Conrad Black As Victim and God-Fearing Martyr

HISTORY IN THE MAKING

(The Trial and Tribulations of Conrad Black)

November will mark an historic month in the annals of Canadian Criminal History. As I write this I don’t yet know the outcome of Mr. Black’s sentencing process, which will take place on November 30^th in Chicago.

I do know this though…Conrad Black always appeared larger-than-life. He struck fear into the hearts of journalists all across the country. If the slightest hint of criticism were to be uttered by a journalist or commentator, that unfortunate person could expect to receive a notice in the mail the following day. Usually it served to inform the hapless ink-stained wretch that he or she was “hereby advised that legal action against you is forthcoming in view of the libelous and defamatory statements made by you against me in your medium”. signed C. Black. Black gave real meaning to the term “libel chill”.

For many reasons, when Mr. Black was found guilty this past summer of “obstruction of justice”, among other alleged crimes, a horde of jourmalistic victims broke out champagne. At London’s Daily Telegraph, which he once owned, all activity stopped and staffers observed a moment of silence, giving thanks to the United States justice system.

In Israel, where Black owned the prestigious Jerusalem Post, ex-staffers gathered to celebrate what they called an historic and important event. I say ex-staffers, because as soon as Black took control of the Post, he summarily fired the vast majority of top reporters and commentators who were employed there.

In Canada the reaction was more subdued. That’s because there exists here, even today, the fear that a paltry negative word or even an unkind thought about Mr. Black might still result in a notice. One fears that even though Mr. Black has been disgraced in an American court, there is a persistent sense that you might soon be on trial yourself, for not acknowledging Mr. Black’s status as one of the greatest human beings who ever lived.

That is why, despite all the negativity, which I harbour in my soul toward him, I will say nothing libelous or defamatory about the renowned gentleman. Once you have been stricken by fear of an icon and that fear is burned into your brain, you tread carefully – even at the graveside – lest he leap out and throttle you.

However, I can share that I am at present thinking about a bet I have with a certain friend, almost as powerful as Black himself. My friend believes firmly and completely that Conrad is so rich and so famous and so powerful, that no judge – not even a daring and tough American judge – would be nervy enough to sentence him to a nano-second behind bars. Mr. Black himself would not consider such a bet libelous. I am quite certain that he would see it rather as the pursuit of a gentlemanly pastime…sort of like the races at Ascot Downs. The bet came about because of my speculation that a ruthless and corrupt American "justice" system would not hesitate to throw an innocent ex-Canadian, now a British Lord into a filthy U.S. jail. (Pardon me, I forgot, Mr. Black is no longer allowed to sit in the British House of Lords).

As to the prospect of the fellow doing hard time – my guess – well in advance of the sentencing, is that the judge will impose a punishment of between 2.5 and 10 years.

In the meantime, I see that Mr. Black has now – as have many others in the past, when facing the prospect of a prison term – turned to religion  for comfort. “It has been helpful”, he said in a recent interview, “…in reading apposite chapters from various ecclesiastical authors…and being in conversation with several very knowledgeable clergymen”. Some might categorize that statement as hypocritical and pompous, but not me. I say it’s indicative of a real man…one who will accept his fate bravely and with cool courage…whatever that fate may be.

Thanks to Crikey for the pic of Lord Fraud

(p.s. I checked with a lawyer, it’s not libelous to say that I am looking forward to collecting on my bet.)