips? COMMON SENSE AGAIN PEOPLE! More character assassination, more undermining of her support groups. Think! Remember back during the trial, all the media frenzy? Schapelle couldn't even get outside the gate to go to the dentist a couple of months ago without a media frenzy, and a few lies from the unscrupulous.
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