Gilbert Labour of the Life Coaching Association Australia appeals for the life of Tuong Van Nguyen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) October 28, 2005 -- An appeal to the Government of Singapore

Our association respects, cherishes and will join shoulder to shoulder with you to defend your right and privilege to impose your laws, customs and traditions on all who live in, visit and transit your sovereign country. This appeal does not challenge these rights. You would find it offensive were it to do so as we would find it an offence if you were attempting to influence the course of justice in our country.

We appeal to the goodness that is in all men that transcends particular circumstances, locations and events and finds good in even the worst of times. Goodness that sees you as men of standing govern with compassion. Goodness too that is in Tuong Van Nguyen, that will blossom one day should he be given the opportunity to be rehabilitated.

We ask that you let your heart also decide what is right in this instance and whether Mr Van Nguyen should be accorded the privilege, of a second chance. All men live in the hope of redemption as none of us are made perfect from the first instance and it is the possibility of recovery from mistakes that makes men great.

There is a moral right to life that enhances the operation of laws and their rigid mandates. This is not to be seen to do so at the expense of maintaining law and order.

For each life that dies on earth someone somewhere inevitably suffers but for each life we take every one of us is diminished, our grandeur, our innocence and most importantly the absolute integrity of our rights and privileges.

What is a life? Simply the privilege of taking the next breadth and a good life is taking it without sorrow, sadness or pain. When is life compromised? When natural disasters or man made events curtail its duration or quality.

There is enough distress and mayhem in the world caused by natural causes, accidents and events outside our control without adding another life to the toll by an event which is hopefully within our control.

There is no question that Mr Van Nguyen has done wrong, a great wrong to you and your country. We are aware that his crime could inflict upon your countrymen, our fellow countrymen and our children the scourge of heroin addiction.

We do not for one moment lessen this terrible fact and your absolute right to punish him severely for it to the full extent of your laws, customs and traditions.

Nonetheless, Mr Van Nguyen has a moral right to exist and the opportunity to be rehabilitated. Capital punishment does not afford him the opportunity or the time to do so.

We only ask that you exercise your power with compassion and understanding of the mistakes that men do and the possibility of recovery and greatness especially in someone so young.

Let us open a dialogue and discuss these important points. We are prepared to participate at whatever level is necessary to secure a positive outcome for Mr Van Nguyen.