Scene from the movie casualties of war
1 We can still talk, can’t we?
The quote “We can still talk, can’t we?” from Casualties of War is such a powerful expression of the need for dialogue and connection when facing an overwhelming, unjust situation. In cases like Clinton Young’s or Liam Allan’s, individuals are often trapped in systems that feel immovable, much like the metaphor of The Magdeburg Hemispheres. Just as the hemispheres couldn’t be pulled apart by the brute force of 24 horses but were separated by the delicate touch of a diplomat, the lives of those wronged by the justice system can sometimes only be saved by the right help from empathetic, determined individuals.
This metaphor illustrates how immense systems of injustice can seem unbreakable, yet with the right intervention – through people who care and use their influence wisely – change is possible. The gentle hand represents the importance of moral responsibility, just as the support Clinton Young received from the Netherlands or the persistence of campaigners like Liam Allan’s team eventually brought justice.
1 Casualties of war – talk with chaplain
In this pivotal scene, the chaplain’s question – “We can still talk, can’t we?” – highlights the importance of communication and the desperation for connection in the face of trauma. Eriksson’s recounting of the brutal events he witnessed – where fellow soldiers commit unspeakable acts – illustrates the moral collapse within the military and the pervasive culture of silence that allows such atrocities to continue.
Eriksson feels he has failed to act when it mattered most, mirroring the failures of a justice system that often leaves victims without support or recourse. This moment resonates with those who find themselves in unjust systems, where speaking out can feel futile, and the weight of trauma can silence even the strongest voices.
The isolation Eriksson experiences is emblematic of the struggles faced by many in similar situations, where the fear of repercussions or disbelief can hinder their ability to seek justice. Just as the chaplain represents a form of moral authority, he is ultimately unable to offer Eriksson the solace or solutions he desperately needs. This illustrates how, in times of crisis, even those meant to provide support can fall short, mirroring the shortcomings of the systems designed to uphold justice.
By paralleling Eriksson’s experience with real-life cases, such as those of Clinton Young and Liam Allan, we can see a common thread: the fight for justice often requires not just the courage to speak out, but also the presence of compassionate listeners willing to take action.
2 The Power of a Gentle Hand in Breaking Injustice
In Casualties of War, the line “We can still talk, can’t we?” speaks to the human need for dialogue, understanding, and the hope that justice can still be served, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Many who are trapped in unjust systems—like Clinton Young on death row or Liam Allan, wrongfully accused – find themselves in situations where brute force alone cannot free them from their plight.
This struggle can be likened to the metaphor of The Magdeburg Hemispheres. In 1654, Otto von Guericke famously demonstrated how two hemispheres, sealed together with a vacuum, couldn’t be pulled apart even by the force of 24 horses. Yet, with the gentle hand of a diplomat, the hemispheres separated with ease. The metaphor shows that immense, seemingly unbreakable forces can sometimes only be overcome by subtle, determined efforts.
For Clinton Young, it was the compassionate intervention from those who believed in his innocence, particularly from the Netherlands, that ultimately broke the hold of the flawed system that had trapped him. Similarly, Liam Allan’s case reminds us how fragile justice can be and how vital the right kind of help is.
Injustice, like the Magdeburg Hemispheres, can seem impossible to overcome. But often, it is not brute force that brings about change – it is persistence, empathy, and the tireless efforts of individuals who believe that justice must prevail.
3 The Story of the Post Office Scandal
James O’Brien meets Nick Wallis | LBC
Back to menu IMPORTENT CONTENT Listening recommended Must ***
20 jan 2024 Full Disclosure with James O’Brien
Nick Wallis was presenting the breakfast show for BBC Radio Surrey in 2010 when he was contacted by a listener with a story he’s been investigating ever since. Nick helped expose one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in UK legal history – the Post Office Horizon IT scandal that has devastated the lives of hundreds of innocent hardworking people across the country. His work has been published in Private Eye and broadcast on BBC Panorama, The One Show and BBC Radio 4. It is also the basis of his first book, The Great Post Office Scandal.
Tickets for his show, Post Office Scandal – the Inside Story are available at postofficescandal.uk
At minute 8:50 Numbers
At minute 34: Not Fit for Purpose
At minute 40: High Court
At minute 41: A scandal that could be seen from sky
2 Panorama : Scandal at the Post Office BBC Documentary 2020
12 jun. 2020
Janet Skinner
Offence: False accounting
Jurisdiction: England & Wales
County: Surrey
Ethnicity: White
Gender: F
Years in prison: .5
Offence convicted of: False Accounting
Year of crime: 2006
Year of initial conviction: 2007
Year conviction was overturned: 2021
This approach by the Post Office has amounted, in reality, to bare assertions and denials that ignore what has actually occurred…
“It amounts to the 21st century equivalent of maintaining that the earth is flat.”
Deze benadering door het postkantoor komt in feite neer op kale beweringen en ontkenningen die negeren wat er daadwerkelijk is gebeurd. Het komt neer op het 21e-eeuwse equivalent van beweren dat de aarde plat is.
At minute 11:45 Paula Vennells
At minute 24 They couldn’t be mistaken
At minute 27 A government own organisation attacked the integrity of individuals
More than 700 branch managers were falsely accused by the Post Office due to faulty accounting software.
Janet Skinner, from Hull, whose conviction was among 86 that were later overturned, said she was “infuriated” and would reject the deal.
The Post Office minister had said the sum was offered with “no ifs or buts”.
Between 2000 and 2014, the Post Office prosecuted 736 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses based on “flawed” information from a computer system called Horizon.
Described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history, dozens of convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2021, subsequently paving the way for others to be overturned.
Ms Skinner, 52, was handed a nine-month sentence in 2007 over an alleged shortfall of £59,000 from her Post Office branch in Bransholme, Hull.
She served three months in prison before being released with an electronic tag, but eventually had her conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal in April 2021.
The stress of the case had meant she ended up in hospital for four months after she became paralysed and had to learn to walk again, she said.
Ms Skinner continues to pursue legal action over her case.
Real Life Mr Potato Head Prank
16 jan 2012
Real life Potato Head man asks directions while using his third hand to add a moustache, a beard, glasses and a toupee to his head.
A presentation of the Just For Laughs Gags. The funny hidden camera pranks show for the whole family. Juste pour rire les gags, l’émission de caméra cachée la plus comique de la télé!