Letters

Courage of convictions

Robert Bom

Contents - Dec 2012 - Buy a copy now Homily: Benedict XVI: the new consoling certainty of Christmas - Pope Benedict XVI Culture: Western crisis is spiritual: Russian Orthodox leader - Metropolitan Hilarion News: The Church Around the World Sectarianism: Dignitatis Humanae Institute: Christian values in public life - Babette Francis Young Men of God 2012 Conference showcases Christian leadership - Br Barry Coldrey Events: iWitness Retreat / Campion College Summer Program Pilgrimage: Crossroads: young people spread the message of life and love - Angela Schumann Catholicism: The Year of Faith: time to revisit the Catechism of the Catholic Church Church - Audrey English A different fire: Vatican II and the new evangelisation - Archbishop Mark Coleridge History: Parish life in the Middle Ages (Part 1) - Frank Mobbs Caroline Chisholm Library: Melbourne's hidden gem - Angela Schumann Advent and the Second Coming: a forgotten article of faith - Br Christian Moe FSC Letters: Abortion silence - Thomas M. Kalotas Letters: Courage of convictions - Robert Bom Letters: Bob Santamaria - Brian A. Peachey Letters: Old Testament - Fr Brian Harrison Letters: Harm minimisation - Tom King Christmas: Latin Mass in Melbourne Poetry: The Reunion - Father John W. Ó Néill Books: A BIBLICAL SEARCH FOR THE CHURCH CHRIST FOUNDED, by Linus F. Clovis - Michael Daniel (reviewer) Books: ADAM AND EVE AFTER THE PILL, by Mary Eberstadt - Brian Peachey (reviewer) Support: Fighting Fund Books: Order books from www.freedompublishing.com.au Reflection: Feast of the Holy Innocents: Rachel weeps for her children - Anne Lastman

It costs around $100,000 per year for the upkeep of a prisoner. Graham Preston is in jail for eight months. His crime was to stand in front of a Brisbane abortion clinic with placards, but not moving on, when told by police to do so.

Ironically, abortion is illegal in Queensland. Graham had no intention of paying a small fine imposed, regarding that as selling out on unborn babies and his wish to protect them. A fine paid is classed as admission of guilt.

The judge responded by imposing a manifestly excessive jail term.

The fine is believed to have been less than $2,000 whereas the cost of incarcerating Graham is many, many times that amount.

Queenslanders finish up paying dearly for what can be seen as a misdemeanour committed to draw attention to a situation that does not uphold legal, moral and ethical values.

ROBERT BOM
Rockhampton, Qld

Reprinted from AD2000 Vol 25 No 11 (December 2012 - January 2013), p. 15