The author of Friday's "Bottoms up" column offers an unbalanced and alarmist perspective about Singapore. Singapore warmly welcomes students, researchers and all visitors who respect and abide by their laws. Locally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill sends rising sophomores to Singapore for six weeks to study and travel every summer. Hundreds of young adults, aged 18-19 (Fay's age at the time of his criminal act), have graduated from this UNC program.
Harsh punishments strongly dissuade would-be criminals. Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Residents do not live in fear of violent crime. Judicial caning is not common. The punishment is reserved mostly for violent or sexual crimes. Fay's criminal case of 1993 was heard in a court of law widely respected for being impartial and corruption-free. Ultimately, an individual must accept responsibility for his or her own actions. Those who respect the laws of other countries have nothing to fear. Duke's own (and their families) would only require help if they actively intend to do otherwise.
Kelvin Low
Trinity '07
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