And the Oscar goes to....

I cannot say the last word. A South African comedian made the joke and got vilified. I would like to avoid the wrath of the ANC Women's and Disabilities and Blindness and Vertically Challenged League; therefore I leave you to complete the "joke".

Where are the lines drawn when it comes to "making light" of a tragedy? In my opinion the digital age has erased the boundaries (in the same way ViP views the Ukranian borders). Anyone who has an opinion, however ill-informed, can do what I am doing now - and then post it to Facebook and beyond. Internet trolls hunt down unsuspecting targets and digitally bully them - some to such an extent that often suicide feels like the only way out. The internet is a launch pad to infamy.

Thankfully I am not trying to launch myself anywhere but a South African not having a comment on Oscar is a bit like an ex coal miner not having an opinion about Maggie Thatcher. But I will be careful lest I get a call from Mthewthwe Masiswe from the above mentioned club.

Oscar killed his missus by mistake. That is exactly what he said - "a mistake". Is this not the understatement of this century - a bit like ViP saying that the Soviet Union's involvement in the Ukraine is meant to "stabilise" the situation. Oscar's "mistake" has not only lead to the loss of a beautiful life, but effectively destroyed two families and should result in a lengthy jail term - unless the judge buys Oscar's version of events. She will need to read the transcripts a few times though - Oscar backtracked, made more mistakes, blamed his own lawyers, cried, backtracked, wailed, blamed his own lawyers, got tired, made more mistakes, got distraught and blamed his own lawyers etc etc.

I think Gerrie Nel was trying to goad Oscar - like Tom Cruise did to Jack Nicholson in a Few Good Men. Gerrie probed and prodded for Oscar's "Code Red" moment...see the below

Colonel Jessep = Jack = Oscar
Kaffee = Tom = Gerrie

Oscar: You want answers?
Nel: I think I'm entitled to them.
Oscar: You want answers?
Nel: I want the truth!
Oscar: You can't handle the truth! Gerrie, I live in a world that has walls. And those walls have to be guarded by me with my guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Advocate Nel? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Reeva and you curse me and my family. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Reeva's death, while tragic, was a mistake. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, gives inspiration to many...You don't want the truth. Because deep down, in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me on my balcony. You need me on my balcony.
I use words like honor, code, loyalty...I use these words as the backbone to a life spent running without legs and firing handguns. You use 'em as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the duvet that I think I left on the bed, then questions the manner in which I provide it! I'd rather you just said thank you and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a weapon but don't stand anywhere near me. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!
Nel: Did you commit murder?
Oscar: (quietly) I fired at what I thought was an intruder.
Nel: Did you commit murder?
Oscar: You're goddamn right I did!!

It has not turned out for Nel this way, but I feel that Oscar has definitely something to answer for. My bet is some lesser charge but with a 10 year sentence attached.

So that's my view; hopefully not too borderline. Next waiting in the wings (technically he is actually in a wing at Valkenberg Mental Hospital) is another South African export (although we eventually imported him back) - Shrien Dewani (He's as mad-as-a-hatter by all accounts, but sane enough to check Facebook on his iPad. Go figure.)

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