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RockGolf 
"1500+ reviews. 1 joke."
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 Posted - 09/05/2009 : 05:44:47
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Did I know about Turing's post-war treatment? No. But I certainly knew about his contributions to Enigma and to computer science. He was a giant. His sexuality does not diminish his contributions one iota as far as I'm concerned.
And again, his treatment from what I've now learned was awful. I don't remotely disagree with that.
What I don't see any point in is an official mea culpa by the Government. It takes time and a lot of money and really doesn't solve anything. |
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Sean
"Necrosphenisciform anthropophagist."
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Posted - 09/05/2009 : 07:40:04
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I don't think it's trivial or pedantic to point out that the petition statement lacks clarity; when I saw it a few days ago the first thing I noticed was it's poor wording. It doesn't specify who is to receive the apology, although most would presumably guess Alan Turing was to be the recipient. It says:-
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to apologize for the prosecution of Alan Turing that led to his untimely death."
I'll rewrite it:-
"We, the undersigned, petition the Prime Minister to issue a posthumous apology to Alan Turing for the prosecution that led to his untimely death."
That's far from perfect although better than their effort. It should probably also make it clear which PM they're petitioning (again, one could guess, but why leave it up to guesswork?) and specify the prosecution they're referring to (charges and dates etc).
There was a referendum in NZ a few weeks ago organised by people opposed to what's informally known as the Child Smacking Act (it criminalises violence towards one's children under some circumstances). It cost $8 million, 85% voted "No", but was so ambiguous that both sides are claiming victory. They may as well have taken the $8 million and burnt it. I'm just pointing this out because a clear statement is useful; an unclear statement is far less useful or in some cases quite useless. Lawyers love those who write their own wills.
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Sean
"Necrosphenisciform anthropophagist."
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Posted - 09/05/2009 : 07:54:02
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quote:
Originally posted by BaftaBabe
quote:
Originally posted by Whippersnapper
Generally, it's better to accept an apology rather than demand one.
I do hope this verbal diversion isn't a cover for any residual homophobia?
I believe your fears may be well-founded. Whippersnapper may have a particular form of homophobia that could perhaps be best referred to as Salopiphobia; a not-uncommon phobia in FWFRland.
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BaftaBaby 
"Always entranced by cinema."
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Posted - 09/05/2009 : 09:13:08
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References below that may address some of your concerns. I think there are now over 17,000 signatories.
John Graham-Cumming, poster of the petition
Daily Telegraph
ITPro
Obviously this is primarily a UK matter, and a quick Google reveals how widespread the media support is for the petition and to find some way to recognize properly the contribution of a great man, as well as an official acknowledgement of the hyprocrisy with which he was treated. The Prime Minister, as noted above, is an office not an individual person. An official apology from any holder of the office serves for all, not just the incumbent.
I think any more questions should be addressed to John Graham-Cummings. I merely thought it's a great idea, one long overdue.
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[matt]
"Cinemattic."
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Posted - 09/06/2009 : 01:55:55
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Signed.
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Petition for Alan Turing
