Voices from around the world
Australia
"I came across Brandon's site quite by accident whilst researching a legal assignment. My own son died at the age of 28, last November, whilst trying to save a mate from a hold in a tourist pontoon on the Great Barrier Reef. Barnaby died as a result of his own commitment to responsibility to his fellow man. He was a Boilermaker, and had the 'ordinary' persons view of doing the best he could in all situations. Would that view prevail within life in general, and the Legal System in particular. Barnaby lived life to the full, and experienced many things in his short life, more perhaps than most people could envisage in three lifetimes. But Barnaby could easily have been Brandon. Youth is a time of breaking away from family and experiencing the greater world outside, and experiences such as Brandon's prior to arrest are a part of life. Our youth are our future: we have to let them experiment and experience, if we are to let them develop as understanding members of community. Brandon, you will prevail. You have done nothing wrong, either morally, or legally, and you will take comfort from all these people who love and support you, and need you too to help them. Please think of Barnaby sometime." -- Eddie Houghton-Ward, New South Wales, Australia
"I am 25 years old and live in Melbourne, Australia. I came across this site completely by accident a couple of months ago and every now and then I come back to see how its all going and if Brandon and his family and friends have any good news, i.e. a release date or something as positive! I wish Brandon and his supporters luck. In the mean time Brandon and his family are in my prayers. Stay positive. I hope it helps to know that people on the other side of the world, as far away as Australia, are thinking kind and positive thoughts for you all." -- Jules
"For a world leader, this injustice is a continuing blot on the international reputation of the USA. The work of the United States Government in high lighting the injustices found in other countries is commendable but it is time to set an example by seeing that justice and mercy are given in this case." --(Melbourne Australia) Stephen Blackwell
"I live in Sydney, Australia, home of 2000 Olympics. My brother brought your web site to my attention. My question to Brandon is simply, "You state in your letters regarding the R.O.C.K. project that you want to help the young. I am only 29 and consider myself still young, not adolescent, but young. You are only 23. Do you now feel old, as though you have lived a lifetime of horrors, so that you no longer feel young? And if this is the case, how do think you are going to feel compared to say other 23-year- olds if you were released tomorrow? In Australia had such a crime been committed there is no way in this injustice would have been allowed. Even though America is supposed to be more advanced that the majority of other nations, in fact they seem to be going further backwards . . . It worries to me think that such injustices still occur in today's world . . . I would just like to say that I really don't know how you could forgive McCloren or wish him well, when obviously single handedly, he has managed to convict, and get away with being a drug dealer. Had he not had opportunity to sell drugs from his family home, obviously with his parents knowledge (parents aren't that naive), this would never have happened. How they can convict you and not press charges against him or his family is beyond me. Thank you for your time." -- Rebecca
"Gaday. I just read the story and now need some Email addresses. I'd really like the addy of the arshole judge . . . A few mates of mine and myself did plan to come over there in 2003 for Harley Davidson's birthday. Not so sure if its safe from the US legal system now. I think I'd rather take my chances with the crims and drug dealers, at least you know where you stand with them. It would seem that If you sat next to someone on a bus and just said 'hello' as you sat down, this would be enough to jail you if that stranger had committed a crime. All the stranger would have to say is 'HE' did it and get off while YOU get life??? Money talks and bullshit makes you a politician. Anything I can do just ask. Regards."-- Bernie McClafferty, Australia.
"While I was researching for a English assignment I came along your Web site. I would love it if you could let Brandon know I am fully behind him and wish him all the bet. I hope he remains with a positive attitude on life and want him to know he' s touched my soul with his incredible courage and love." -- Saulua Fa'Alfi, Australia
Belgium
"As a Belgian law student this story is very shocking and disturbing to me. Apparently the Dark Ages of criminal justice are not over yet in California. All the best to Brandon." -- Plons, Belgium
Canada
"I have two children of my own and can not image what you must be feeling. Wrong place wrong time: what a price to pay. I wish you lots of luck and my prayers are with you will pass the message to people to visit the site in Calgary, AB. Take care. Bill"
"I found this site in a rather odd way, I merely clicked on the people category on yahoo and found a category for prison inmates. The justice system has always made me sad, and the American one has always made me angry. I live in Toronto, Canada, and I will be one of the first to admit there are many holes in our justice system. What little I have stumbled across of the American justice system always makes me more confident in my own. I understand that Brandon made a mistake, that all 4 of the boys did. And I understand that the life of a young man was lost for no reason at all. But what I do not understand is how an accidental loss of life should lead to the intentional loss of lives of 4 other people. What I do not understand is how all 4 people are considered as guilty just because they were all there. And I do not understand how any Jury of American citizens did not see this. What I do not understand the greatest though, is how Jimmy's parents are content with this. How could they inflict the suffering of losing their son on the families of four others? How could they feel any better? They have to know that his death was unintended. I wonder if it was Brandon who was stabbed and dead, if they would feel that their son should be locked away for the rest of his life. And I suppose my ignorance also leads me to not understand this: how did they get Murder 1 from this? Doesn't there have to be intent to kill for that charge? Intent to steal is one thing...intent to kill someone is a whole different issue. My thoughts are with Brandon and my hopes with you in your appeal. Sincerely Becky, an average 19 year old."
"I certainly do not believe that Brandon should have received such a harsh sentence. I feel that he should have been charged AT THE MOST with a simple assault and gotten probation. Your legal system sure is corrupted!!!" -- Luc Boudreau, Canada
Finland
"Hi! I read about Brandon's case and my first thought was, "What the hell is he doing in prison?" Shame on you, all of you who have put Brandon in prison!! I feel very sorry for Brandon (although he probably doesn't want any pity) ´cause his life is running away because of you idiot people!!! You all should be in prison!! Have you ever thought what if you would be in prison and you hadn't done anything wrong? So think about it, and let Brandon out!!! You have to! You can't keep Brandon there!!! Let him out!!! NOW!!! Thanks for listening my opinion..." -- Lisa, Finland
Ireland
"I think this is most ridiculous case in the history of mankind!! To put this young man away for the rest of his life is bloody inhuman, what the hell is going on over there? Was that judge drunk when he passed this sentence? I am a 22 year old girl living in Dublin, Ireland and I have been following this Web site for quite a few months now. Every time I click on it I hope to see a big sign flash 'Brandon Is Free At Last' and every time I am disappointed as I am sure you all are. Is 5 years and 6 months not enough time to spend in prison for punching someone? Yes somebody died, but that somebody was [involved in] selling drugs . . . The person who pulled that knife has admitted to doing so. Hello! Knock, knock, American system of justice! If you are trying to make an example of something here, nobody understands it If this is the example you are trying to set I will never want to visit your country again. I am appalled by this. Brandon, I know you will walk free again to spread your wings and contribute what you have to society. Don't let them grind you down. Don't ever give up: you have come this far and you will go further. Be brave and strong and never let go of the hope that one day you will hold your head up high. To your family, you are all very strong individuals and God bless all of you. Never let go!" -- Niamh, Ireland
Malta
"God, I'm so sorry to hear Brandon's story . . . He should not have gotten life at all, he's still so young, but I guess America has a tougher legal system than my country Malta. Brandon, I sincerely the best for you and for your family. Remember that there are many people on your side and many people who are willing to fight for you." -- Alison, Malta
Mexico
"I'm from Mexico City. Today I read the 1997 Rolling Stone magazine, and read the article 'Lynching in Malibu'. In the first paragraphs they say how McLoren and Farris ran to the kitchen after being stabbed. I imagined a violent lynching by some gang or something like that. As I read I sympathized for McLoren and Farris but as I continued reading I concluded 'No way.' I felt orry for the Hollands, but even more sorry for Milotti and Hein. I realized that McLoren was always telling lies, and that Judge Mira was just waiting for the opportunity to hang some fresh meat, and he did that. Mira didn't care about Jason Holland telling the whole truth, or that McCloren wa at fault. I want to say hat Jason Holland is one brave kid. He confronted McLoren and told the truth, he admitted he committed the murder (not on purpose, maybe), and that his brother, Hein and Milotti had nothing to do with the murder.
"The justice system is wrong, and it always will be. There is no justice. Justice is supposed to be balanced, but she is blind, no way there can be justice if you are blind. I'm really concerned with the fact of 4 people in jail, in the sections they are housed in prison with and real criminals. The worst thing is they have no possibility of parole. God, that sucks, really. I hope the 4 guys are ok. I know it was a moment of panic, of surprise for everyone. The love for a brother is hard to break. Man, I have a brother and have helped him in like 3 or 4 fights, and man, making someone pay for something they didn't do was some stupid thing to do. I hope like Metallica says, there will be some justice for all. Keep up the work. I know Brandon and at least Micah and Milotti are not guilty. I wish and want the best for them, and the best is their freedom. There is one guy here in Mexico that once said that justice of the government is a big pile of s***, it will never work, and it will never help us be better persons. Real justice comes from above, from God, where everyone is forgiven and given a second chance. Love, peace, happiness, success, all this from my heart for those who suffer from this." -- Alexis, Mexico City
Netherlands
"I accidentally came across BrandonHein.com and I was shocked! Is this the justice system in the USA???????? How can I country like the USA do things like this? Aren't they supposed to be an example to the world? I knew the US had the death-penalty, but to lock up people forever is a shame. This may sound anti-American but it's not supposed to. Brandon might have been at the wrong place at the wrong time, but he doesn't deserve this. I know that 'Dutch courage' is a negative expression, but I wish him an enormous amount of courage from Holland. Arjan"
United Kingdom
"I have just signed your petition and reread your Web site after coming across it last year, I was incredibly disappointed when I read that Brandon had lost his appeal and I was shocked at how upset it made me. I feel so sad that Brandon has been the victim of a barbaric law that we abolished in 1957, but I suppose what he is the real victim of is merciless people who exploit these outdated laws which obviously predate modern values and common sense. My heart goes out to the family of Brandon and the other lads whose lives have been affected by this crime. I am only 2 years older than Brandon and I married last April. I became a mum in October and I cannot imagine how I would feel if anything like this happened to my daughter. I did not know until she was born how strong the feelings of love would be or how overpowering the instinct is to protect her...it must be devastating to go through what the families have been through already...words fail. I feel sad that Brandon has been so savagely punished for taking a wrong decision and feel that he has been much maligned for his drinking and the that he was going with friends to buy pot. In England we have a very different point of view when it comes to drinking as the legal age limit is 18 and many teenagers start drinking at an earlier age. As a teenager everyone has the right to make their own decisions and that choice may be to rebel against your parents and the values instilled in you as a child. Given time I think that Brandon would have returned to those values and 'straightened out his act', it is almost a right of passage I suppose. It is just unfair that he has been trapped by circumstances during this rebellious phase and has already lost 6 years, whether they should have been college years or years spent at work.
"I hope that one day soon Brandon will be granted justice in a system of law that seems to be intent on revenge and bound by politics. I am in awe of Brandon's strength of will and courage in the face of such adversity. I commend his friends and family for continuing their brave fight for justice. I hope Brandon will soon know the joys of being a useful and successful free member of society. He is an exceptional young men, judging by his contribution to your Web site and I hope he takes heart from the fact that he has support globally as well as close to home. Yours sincerely, Mrs. Chloe Swann, from a town near Leicester in the middle of England"
"I was appalled to read of Brandon's case. I cannot believe that the US Courts and legal system can support the inhumane sentence imposed on Brandon for something which he clearly did not do. Brandon certainly was in the wrong place at the wrong time. No-one within the judicial system seems to have taken in to account Brandon's age when he was at the fort where the fight broke out. Surely here, we have a young man who had temporarily lost his way, which happens with so many youngsters throughout the world, and got in to a situation which he would not have ever expected to find himself in. Youngsters seldom see the potential harm that their actions can have on them. In Brandon's case he, obviously, immediately recognized how serious his plight was and I would bet that if he could, at that moment, have turned the clock back then he surely would have done. From what has been said on the web page I do not consider that Brandon needed punishment of any kind, professional support should have been ordered instead, to help him with the alcohol and drug difficulties. I found this web page quite by chance and could not believe what I was reading. I shall certainly attempt to make my voice heard over this, although I feel such a long way away. Please tell Brandon that I have written and that I wish him and all of you involved with him the very best. Please Brandon and all of you do not give up hope. With Kindest Regards and Best Wishes, Gerald Phillips London, England"
"My name is Clare and I am in Scotland. I was surfing and I happened to find a link on Brandon and other people in similar situations. I however found Brandon's to be a touching story. Although it is not the type of thing I would normally even look at I was drawn to read on. I am glad I did.
I would like Brandon to know that he has reach out to people all over the world and that he should never give up. I would also like to know if he has other supporters in Scotland or even the United Kingdom. I'd like to send him a bit of Scottish courage. Yours hopefully, Clare Duffy"
"I am shocked by the American justice system. I am here working for a year from England and I am amazed at how harsh and biased the system appears to be over here, particularly in this case. I have read and seen information from both sides of the case and I hope it can be resolved. It seems it could have easily been anyone in Brandon's situation. Jonathan Emery"
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