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Brenda Martin reunites with mother

The Canadian Press

Latest comment posted at 7:52 PM EDT 11/05/08

She was released on parole Friday from a Kitchener women's prison ...Read the full article

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  1. Yellow Submariner from Canada writes:

    It would be nice if she could apologize to the federal government for all the bad-mouthing she did of them. Were it not for them, she'd be returning 5 years from now.

    Or, if she still thinks they're bad guys, pay us, the taxpayers, back the $82,000 for the jet trip, plus probably $10's of K more for all the high-level work and trips done.
  2. Itsagoodthingwedont Getallthegovtwepayfor from Roblin ON, Canada writes:
    I cannot think of a better Mother's Day gift for Brenda's Mom.

    Enjoy*
  3. looking on from Canada writes:
    Ms.Martin lived and worked in Mexico without papers-this is a crime in its self!!!.She was releasted from prison to-day with NO thanks to the Canadian tax payers who got hosed on this deal.She also should thank the current government. She is very smug and talks about a business involving Mexico(does she ever learn)If she makes money in her new business --pay back the tax payers-it was our money and we want it NOW!! Wonder how long before she is in the news again demanding 'sorry money'.She hood-winked the Canadians with fake tears--it will not work again.
  4. J S from Toronto, Canada writes: Who cares? She was found guilty in a court of law and credited for time served. End of story. Why is this news?
  5. Greg Out West from Canada writes: She should have to pay back 100 % of the expenses Canadian tax payers are out of pocket. She comes across as being very ungrateful. She was found guilty and should have stayed in Mexico. I'm sure the mexicans were glad to see the last of her weathered face.
  6. Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: Hooooray! I've been following this case for a long time - long before it became mainstream news. I won't get into now-meaningless details, but let me assure you that if this woman had been able to pay a significant bribe to the Mexican justice system (aka a joke) she would have never been jailed in the first place. The Mexicans were peeved because the real culprit con-artist guy (her former boss) had flown the coop.
    And to all the hard-hearted people who will whine about the cost of helping Ms. Martin - get a grip. This country paid untold millions to re-patriot how many 'Lebanese Canadians' during the last flare-up (and perhaps will soon do so again).
    At least Brenda Martin is a dyed-in-the-wool Canadian who paid taxes here all of her adult life (she worked here all her life until going to Mexico), as did many generations of her family. The Canadian government did what governments are supposed to do. Imgaine if it was your sister, Mother, wife etc. And don't give me this guilt by association crap i.e. she must have done something because she was there. I suppose by this logic, Conrad Black's valet should also be rotting in jail I suppose. I hear Conrad gave him some cufflinks - proceeds of crime don't you know.
    Congratulations Brenda - millions of us were rooting for you. Enjoy your freedom, sorry it took so long. As for the scumbags who did this - well that's a tirade for another day. FREEDOM is great isn't it.
  7. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: Ms. Martin does not have to apologize to the Federal government who let her languish in Mexico for 2 years. They only reason the Harper government finally did something was to save face.
  8. J. Bergin from Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes.........Congratulations Brenda - millions of us were rooting for you. ........

    Millions?? I don't think so.....a couple of hundred more likely; and I sure wasn't one of them.
  9. David Guy from Canada writes: J G from Toronto - check your facts. At the very least she was acting suspicious with such a huge severance package and evading taxes. She used and abused the Canadian government every chance she got. Now hopefully she will fade away.
  10. Greg Out West from Canada writes: J. Bergin from Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes.........Congratulations Brenda - millions of us were rooting for you. ........

    Millions?? I don't think so.....a couple of hundred more likely; and I sure wasn't one of them.
    --------------------------------------------------
    I know I wasn't one and I'm sure all the people she scamed weren't rooting for her.
    Boo Hoo
  11. Ken DeLuca from Arnprior, Canada writes: Ms MArtin is news because we care.. If you don't care, JG, move on to other news about which you do care.
  12. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To David Guy from Canada: As if you know the 'facts' of this case. Are you her lawyer or something ?
  13. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Ken DeLuca from Arnprior, Canada writes: Ms MArtin is news because we care.. If you don't care, JG, move on to other news about which you do care.
    ------------------------------------------------
    I care, but only because of all the money it cost canadians to bring this criminal back to Canada.
  14. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To Ken DeLuca from Arnprior, Canada : I do care Ken. Actually, I 'm being accused on this blog of caring too much for the woman.
  15. Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: J. Bergin - you're wrong. Check poll numbers if you wish.

    You folks who say she was found guilty in a 'court of law', please. Hitler's 'People's Courts' were also courts of law - no problem with them either I suppose? Do a little research on the Mexican 'justice' system before you confirm your ignorance before the world.
    As for her supposed ingratitude - for one thing, the woman's mental health is in shambles, so give her some time to collect herself in freedom and we shall see. And furthermore I agree with J.G. - our gov't let her rot for two years, not exactly total cause for slavish gratitude. As for 'huge severance' and 'evading taxes' - where do all these rumours come from? I've heard everything under the sun about this case. What a bunch of lowlifes you critics are. May you rot in a foreign jail soon - oh, but that wouldn't happen would it. People NEVER get arrested for doing nothing wrong in foreign countries do they....so I'm sure you wouldn't. Your negativity makes me laugh. ha ha ha ha ha .
  16. looking on from Canada writes: J G fr. Toronto---get your facts right before you spill your crap!Better still get a life.
  17. D M from Canada writes: Good news that she is finally out. She owes taxpayers nothing although I am sure she is grateful to be released. This is the price you pay to live in a democracy. Your tax money goes into many different programs, but those who benefit don't have to go around thanking everyone for their generosity.
  18. Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: You bigots kill me. You know nothing of the facts of the case, and you spout and spout.
  19. JM Work from Canada writes: Make her payback the Canadian government for the tax payers money that was wasted on her.
  20. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To looking on from Canada: What are the 'facts' exactly ?
  21. CD W from Canada writes: We should have a pool to see when and who in Canada she is going to sue. I pick 2 weeks hence, and it will be foreign affairs department.
  22. looking on from Canada writes: People are saying if Ms.Martin would have paid the Mexico governmnet money she would never have served time in jail there. So if this was true why didn't she used some of the hush money she got from her x boss-it was certainly enough!!
  23. John White from Canada writes: At least now she'll have lots of time to meet with revenue canada and get a job to pay her back taxes & penalties, along with the cost of her bail and flight back to the government.
  24. Just an Albertan from Calgary, Canada writes: Was she also a cabinet member's girlfriend? Sure got special treatment at the expense of taxpayers.
  25. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: JUST GO AWAY.
  26. Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: looking on - you shoot your own point in the foot. Maybe because this supposed 'hush money' is a fairy tale? You people kill me. I've been to Mexico many times, I know how it works down there - get your head out of your posterior and perhaps repair to a Logic 101 class.

  27. PANIC! At The Ice Floe from Ottawa, Canada writes: Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: You bigots kill me. You know nothing of the facts of the case, and you spout and spout.

    If you're going to name call at least use the right words, you fool. How does bigot even enter the discussion?
  28. Hello/ Bonjour from Canada writes: She should still be rotting away in a Mexican jail with all the other convicted criminals.
  29. The one and only Billy Shears from Canada writes: So the next time anyone gets put in a Mexican prison, even if they're as innocent as can be, there's no way the Mexicans will release them to serve their sentence in Canada. Canada's made a strong statement about how it sees Mexican judicial procedures.
  30. Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes:
    To 'Hello/Bonjour' - I guess people like Nelson Mandela and Andrei Sakharov should also still be rotting in jail with the other convicted criminals right? Right.
  31. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Cyrus Of Persia from Canada writes: You bigots kill me. You know nothing of the facts of the case, and you spout and spout.
    ------------------------------------------------------------------
    Didn't realize bigot meant a person who believed that criminals belonged in jail.
    Who knew
  32. Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: Billy Shears - the Mexican maggots obviously knew what would happen - it was a done deal, part of the plan. Sheesh.
  33. Greg Out West from Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: Billy Shears - the Mexican maggots obviously knew what would happen - it was a done deal, part of the plan. Sheesh.
    -----------------------------------------------
    Sorry but who made you an expert on what was or wasn't part of the deal and why do you call them Mexican maggots ? Because the convicted a criminal in a court of law.
  34. Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: have a nice weekend everbody - I wish I could know so much about things I know nothing about.......... like so many people here seem to. Nice trick. Relax and have a drink - it ain't so bad.
  35. Devil Bud from Canada writes: I find this whole case to be a debacle from day #1. First off, the government either intervenes in democratic countries that govern based on the rule of law or they don't. For those that don't know what I'm talking about, the Canadian government has changed its longstanding policy of intervening in foreign countries with respect to the administration of justice in cases involving Canadians. Now, they DON'T intervene if the foreign country is: a) democratic; b) supports the rule of law. So which is it? Are we to believe that our government now contends that Mexico, one of our best allies and major trading partner, is not democratic and/or does not support the rule of law? I am not saying that we shouldn't intervene in such cases as Brenda Martin. However, the government should not be swayed by principles of public opinion, or media outcry. The principles of justice that Canadians have a right to should be those followed by our government.
  36. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To Greg Out West from Canada: Have you ever wondered why so many Canadians seem die while on vacation in Mexico ?
  37. crime of the century from This is not America, Canada writes: Mexico is one of the most backward, corrupt and evil countries in the world today. They fit perfectly with the manic insanity of the USA, two countries I prefer never to visit.
  38. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: have a nice weekend everbody - I wish I could know so much about things I know nothing about.......... like so many people here seem to. Nice trick. Relax and have a drink - it ain't so bad.

    By far, the best post so far!
    .
  39. Greg Out West from Canada writes: J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To Greg Out West from Canada: Have you ever wondered why so many Canadians seem die while on vacation in Mexico ?
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Actually no I don't. More people will die in Canada this weekend by drive by shootings than Canadians will die in Mexico all year. A lot of Canadians vacation in Mexico every year and yes some will die due to the criminal element but that's the risk you take whether you travel or stay at home. I don't for a second believe that the mexican people are targeting Canadians.
  40. Dennis sinneD from Canada writes: I expect a giant, groveling thank you from this woman to ALL OF CANADA and it's Government.
  41. Greg Out West from Canada writes: crime of the century from This is not America, Canada writes: Mexico is one of the most backward, corrupt and evil countries in the world today. They fit perfectly with the manic insanity of the USA, two countries I prefer never to visit.
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    I don't know why I feel that I have to defend the mexican people but here goes. We've gone down to mexico a few times and the one thing that we always bring back is how lovely the people were to us. They were friendly and kind. Part of it I feel is that they do not strive to have huge houses or expensive SUV's. We could take a few lessons from them on how to really enjoy life and what is truely important.
    Sure there is a criminal element but hey we've got one as well.
  42. John Connor from Canada writes: She's out!
    The welfare office opens on Monday.
    I wonder if she gets there on time...
    So we get to pay again, until CPP kicks in.
    Hoo Haw!
    The pleasure never stops does it?
    My thanks to you lefty boneheads that brought her back.
    She can stay at your houses.
  43. Silent Minority from Winnipeg, Canada writes: J. Bergin from Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes.........Congratulations Brenda - millions of us were rooting for you. ........

    Millions?? I don't think so.....a couple of hundred more likely; and I sure wasn't one of them.

    Was probably only her family and a few left wingnuts who think all criminals should be roaming free to continue their 'troubled lives'

    Pay me back my money as a Canadian taxpayer, also, pay me back for all those 'bandwagon jumping politicians' that you guilted into rescuing you from the deeply oppressive Mexican regime.

    Makes me ill...
  44. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To Greg Out West from Canada: Well Greg, there is a long list of Canadians murdered in Mexico in recent years. I don't think anybody who keeps track of current events would not know this.
  45. David any from Riccco!, Canada writes: I agree with Billy Shears. I go to Mexico every winter and love it.
    We should have kept her here in jail just until she dropped off the radar screen. The next imprisioned Canadian will rot in jail before they are allowed to leave. I can't believe the Canadian government was so insensitive to the Mexican rule of law. It made jack a$$es out of them. I am not suggesting she was guilty or not guilty ...only that Canadians have disrespected Mexicans and someone will pay.
    Who is in Charge of our Foreign Affairs anyhow? They need a 101 course....and not in whopping big Bazzoookas...
  46. looking on from Canada writes: Michael L from Toronto--it's okay we understand.
  47. Silent Minority from Winnipeg, Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes: have a nice weekend everbody - I wish I could know so much about things I know nothing about.......... like so many people here seem to. Nice trick. Relax and have a drink - it ain't so bad.

    The ONLY thing I need to know is that the Canadian taxpayers footed the bill to haul her guilty (as per the Mexican courts) a$$ back here and now she roams free.

    I don't care if she worked illegally, don't care if she fleeced people, if you can't stomach the thought of having the worst of the legal system in the country you are visiting or working in possibly done to you...DON'T GO...
  48. J L from Canada writes: This release should come as no surprise to anyone/The parole board had earlier indicated based on the time served in a Mexican Prison she would qualify for a early parole.One unanswered question remains.Was she guilty or NOT? Has any one seen the evidence that convicted her? Until such time as that question remains unanswered I am not going to make a judgement calll one way or the other.Frankly I just don't know.,but IF in fact she was a victim of the Mexican Justice system then Canadians have a right to know.one way or the other. In any case she's on parole and let us all hope she can get on with her life.
  49. Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: No wonder newspaper readership is declining in Canada. Who is going to pay and read this crap everyday.
  50. Bill Thompson from Calgary, Canada writes: And who is going to hire her now? Where is the thanks to the Canadian government and the taxpayers? Yellow Submariner in the first post got it right. At least she has stopped being a burden on us.
  51. sammy mazola jr from Edmonton, Canada writes: I don't feel safe.
  52. steve allan from Canada writes: Typical Canadian justice - no white collar criminal should ever be punished!
  53. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: I love these terminally angry Westerners...why does this woman owe Stephan Harper or the taxpayers anything ?
  54. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Somehow I suspect that Dennis, etc, would have posted different thoughts had all this started, oh, say, in 2005 instead of 2006 under the Harpercrites' watch.
  55. stretch from yonder from Canada writes: next time you renew your passport.......read the book that comes with it carefully.......when you go to another country you agree to respect their rules and laws, even you personally don't agree with them, you are no longer in Canada end of story.

    it is amazing how many people feel that two wrongs make a right in this case. we sure do come across as smug Canadians who are the world leaders in justice, fairness, peace and well being.....please........yet these same people will be the first to chastise the US for sticking their nose in other countries business abroad and being ignorant.

    the second thing is that how come when someone in Canada is implicated in a serious crime and forced to stay in jail until the trial which can be several months or years nobody says our jail system is brutal, mid-evil and backwards yet that person may be found innocent and let go.......but can never get that time spent in jail back.

    the only lesson to be learnt here is not to associated yourself with criminal activity, especially in a foreign country..........even if you are just an naive cook.
  56. Wanda Fyooka from Vancouver, Canada writes: I thought you had to serve two-thirds of your sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Two-thirds of a five year sentence is 3 1/2 years, so what gives? The next shady character to run afoul of the law (Napoleonic Code, not British Common Law) in Mexico better watch out! Too many Canadians treat Mexicans like some kind of unintelligent sub-humans - these are wonderful people and I love spending every winter down there with them - just be careful not to do anything illegal! Simple really....
  57. scsi duck from Canada writes: Does this mean I don't have to listen to her crying on the radio any more? Wonderful!
  58. J.C. Davies from Canada writes:
    'Wanda Fyooka from Vancouver, Canada writes: I thought you had to serve two-thirds of your sentence before becoming eligible for parole. Two-thirds of a five year sentence is 3 1/2 years, so what gives'

    She spent two years in pre-trial custody. in Canada you get double credit for time served while awaiting trial - so by the parole guidelines she's credited with four years served.
  59. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To Wanda Fyooka from Vancouver, Canada: Well Wanda, when a nice middle aged couple from Ontario were murdered in their hotel room a few years ago...the fine, upstanding Mexican authorities tried to pin it on......two Canadian women. Go figure.
  60. David any from Riccco!, Canada writes: Cool...Juan de Fuca....Straight?
  61. Wanda Fyooka from Vancouver, Canada writes: Thanks for that JC... I was not aware of that fact.
  62. David Gibson from Canada writes: Since this 'story' 'broke,' the press [CBC especially] has treater the woman as if she is 100% innocent. I don't get it. How would they know that? Why has someone not explained to taxpayers and the government how and why she is innocent? 'I' certainly don't know the truth of the matter, and it is very peculiar that assumptions are made and acted upon. Seldom have I seen a wackier situation
  63. Wanda Fyooka from Vancouver, Canada writes: Straight! You get a gold star!
  64. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To David Gibson from Canada: Again with the 'taxpayer' stuff...I'm not getting that ??????
  65. Paul, Bytown, from Canada writes: I'm glad she's back in Canada. Now I'll feel safer when I head down to Mexico this winter.

    Oh, and when is she gona pay us back?
  66. tommy killian from montreal, Canada writes: sometimes i'm just amazed at how uncaring and downright mean some people on these forums can be. can people not be happy for this woman and her family. i hope all these people never have trouble in foreign lands on their winter holidays. personally i cant think of a better use of my tax money than to help fellow canadians who run into trouble when traveling.
  67. Vote NDP in the next federal/ provincial election from Toronto, Canada writes: If Brenda Martin had no involvement whatsoever in criminal activity then why are blaming her then. If she did commit a crime then jail sentences is justified.
  68. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: When is Conservative cabinet minister Bev Oda going to 'pay us back' for her lavish, unreported limousine use ?
  69. michael morris from Prescott, Canada writes: Enough of Brenda Martin, 99% of Canadians don't care - do you care Sir? NO -
  70. Albin Forone from Canada writes: Haven't got a clue about the merits of this case. Nobody does. It's all about disrespect for the Mexican process. Haven't got a clue about the merits of the Mexican process. Nobody does.
  71. John Stanton from Canada writes: guess she stopped crying.
  72. John Hinkley from Thornhill, ON, Canada writes: J. Bergin from Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada writes.........Congratulations Brenda - millions of us were rooting for you. ........

    Millions?? I don't think so.....a couple of hundred more likely; and I sure wasn't one of them.

    Nor I - she got no sympathy from me - in her picture today she sure doesn't look to hard done by for serving 2 years in a Mexican prison.

    ALSO - michael morris from Prescott, Canada writes: Enough of Brenda Martin, 99% of Canadians don't care - do you care Sir? NO -

    Hi Mike - let's make that 99.999999999% of Canadians don't care.

    Hey - Mr. G&M let's get on to some real news and no more about the TimBits either - that was disgraceful reporting as well.
  73. looking on from Canada writes: Tommy Killian---Why?
  74. looking on from Canada writes: J G fr/Toronto--Grow Up
  75. Beer and Popcorn from Toronto, Canada writes: When does she start as a Liberal cabinet minister?

    When does the CBC and CTV do a follow up to their stories praising the efficency of the government of dealing with this?
  76. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: To looking on from Canada : The truth hurts doesn't it......
  77. don cherry from toronto, writes: That poor little white woman, glad we could save her from those bad Mexicans.
  78. Yes ... I have an opinion from Canada writes: Well I care. To all of you who lack any kind of compassion, I can only hope the next time you read about a similar case in the papers - it's your sister. I didn't grow up in a country where my government let's people rot in foreign jails. Unfortunately, the current bunch in Ottawa seems to be moving policy in that direction. I'm glad Brenda is back in country and I feel ashamed it took a media fiasco to make it happen.
  79. Robert Dryburgh from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada writes: Whoop dee effin doo. I'm hoping she will just go away. I'm tired of her phony tears and all the assorted BS attached to her.
  80. J L from Canada writes: Well apparently no one has the answer to my question.HAS ANYONE SEEN THE EVIDENCE THAT CONVICTED MS MARTIN? We've had a number of posters to this site and story line who seem rather confident that she was indeed guilty.Please if you have seen or heard that evidence or a transcript of the judges ruling please give, those of us, such as myself who frankly have not seen such evidence benefit of your knowledge we can make a proper judgement as to her guilt or innocence.
  81. J L from Canada writes: Re my earlier posting-Should have been- Please give those of us who have not seen such evidence the benefit of your knowledge.
  82. Jack Mrnsie from Canada writes: Normally I find people from Mexico come to Canada and the USA to make a better living, very suspicious a cook could not be found there. I wonder why the Mexican govt would have given her a work visa when many poeple there are unemployeed....
  83. Tom Morrison from Calgary, Canada writes: She was the chief author of her own misfortune. I have no sympathy for this woman whatsoever. May she fade away into obscurity.

    Cradle to grave socialists think the government should take responsibility for anything and everything.

    Here's a radical thought, people taking personal responsibility.
  84. Lorrie Mac from guelph, Canada writes: What a crock! Just another example of the 'squeeky wheel getting the grease'. She should pay back every cent that she cost the taxpayers.
  85. D F from Canada writes: Sad bunch of naive Canadians on the board today. Congratulations Brenda.
  86. G. Rhodes from Canada writes: The mexicans must be glad to be rid of 1 canadian TACO!!!!!
  87. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: In Mexico's mind it's a modern democracy with a real justice system.

    Ha!

    But only in Mexico's mind!

    Guilty until proven innocent? Wow

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  88. J G from Toronto, Canada writes: Instead of flying her back to Canada, maybe she could have hitched a ride in cabinet minister Bev Oda's limousine.....I hear it gets around these days !
  89. Dan L from Canada writes: Michael Leblanc from Toronto, Canada wrote:

    'To 'Hello/Bonjour' - I guess people like Nelson Mandela and Andrei Sakharov should also still be rotting in jail with the other convicted criminals right? Right.'

    Comparing Brenda Martin to Nelson Mandela and Andrei Sakharov??? The Mexican legal system to 'Hitler's 'People's Courts' ' ..... are you for real? If you want people to take your comments seriously try and not make ridiculous comparisons!

    A socialist activist such as Mandela or Sakharov she is NOT! and the courts in Mexico are nowhere near comparable to Nazi courts! As far as your claims to have followed the case from prior it catching the media's attention (mostly due to shameless grandstanding!) please explain how your know so much more than the average person may have learned through the media. Were you party to any of the legal proceedings or just the vacuous reports hopelessly void of concrete facts put forth by the MSM?
  90. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: J L from Canada writes: Well apparently no one has the answer to my question.HAS ANYONE SEEN THE EVIDENCE THAT CONVICTED MS MARTIN? We've had a number of posters to this site and story line who seem rather confident that she was indeed guilty.Please if you have seen or heard that evidence or a transcript of the judges ruling please give, those of us, such as myself who frankly have not seen such evidence benefit of your knowledge we can make a proper judgement as to her guilt or innocence.
    -------------------------------------

    JL I certainly don't have that answer.
    However, from what I understand Mexican law allows detention on charges and then the accused has to prove the charges false or face conviction.

    One thing I am sure of is, that most of the posters here saying she should rot in prison or not be free, or her release is a sham should shut up and go spend two years in a Mexican prison!

    Then we'll see how tough they talk.

    Innocent until PROVEN guilty at a fair trial.

    What's wrong with that?

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  91. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: Dan L from Canada writes: 'A socialist activist such as Mandela or Sakharov she is NOT! and the courts in Mexico are nowhere near comparable to Nazi courts!'
    -------------------------------------------------
    Dan,
    Can you back your claim, 'and the courts in Mexico are nowhere near comparable to Nazi courts!'?

    How do you 'know' that for sure?

    I just want to make sure we're all talkin' about the same idea of justice.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  92. Don Aitken from Kelowna, BC, Canada writes: It is hard to believe that people can be so hard hearted.
    We have spent over 10 winters in Mexico and the Mexican people are wonderful people. The Police are not as understanding & there is a lot of graft going on . If you can pay you stay out of jail regardless of what you have done.
    Under Mexican Law you are guilty until you prove your innocent.
    This not easy to do when you are in jail.
    The Mexicans had to justify keeping Ms Martin in jail for 2 years, therefore the guilty verdict
    Guilty or not Canadians should be represented by their Government.
    We can all hope that we do not find ourselves in a situation where we need help from our government when we are out of the country.
    I am always amazed at the expertize of people who have little or no experiance yet know all about Mexico
    The people I know are pleased that Ms Martin is finally free.
  93. R. C. Liu from Canada writes: Ms. Martin is lucky to be free and spared from the 'harsh' prison treatment . Even though she obviouly enjoyed being crowned as the 'Queen' in the prison paegant. She is out now simply because she is CANADIAN. Her friends and family manipulated the media and and the media made sensational headlines day in and day out! And that is just a waste of our time and energy. Being an immigrant myself, I know other countries will not go to such great length to rescue an individual who obviouly broke the law in another country. She commited (whether knowingly or unknowingly) the crime in Mexico, it's the Mexican law she has to abide by. Too bad, our government is just too nice. That's Canadian, eh!?
  94. Spring is finally here! from Canada writes: On a complete side note:

    Charles Brown from Vancouver, BC, Canada writes: No wonder newspaper readership is declining in Canada. Who is going to pay and read this crap everyday.

    Mr. Brown - If you are paying for this - I would really like to know who you are making the cheques out to.. Since this a free message board and all....
  95. jan bakker from Canada writes: Once again, canadian justice is served! , to the criminal, on a silver platter. Compliments of the taxpayer, the victim!
  96. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: Don Aitken from Kelowna, BC, Canada writes: It is hard to believe that people can be so hard hearted.
    We have spent over 10 winters in Mexico and the Mexican people are wonderful people. The Police are not as understanding & there is a lot of graft going on . If you can pay you stay out of jail regardless of what you have done.
    Under Mexican Law you are guilty until you prove your innocent.
    This not easy to do when you are in jail.
    The Mexicans had to justify keeping Ms Martin in jail for 2 years, therefore the guilty verdict
    Guilty or not Canadians should be represented by their Government.
    We can all hope that we do not find ourselves in a situation where we need help from our government when we are out of the country.
    I am always amazed at the expertize of people who have little or no experiance yet know all about Mexico
    The people I know are pleased that Ms Martin is finally free.
    -----------------

    Thanks Don,

    When my daughter signed up for a college exchange program to Mexico I did a little research and was scared to see that more than 40% of the police are corrupt(worse in the rural areas). Yes indeed you need money to stay out of jail there I saw it happen at Sayulita on the street. Money changed hands, the cops walked away!

    As for the hard hearted, I think they get a feeling of power from their harsh statements, poor kids they're so weak.

    Cheers, sunny Kelowna to sunny Mexico, hmmm? Very nice!

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  97. John Ridout from Canada writes: the guys Mexican lawyer got the 3.5 million mansion in exchange for legal fees and has not been charged with anything. Proceeds of crime eh?
  98. M M from West Coast, Canada writes: Brenda - I am glad you are at home with your mom - now please go away because very few Canadians have any interest in your tale of woe, except to think that you are the stupidest woman on the face of the earth!
  99. Nancy Wilson from N.Ontario, Canada writes: I could never understand why in Canada,you are only required to serve a third of your sentence.
    It makes no sense.
    Could it be,that people would be outraged,if the sentences given,were truly the amount of years that were 'expected' to be served?
  100. Ned Chiwalski from Canada writes: Great,

    Now we get to listen to this wing nut whine close to home. She should have stayed in the Mexican prison supported by their govt. Now we will be the lucky ones supporting her (EI, welfare...)
  101. prospector from blackfly country from Canada writes: It's only a matter of time before Brenda Martin is going to sue.

    I'm serious.

    She'll sue somebody in the officialdom of the government for her suffering and have a pack of lawyers yipping at her heels to represent her. There will be another pack of righteous folk who will be braying their support.

    You heard it here first!!!! Mark it down.
  102. Dan L from Canada writes: Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada wrote:

    'Dan,
    Can you back your claim, 'and the courts in Mexico are nowhere near comparable to Nazi courts!'?

    How do you 'know' that for sure?

    I just want to make sure we're all talkin' about the same idea of justice.'

    ============================================

    Let's get real here, the Mexican legal system is based on the Napoleonic code (which originated where ............ here's a hint, it's named after the short guide known for walking around with one hand slipped in the front of his jacket who died in prison on the Island of Elba!)

    The Nazi 'People's Courts': In 1933 he established special courts throughout Germany to try politically sensitive cases. Dissatisfied with the 'not guilty' verdicts rendered by the Supreme Court (Reichsgericht) in the Reichstag Fire Trial, Hitler ordered the creation of the People's Court (Volksgerichtshof) in Berlin in 1934 to try treason and other important 'political cases.'

    So, let's see, the major complaint against the Mexican legal system, which is based on the same Napoleonic code French law is based on, is corruption, meanwhile Hitler's 'People's Courts' were designed to try 'political cases' and based on his desire to eliminate jews and people he considered to be traitors. HOW COULD I have missed the similarities between these courts!! perceived corruption = genocide!! who knew!

    =============================================

    You are right though that many postings here 'make ya go, hmmm?', but that's mostly how anyone can seriously entertain Michael Leblanc's ridiculous comparisons (though I note not a peep out of you about his comparing her to two world famous activists ..... guess that one was just too much to swallow!!)
  103. Roop Misir from Toronto, Canada writes:
    Is it true that crime doesn't pay?
  104. Dan L from Canada writes: John Ridout wrote:

    'the guys Mexican lawyer got the 3.5 million mansion in exchange for legal fees and has not been charged with anything. Proceeds of crime eh?'

    John, will you please give it a rest already! You hire a lawyer to represent you and he bills you. You pay him in cash, chickens, or whatever mutually agreed upon commodity. Now unless he's proven to have been engaged in business with you in the crime you're being tried for, he's NOT a party to the offence. The only thing that's open to question here is whether this so called mansion was bought by the accused with the proceeds of crime. If yes and it this could be PROVED in court, the govt should have seized it which would make it unavailable to be signed over to cancel his debt to the lawyer. On the other hand, if part of a plea bargain excluded the house from seizure somehow then it's free to be traded (and before you start squealing about corruption again, have a look at some plea bargains that have been accepted up here!) Meanwhile you keep regurgitating this claim without ever providing anyone a shred of detail to evaluate your claim. Show us some substance already or just STFU on this!
  105. Hmmmer ? from Recovery, Canada writes: R. C. Liu from Canada writes: 'I know other countries will not go to such great length to rescue an individual who obviouly broke the law in another country. She commited (whether knowingly or unknowingly) the crime in Mexico, it's the Mexican law she has to abide by'.
    ------------------------

    RC are you saying governments should stop all foreign aid as well?
    I mean there could be some benefit to someone who broke the law, right?
    -----------
    >'an individual who obviouly broke the law in another country She commited (whether knowingly or unknowingly) the crime in Mexico, it's the Mexican law she has to abide by'<

    So, are you saying intent has nothing to do with it? That's crazy!

    If you cross a border, on holiday, with a prescription drug, should you do five years in jail because you didn't know that possession of that drug you need and have taken for years is illegal?

    Lighten up dude, every citizen taxPAYER should have at least some help, even if it's only to ensure a fair trial.

    Hmmmer. Things that make ya go, hmmm?
  106. Offshore Reg from bridgetown, Barbados writes: typical for this site........many stupid posts by nasty old people with too much time on their hands, who obviously know nothing about the details of the case, have never been further form home than the Tim's on the corner, but love to shoot their mouths off on these threads on every topic. Try reading Hugh Segal's article on civility.
  107. A B from Oakville, Canada writes: you have got to be kidding, what do you think the Mexican authorities will think next time there is a real issue invovling a Canadian and our goverment calls to 'help'.

    She should have completed due process in Mexico, yet now she is free here. Welcome home......unbelievable
    WHat set of rules are we living by??
    • Posted 09/05/08 at 10:06 PM EDT |