Release and Die

            In the posting of 14 August 2011, I stated the following:

            "I am, of course, rather skeptical regarding medical death prognoses for ill prisoners. Susan Atkins was supposed to have only 3 months left when she petitioned the California Parole Board for compassionate release, and she lived another year-and-a-half.  Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi, the "Lockerbie Bomber," was released on "compassionate" grounds because he was given 3 months to live, and, nearly 2 years later, is still alive and revered as a hero in Libya."

            [Note:  Mohmet al-Megrahi persisted for another 9 months before he stopped wasting the world's precious oxygen.].

           
            Now we have another "compassionate" release of a criminal.  Lynne Stewart, who, who supposedly has less than 18 months, has been sprung, with the approval of the Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara (who is not particularly reputed to be a wimp).  If indeed she has Stage 4 breast cancer that has metastasized to her lungs and bones, then she will not exceed the 18 month goal line by much if indeed she does reach it.

            My personal view is that she should have been left where she was behind bars (albeit in a specialized prison medical facility).  But if the BOP and the US Attorney are not putting up too much of a fuss at Lynne Stewart's release, then neither will I.  And no, I do not wish cancer upon anyone.

            Judge Koeltl has decreed that Lynne Stewart will be released from prison.  The judicial compassion of Judge Koeltl does not particularly debase my respect for the criminal justice system, particularly when I can confidently foresee Ms. Stewart being held to account, very soon, by a Judge on an Infinitely Higher Bench.