Leave the Guy Alone... Okay?

So, there are plans to turn Gary's story into a movie, yeah? That is, according to an article I just read. Interesting. ...That is, as long as Mr. McKinnon's okay with that. I saw a reenactment of his story on a show called "Unsealed: Conspiracy Files.". Though I was not surprised, I was saddened to see the "villainous" spin they seemed to put on it... as though Mr. McKinnon was on this ruthless quest to gain information in order to harm others. If a film is made, I would hope that the story is told portraying Mr. McKinnon's intelligence and compassion, rather than making him out to be a someone with sinister intentions.

Glad he is allowed to use computers again...something the conditions of his bail would not allow him to do. Glad he has now started a small business. Apparently, though, Mr. McKinnon has been (or had been) advised against visiting his ill father in Scotland, because the laws and conditions of extradition are different there then they are in England and Whales. It was said that the US government might possibly try again to extradite him if they learned he was in another country. It is my sincere hope that Mr. McKinnon could see his father. He fought to stay in the UK for ten years...and won! I don't believe this freedom should be revoked because Mr. McKinnon simply visits another location.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/31/gary-mckinnon-hacking-ill-father-glasgow-extradition-us

So What Now?

I would imagine that someone as high profile as Gary McKinnon would be very relieved to be out of the spotlight. So glad to hear his mother Janis say that he is able to smile again. It's my understanding that Gary had been ordered to stay away from all computers, but this was apparently while he was still waiting to find out whether he'd be extradited or not. My hope now, is that he's able to enjoy a more low profile life. I'd imagine there will always be many who may recognize him on the street or in a public place.

I cannot imagine the agony of not knowing whether you'd have to go to prison for the rest of your life in a strange country. So so glad that this does not have to happen. I wonder now, what it has been like for Gary getting used to not needing to look over his shoulder, or report to a police station every night. Wow! Has that felt like a dream to him? :). Does he now have the media asking him what he's up to now? In a way, I hope not, because it would be proof that he isn't left alone :). But I'm sure many are curious. And I'm sure that every once in a while, someone asks.

Hope you are well Gary!

Smiling

Janis Sharp, Gary McKinnon's mom tweeted after the decision that Gary McKinnon said that he'd forgotten what it was like to feel happy. She said that for the first time in years, Gary awoke with no pain in his chest. Any doctor will tell you that anxiety is a killer, and Gary McKinnon has suffered through almost 11 years of it. It's my understanding that now Theresa May is coming under fire for freeing Gary. Mr. Eric Holder (who has now resigned) is one of the individuals with this belief, going so far as to not even take Theresa May's calls. Meanwhile, will Gary still be persecuted? This decision has yet to be made, from what I understand.

As Theresa May said, when reading her decision, "Mr. McKinnon has been accused of serious crimes." However, he has never (in my opinion) been the dangerous terrorist that he has been made out to be. I feel that it's wrong that some are now treating Theresa May terribly when they don't understand this truth. The very fact that Gary was under that much duress for that many years interfered with his human rights in itself. Now that a decision has been made, a decision that our commander and chief had said that we would respect, there are those in the US government that have been treating Theresa May with no respect whatsoever.

Our reputation does not need to be tarnished anymore. It seems in America, we've always been known for considering and standing up for a person's human rights and treating them fairly. Why then, in this case does this principle seem so skewed? In following McKinnon's case for approximately 7 months, I found little if any US coverage of McKinnon's story, aside from a few filler pieces saying that he was known as the biggest computer hacker of all time. The day following the UK decision, a Google search of Gary McKinnon gave me several articles from US newspapers... about how the biggest computer hacker of all time had been allowed to go free.

This is the angle that was all blown up like a balloon. Why NOW was Gary so well known here in the US? What about all those years before when his mother Janis was tirelessly fighting for his freedom? What about the "imprisonment" Gary suffered through not knowing what would happen to him? It seems to me that sometimes we try so hard to nail people for doing something wrong, that we ignore everything about the situation that's right. The US has always been the one who runs in and rescues such a person...not throws them under the bus, and then makes them out to be something they are not.

To Janis Sharp, none of the above matters like seeing her son smiling again.

Extradition Blocked (!!!)

I awoke this morning just before 8:00 AM, and a chill of excitement went down my spine. This morning was the morning of the decision! I immediately grabbed my IPad, and started tuning in to BBC London 94.9. Every radio stream I found was talking about things completely irrelevant to the fate of Gary McKinnon. So I tried Google. The posts I got were dealing with a hopeful, tense wait.... Within about fifteen minutes, I (and everyone else) finally heard the final decision. There was video of Home Secretary of Theresa May in front of the High Court's packed green benches....

May explained that since she arrived in office, the one issue she'd been required to examine was whether or not an extradition would be a breech of Gary McKinnon's human rights. Her conclusion was that (after careful examination of all the evidence, and a great deal of counsel from medical professionals) an extradition would certainly be a breech of Gary's human rights. May had to stop amidst a unanimous "YAY!" during her explanation of her findings. At her conclusion, another unanimous "YAY!!" and applause.

"I will, therefore, (May said) BLOCK the extradition order."

I smiled, and thought, "Oh, thank God!". I have no doubt that everyone did. I remained calm, sitting on my sofa in my living room.

But I tell you the truth...I wanted to jump up and down and scream hysterically!!!!! :). The only reason I did not, is because my neighbors would've knocked on my door. And, so, it slowly trickled out into the media and onto Twitter and Facebook: "Gary McKinnon Extradition Blocked.". Hallelujah!! Needless to say, this has been an exciting day going back and forth between Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Google, posting videos and retweeting many congratulatory sentiments for Mr. McKinnon and his mother Janis Sharp. Now, these are things that I do on a daily basis... But obviously the reason today, was much different than any other day. And now that it is 3:00 AM over in the UK, and evening here, and much of the stir has died down, a few things are occurring to me.

Now, for first time in ten years, Gary McKinnon will be able to spend his days and nights without needing to report to a police station. Janis Sharp will be able to spend her evenings relaxing, rather than being on Twitter at all hours, posting articles and updates, and answering questions about her son. She'll be able to choose what she wants to do with her day, rather then endlessly commenting on articles and correcting certain errors of information. An interview for the media (if mother and son choose it) will now be colored with the wonderful news that Gary will be allowed to stay where his home and family is and sleep in his own bed. Hopefully, Janis Sharp will now be able to see some of the light come back into her son's eyes. She has described her son as being gentle to the core, and (usually) very active, swimming, cycling, and playing music.

To Gary: I know I've never met you face to face; but I want to say, Congratulations, and I am so happy for you! You've fought a good fight and you're and inspiration to many people. To Janis Sharp: thank you for being such a pillar of strength, tirelessly standing up for what's right. Your agility and mental clarity, particularly under pressure are amazing! Thank you for taking the time to converse with me, and many others at one in the morning, after horrific days of exhausting proportions. Always gracious and always kind... While always knowing right where you stand. You are an amazing lady! Sweet dreams to you both! May you now enjoy both restful days and restful sleep. <3 xxx :)

Some Words About Teresa May

Britain's Home Secretary Teresa May has been under tremendous pressure for many many months as to the fate of Mr. Gary McKinnon. There's pressure from the US government that's been in favor of his extradition, despite president Obama stating that the US would respect whatever decision the British High Court would make. Then there's tremendous pressure from the public, tirelessly, rallying in support of Gary being tried in the UK. There's thousands of comments on articles and news stories in the media about the case, and the website of Britain's Home Office has been flooded with so many emails, that it has crashed (several times, I understand).

I also sent an email through "garystays.co.uk". I said that I was sure that Mrs. May could have empathy with Mr. McKinnon's case, especially if May has children of her own. Disappointment and anger spewed (from the public), when McKinnon was required to take yet another Home Office appointed medical exam, after already completing three of them that concluded McKinnon a severe suicide risk. McKinnon refused the medical exam, believing that the process would be unfair because his diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome (2008) would not be properly considered in the final conclusion. Many, including myself, were supportive of McKinnon's refusal. Tempers flared and the Home Office continued to be inundated with emails demanding justice. News stories continued to circulate, and You Tube videos. Many stood up in the British court and presented arguments demanding justice. Underneath it all, everyone seemed to be wondering what the deal was with Home Secretary Teresa May. A tremendous public outcry for this one woman to make a decision became stronger and stronger.

The final straw seemed to come when, on July 24th of this year, May claimed that a decision would come on or around October 16th. Many were wondering, why the delay. May claimed that with the onset of the Olympic games in London, she had not been able to properly examine all the evidence in McKinnon's case. May also said that she wanted for Parliament to be present when a final decision was reached. For this decision, May was again under fire. Tweets and Facebook posts ran rampant.

But let's just say that May's decision to wait was in fact what she considered the best way to give Mr. McKinnon as much mercy as possible. Perhaps she feels that having Parliament present would give McKinnon and his mother Janis Sharp more support. I think it needs to be considered that McKinnon's case could NOT have been properly examined because of all the details to be taken care of concerning the Olympics. I believe May probably delayed the process with the intent of being as fair to Mr. McKinnon as possible. Frustration fumes, and the consensus seemed to be: What else is there to examine? Just tell the guy he's free already.

I understand, I understand... Just let the nightmare end already. I agree. However, I'm sure that no one (besides Mr. McKinnon & Mrs. Sharp) agrees with this more than Teresa May herself. I'm sure it would be fair to say that this ordeal has been a nightmare for her as well. How easy might it have been for May to've given in to the pressure of public opinion, and hastily made a decision without properly examining all the evidence in the case. A man's life is hanging in the balance here, is it not? I am sure no public figure understands this better than Teresa May herself. How much pressure would one be under with arguments and public outcry on both sides of the Atlantic, and working quite closely with people who've been great supporters of keeping McKinnon in the UK. There is legal authority here. Unfortunately, that can't just vanish from the equation. Perhaps if it could, Teresa May's job would be much less complicated, but how could that be the right thing to do in the long run? Teresa May in her appointed position of government must abide by the principles presented and cooperate with all involved, while attending to other daily matters and being swamped with public opinion and insults. I can tell you with absolute certainty that I am so glad that such a responsibility is not on my shoulders.

In the middle of all the opinions and mud slinging, and insults, and pressure, we must remember that there is a a real person... A woman. A human being who may be under almost as much duress as McKinnon and his mother. (How do we know?). After all, May's battle will go on as long as Gary McKinnon's battle goes on. How does this tear at the human heart? How can this cause a person to give in, caving to the pressure and simply giving into public opinion to try and alleviate her own burden? I'd like to say "Well done Teresa May for NOT having done so thus far.". A decision on Mr. McKinnon is expected in just a few more hours. It is my hope that this will be the breaking of the dawn after what (I'm sure) has been a VERY long night. I would guess that (aside from Mr. McKinnon and Mrs. Sharp) no one want's to see the morning come more than Teresa May herself.

Give Gary Some Air! (Please)

On Tuesday morning a long awaited decision is due in the unbelievably long battle of Gary McKinnon. There is no question that many prayers are going up for the 46 year old McKinnon and his family. I know not what suffering through ten (almost 11) years of that kind of uncertainty will do to a man's heart...I can only say that the last photo I saw of Gary (sometime around August), did not look like Gary.

I have never met Mr. McKinnon or his mother Janis Sharp personally. For that matter, I'm on the other side of the Atlantic. Earlier this year, when it was mentioned to me that it was the anniversary of us landing on the moon, I was searching on You Tube for footage of an astronaut driving the land rover on the moon's surface. I found what I was looking for... And also noticed another video. The caption said something like: "Gary McKinnon. Computer Hacker. Evidence of UFO's" (Or something like that.). I clicked on the video, and saw a fresh faced, clean cut, very handsome, very dignified Gary McKinnon, sitting quietly while a British journalist was reading to him his "list of charges."

"Charges? What did he do?," I thought. McKinnon did say that he was in search of UFO's. He also said that he believed he would find evidence of anti-gravity technology. In 2001 McKinnon was arrested, and taken from the residence where he was staying to a London police station. He was questioned without a lawyer present and his computer and hard drive were confiscated; along with another computer and hard drive in the residence. McKinnon answered all questions with nothing but a desire to cooperate. I'd imagine he only wanted to get back home and get some sleep. His bail was paid and he was allowed to go.... Having no idea that two years later, he'd be fighting possible extradition to the US, facing seven counts of... what? I've been unable to find out exactly what McKinnon was charged with in the first place. Each count equaled ten years in prison. Why? McKinnon claims he left cyber notes on US government computers telling them that their computer systems are crap. He also claims that he installed the necessary firewalls the computers were lacking to begin with.

The problem is, the US government says that McKinnon did five hundred thousand dollars worth of damage to approximately 97 computers, and rendered one of the Navy's operating systems inoperable and that it cost the US government a lot of money to fix it. Have you ever done what was the wrong thing, but for what you believed was the right reason? Have you ever let someone know what they ought to do to fix something but the other person got pissed off because you were not very nice about it? Have you ever been a jerk because you knew (at least in your own mind) that you were right about something, but nobody would listen to you? Have you ever looked for something and stumbled on something else that maybe you were not supposed to see? Have you ever realized you made a stupid mistake, and knew that you could never handle the consequences? Have you ever tried to fix something when it wasn't your place, and someone else had to then take the time to fix it themselves?

Altogether, this sounds like, a high school disagreement, a curious child snooping around, a husband and wife having a fight, a mother whose child has just said "I hate you," a disagreement between room mates, and an employer whose devoted employee has made costly mistakes. What is needed in each of these scenarios? Mercy. A terrible mistake was made here (Mr McKinnon has admitted this many times). Yes, a wrong was done, and it comes with consequences. Mr. McKinnon and his family have accepted this. They are not asking that Mr. McKinnon not be tried for what he's done. They are only asking that he not be tried in the US thousands of miles away from his home. Does this seem unreasonable? Is this unacceptable for a man whose only crime seems to be insatiable curiosity? No one was directly harmed or put in danger. There was no rape, murder, physical assault, child abuse, or theft. As far as possible vandalism or damage, what sort of "hacking" would be involved with some commercially available software and a computer with a blank password?

Anyone can gain access to someone's personal information by simply being the next person to use a computer in a public place. If the last user simply hasn't closed all their applications, the next user has an open invitation to get into whatever they were working on. That person was viewing their bank statement? Oops. That person was on the DMV website? Oops. It's a hell of an "oops" because somebody is just staring someone else's private information in the face, right? Happens all the time. Will that person go to jail for leaving an "open gate"? How could they? It was an accident. Can irreparable damage be done now? You bet! Was that next user SUPPOSED to see that info.? Of course not. Were they authorized to look at it? Nope. It was just there, so they saw it no matter what. And as far as gaining access to information that was inappropriate...I don't know about you but for me, that's just a night on Facebook when I come across some people's posts! It's just there because it's someone else's information... Not mine. How can it be helped?

Mr. McKinnon has already lost almost 11 years, fighting extradition to the US, which in itself seems to be an unnecessary "sentence" in my view, when you consider what actually happened. In the last picture I saw of Gary, his face was red and swollen. His eyes were sunken in, his hair (always immaculate) was all askew. He looked to me to be a man crushed under a great weight. A certain light seemed gone from his eyes.
Add to all of this, a diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, and the anxiety and fear that brings to a childlike spirit... And what does this do to a man's heart? I don't know... But this man needs to be able to see that morning has broken and that he can breathe again, don't you think? I'm praying that Teresa May, Prime Minister Cameron, and all those involved will do the right thing. Free Gary now!! (Please).

The Countdown

There are now 25 days remaining in the wait for a decision on the fate of Gary McKinnon. When the British High court came together on the 24th of July last summer, the decision at that time was that Home secretary Teresa May, was too consumed with preparations for the Olympics to properly examine all the medical evidence. As has been pointed out by Mr. McKinnon's MP David Burrowes, it has now been (almost three) weeks since the close of the Olympic games... And still there has been no decision. Now, Teresa May had stated in July that the decision would come around October 16th. (or 25 days from now).

I believe I can safely say that for many... The tension is terrible. I've tried to imagine the torture of being on bail for (literally) a decade of your life, with one of the conditions being that you report to a police station every evening, and another being that you are not allowed on the Internet. For a man with Asperger's Syndrome who does not drive and needs to lead a very simple life...
Well... See where I'm going with this?

But none of us will ever fully know what Mr. McKinnon has suffered, having constantly wondered whether he would suddenly be extradited thousands of miles away to the US to face charges for computer hacking crimes committed over a decade ago. As Gary's mother Janis Sharp has stated many times "I have watched my son age and die before my eyes.". Sharp has also said that people would never be allowed to treat an animal in the way that her son has been treated. Furthermore, Gary has not raped or murdered anyone. My point is... And I know that many would agree with me, that this sort of time does nnt fit Gary's alleged "crime.". Many others have done the same, or much worse, and received no sentence at all. Even more disturbing is the absolutely one sided and unfair, supposedly "secret" extradition treaty made between the US & the UK (supposedly when Tony Blair was in office). My biggest question, still is, Why did the American government decide to come after Gary McKinnon, more than (two?) years after he'd already been originally arrested and sentenced...to six months? In a land where a man is (supposed to be) innocent until proven guilty, it is inconceivable to me that the US would enter into ANY agreement allowing any citizens from anywhere to be extradited based on only a SUSPICION of wrong doing. In my opinion, this violates everything we stand for, because it denies people the due process of law that America has always guaranteed it's own citizens. It seems to me that we destroy our own credibility when we deny this process to citizens of other countries...especially when Mr. McKinnon's alleged "crime" took place in the UK... Not the US. My point being that I do not understand why it is that (someone) believes it so necessary to extradite a developmentally disabled man, and take him thousands of miles away from home.

President Obama has stated that he would respect whatever decision that the British government made in the matter. So now, it is up to home secretary Teresa May and Parliament to do the most humane thing possible and allow Gary to be tried in the UK. In so many ways, he has already suffered a sentence that is too long, and severe anxiety due to his AS prevents him from being able to travel out of the UK, which can seem like a minor point when one considers that (according to OUR government), Gary will face up to 70 years in prison.

Please God... No! And the countdown continues.