[This is the first of the readers' comments on an article headlined Bomber's freedom damaged Scotland in today's Scottish edition of The Sun. The article reads in part:]
Kenny MacAskill's decision to free the Lockerbie bomber has damaged Scotland's standing in the US, a new poll has revealed.
The troubling survey shows almost a third of Americans feel less positive towards this country because of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi's release.
And 17 per cent of those quizzed said they are now less likely to visit Scotland - a potential hammer blow to our tourist industry.
Exporters are also affected, with 15 per cent of Americans saying they're less likely to buy Scottish goods.
The YouGov poll shows 29 per cent of Americans feel less positive towards Scotland because of the release, 61 per cent say it hasn't affected their view, while just three per cent are more positive towards us. (...)
Within Scotland, the Megrahi scandal appears to have split opinion.
His release made 15 per cent more positive about their own country and 15 per cent are more negative, while 68 per cent say it hasn't changed their feelings.
Only one per cent of Scots say they are now less likely to purchase Scottish products as a result of the Megrahi decision, while six per cent are more likely to buy and 90 per cent say it's had no effect.
Last night Labour shadow justice minister Richard Baker said: "It is obviously very disappointing that our standing seems to have been diminished by MacAskill's misguided decision.
"It's time for him to apologise to all the families - particularly those in America - who have been traumatised by it."
I don't disagree with the release, but the way it was done does unfortunately leave questions unanswered, and the appearance of a deal having been done. Since there are so many convinced of al-Megrahi's guilt, including Lockerbie relatives, a way should have been found to hold the enquiry or appeal, instead of insisting that the world had no right to tell Scotland what to do. Let's hope the petition helps to achieve something.
ReplyDeleteMISSION LOCKERBIE:
ReplyDeleteSorry only in "Computer "Babylon" english language:
Mr. MacAskill, humanly have you correctly acted as you the innocently condemned Mr. Al Megrahi into the freedom set have and you the exclusive responsibility took.
Mr. Al Megrahi cannot after today's knowledge, as can be proved, the "Lockerbie Bomber" or "mass murder " been its, as certain "Elements" from political or financial motives to have want.
Like it as to examine can, have already over 1500 persons the 'Petition push for independent inquiry to get at the truth of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103' signed (by the majority Scottish citizen).
Mr. Abdelbaset Al Megrahi alias "Ahmed Khalifa Abdusamad", Libya, AirMalta flight KM-180 and the MEBO Timerfragment MST-13 (PT/35) does not have anything to do with the Panam 103 cruelty !
Please start a new investigation or open in a first part immediately at least the "SCCRC" documents and if possible also "Pll" document under National Security.
Only in this kind you can offer the forehead to US senators; much success...
in German language:
Mr. MacAskill, menschlich haben Sie richtig gehandelt als Sie den unschuldig verurteilten Mr. Al Megrahi in die Freiheit setzten und Sie die alleinige Verantwortung übernahmen.
Mr. Al Megrahi kann nach heutigem Wissens-Stand nachweislich nicht der "Lockerbie-Bomber", bezugsweise ein "Massenmörder" gewesen sein, wie gewisse "Elemente" es aus politischen oder finanziellen Motiven gerne haben möchten !
Bis heute haben 1500 Personen die "Petition push for independent inquiry to get at the truth of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103' unterschrieben (by the majority Scottish citizen).
Mr. Abdelbaset Al Megrahi alias "Ahmed Khalifa Abdusamad", Libya, AirMalta flight KM-180 und das MEBO Timerfragment MST-13 (PT/35) haben mit der "Lockerbie-Grausamkeit" nachweislich nichts zutun !
Bitte starten Sie eine neue Untersuchung oder öffnen Sie als ersten Schritt die "SCCRC" Dokumente und wenn möglich das "Pll" Dokument unter National Security.
Nur auf diese Art können Sie den US Senatoren die Stirne bieten; viel Erfolg...
by Edwin and Mahnaz Bollier, MEBO Ltd., Switzerland, our webpage: www.lockerbie.ch
Its The Sun....
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