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.