Howard Metzenbaum: “the fact that Singapore acknowledged the appeals by reducing the sentence is indeed gratifying. Indeed, I believe that…”

“the fact that Singapore acknowledged the appeals by reducing the sentence is indeed gratifying. Indeed, I believe that Singapore and the United States should strive to maintain the current close relationship that exists. However, we cannot ignore the fact that a medieval form of punishment still exists in the justice systems of Singapore and of other nations. The Michael Fay case is not about one American kid who got caught by foreign authorities. This case is also about the so-called justice under which millions of people around the world live. This case is about basic human rights. I believe the American people need to know that America's view of human rights around the world reflects the type of decency we expect in our own society, the type of justice we expect from our own Government. In this respect, perhaps the most shocking aspect of the Fay case was not the punishment itself, but the reaction of average Americans. In poll after poll, Americans questioned about the Fay case responded that Fay was 'getting what he deserved.' Some even said that caning or some type of corporal punishment ought to be introduced in American public schools. I say to my fellow Americans with respect, but also with conviction, you are wrong. I say to my fellow Americans that caning, or any other form of torture, is wrong. I say that we do need to be tough on criminals and particularly the hardened criminals.…”