Dear Mr Spencer,
Your son & fellow NSF have already paid the price. Forget about fighting from the angle of ‘honour’, MINDEF keeping to their promise of ‘stern warning’. It’s asking for honour amongst thieves. They honour their own, Mr Spencer. Forget the protestations on Junior’s punishment. By the time this blows over, his 21 days suspension of leave will be over. We empathize with Junior.
The displeasure expressed by netizens in response to the different, unfair treatments meted out to the different players of the dog abuse episode is understandable. Venting our frustrations and disapproval over injustice and in support of our brave NSF who was punished for his right moral action is necessary.
However, why just stop at that? Or why just gather signatures for a petition? I submit the better next response is to file a police report. Let me explain.
First, the answer to all the demands made, as represented by Cathy Strong’s words, “Why was Simon’s son punished? This is one question I have asked myself over and over again. After all, I was assured that no charges will be pressed upon him apart from, possibly, a stern warning”, is simple.
Spencer Junior was punished because there is a standing law that disallows videography within military facilities for non-authorized distribution. MINDEF staff must be seen to act without fear or favour. And that is NOT a bad thing. Before you jump to conclusions on my comment here, pls read in full.
Once Junior’s work has been identified as that, the due process of the law must take its course, without fear or favour. So, whilst the charge must proceed, the judge, however, could have considered the mitigating factors.
So, now that the due process of military law is allowed its course, we turn to the alleged abusive acts of the LTC.
There appears to be a case to charge him under ANIMALS & BIRDS ACT, Chapter 7, Part IV (42)
I don’t think the Public Prosecutor Office or Police is going to do anything at all, the cyber flak notwithstanding.
Therefore, the ball is squarely in Mr Simon Spencer’s court. He must, for the integrity of his son, rally the other 8 NSF, including his Junior, to file a police report. You can’t go wrong with 8 witnesses. With that report, I believe the authorities are obliged to bring the appropriate charge against the LTC.
Otherwise, an animal group can formalize the legal course of action.
The alleged offence is committed in SGP, within military camp, notwithstanding. All will then be revealed in court.
Mr Spencer, you have the law and the freedom to make that police report happen. Go on, get on with it Mr Spencer. MAKE OUR DAY, get the process going.
Change we must…. and change is hastened with active initiatives more than just passive protests & complaints.
2econdsight