Axl's Letter to Indonesian President

[Jakey Styley]

Mr. President,

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. In 2009 I and Guns N' Roses were both fortunate and privileged enough to perform in your country in Jakarta for the Indonesian people where we enjoyed and were taken aback by the incredible warmth of the Indonesian fans during our performance and in meeting fans and people there wherever we went. It was a very special and exciting experience we are fortunate to have had and to have as fond memories. I would like to express our sincere thanks to your country for showing us such warm and enthusiastic hospitality.

The main concern of this correspondence is in regard to the impending executions of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran of the group referred to as the Bali Nine and of Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso. In following their stories in regard to particular comments made in their regard by the Attorney General of Indonesia that their efforts and those of their representatives through the courts "are just buying time" I feel with all due respect compelled to ask why a government official derides the efforts of anyone trying to save their own life or the lives of others through proper legal channels? And if or why the government of Indonesia condones such comments by its officials?

As all three are still alive these are clearly not cases where nothing can or should be done by those who care to do their utmost in efforts to spare them. Under the circumstances it would seem that if they are executed regrettably the Indonesian government becomes the more offensive criminal.

I appeal to you Mr. President, Mr. Joko Widodo to use your power in ways to strengthen international relationships between your country and others, to show your country's strength and allow the world to witness an extraordinary act of humanity and bravery on yours and your country's part.

To show each of us that there can be hope and true redemption in times of hopelessness and despair, that rehabilitation and turning one's life around is not just for one's place in what if any afterlife there may be or one believes in but here on this earth where it can do each of us the most good in this life now. Where true justice is better achieved in not killing, not ending the lives of and not destroying others but instead in this case, this situation, right now in this moment in your hands in sparing the lives of these two able bodied young men who've proven in the Indonesian prison system they are more than capable of being productive and positive contributors to society.

Their crimes were now long ago, their hearts and minds forever changed by their crimes, their trials, the hurt they've caused their loved ones, their countrymen, their rehabilitation, remorse, the lasting and deeply embedded fears of the crushing reality of very real and drastic life and death consequences and their deepest desires to become different and better people and if not to be forgiven to be shown mercy and given the opportunity to prove themselves.

In a world where the bad often outweighs the good and evil and negativity would appear more and more prevalent we need and can use every person choosing to make a difference however that choice came about that we can get, that we can save, that we can salvage and we can spare the lives of including those who have seen and learned from the errors of their ways and in doing so we show the entire world that we are capable of forgiveness and mercy, a much greater sense of courage, strength and humanity and being so much more than that which seeks to overcome and destroy us.

To not do so does not send as much a message of deterrence but rather a cold, cruel and uncaring message of hopelessness and blindness by the powers that be. Please do not be this type of man, this type of individual blinded by rigidity and inflexibility and ignoring your true power and wisdom by not acknowledging true change verified, witnessed and confirmed by virtually all who've been involved with either of these men during their incarceration.

It's true I do not know these men nor have I met them but their story has touched me deeply. I as well as many others could easily have found ourselves in their unfortunate and unarguably self-inflicted position. People make mistakes, sometimes big and horribly regrettable mistakes and sometimes more importantly people learn from their mistakes and make new choices, strive and succeed at true positive change. To not acknowledge and give such change the opportunity to prove it's value would seem in this case a greater crime than those originally committed.

This is clearly not a case of hardened, unrepentant, violent or greed driven killers with no regard for the lives of others. They are not con men lying and faking their behavior over all these years only to return to the people they once were and are no longer. That these individuals must die purely as an example to others is in my opinion akin to a kidnapper or terrorist killing hostages to make their point and have their demands met. In carrying out their death sentences the example shown here is one of draconian justice where the punishment in this stage of the condemned's lives by virtue of their rehabilitation and genuine remorse over all these years no longer fits the original crime.

To kill these men under these conditions of their profound and proven change for the better seems a barbaric, backward and truly disgraceful act of pride, ego, fear and prejudice, prejudice against your own system and the souls of anyone who has committed what's been deemed a crime from one day making amends and having the opportunity to make things right by how they live their lives and not how they are brutally and with disregard executed.

In the case and impeding execution of Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso executing those on the bottom rungs of the ladder in the chain of drug trafficking or those caught in the web of human trafficking who may not have had the luxury of qualified representation or even proper translators during their trial seems more than unfair and proves what? That a government chooses to condemn those that it would appear few if anyone truly cares about or has ever cared about to begin with? A mother who's quite possibly sincere hopes of making a better life for her and her children have been destroyed in a tragic circumstance and with her execution only makes things worse for her family and the sorrow of those who do care that much greater.

I realize I am no one and no one to get involved with your affairs or those of your government and how this letter reads or anyone other than yourself thinks of it is irrelevant. Only the lives of these three human beings are what's important now. That said I did not speak in jest or empty flattery when I spoke of how I and my organization were affected by the depth of warmth shown us by the Indonesian people during our performance and stay in Jakarta.

I ask you now to show such great depth of humanity and compassion now to these individuals and to deny your bloodlust in your war on drugs and grant clemency to these three individuals and give them a permanent stay of execution and to change the course of your own life and place in both your country's and world history. No other can do what you alone have the power to do and that is the power to show benevolence and mercy where mercy can be truly appreciated and given it's proper respect not only by the condemned but by the entire world and it's many leaders.

Give them a chance to prove you right by living where their deaths at this stage can only prove tragic and by all involved avoidable and unnecessary. You've made your point and struck fear in both the hearts and minds of the condemned and anyone even remotely considering bad choices or already involved in those worlds. Their crimes were not committed on your watch. Life is the only thing important now, not death but life.

Sincerely,

W. Axl Rose

https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=10153791661983222

[Silent Jay]

Damn, 3 new threads at the same time!

Axl is the new Roger Waters!

[ZoSoRose]

He's so weird

#newalbum4indonesiandemocracy

[Black Sabbath]

Guns N' Roses and I*

[Silent Jay]

Jakarta was in 2012 Ax!

[ZoSoRose]

Fun fact, Axl wrote that letter in 2010 but the record label made him release it now

[Słash]

Me, Silent Jay and you posted this at the same time lol

[Snowmass]

That's a long letter written by Axl....er Beta and TB. Seriously- why would Axl fucking Rose give a shit? People are executed in the US and he (to my knowledge) hasn't gotten all worked up.

[The Black]

A stubborn man telling another stubborn man what to do.

[Sixes]

Fun fact, Axl wrote that letter in 2010 but the record label made him release it now

[Słash]

A stubborn man telling another stubborn man what to do.

Good one

Fun fact, Axl wrote that letter in 2010 but the record label made him release it now

Next letter will be to Dee Snider

[Jakey Styley]

For Axl to believe anyone gives enough of a shit to read this yet not ever give a comment about music or anything is frustrating. I don't know what his fascination is with random news stories and making public comments on them.

[jekylhyde]

The words "stay of execution" pop up again...

Anyways, it's great that Axl is doing this. Using his name on something positive.

[maynard]

Clear dig at Slash... Sorry, I had to say it.

Seriously, Axl talking about forgiveness is a good sign, maybe now he's ready to forgive his beloved friend Slash.

This subject is popular in Brazil right now because there's another stupid Brazilian asshole being executed today as well. Can't say I feel happy for his death but I'm not exactly sad. At first, I sincerely thought Axl would talk about the Brazilian dude. I'm surprised. Brazilian fans will be pissed.

[JoGer99]

Ahhh now we know what Axl has been doing since June last year

[axlsalinger]

Unfortunately it appears that the two men referenced in Axl's letter were executed hours ago, along with several others ... however the 3rd name (Mary Jane Fiesta Veloso) was apparently given a reprieve and may still be alive.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2015/apr/28/bali-nine-andrew-chan-myuran-sukumaran-executed-indonesia-mercy

Indonesian television is also reporting that the executions of eight prisoners – all men – have taken place, but that the Filipina woman, Mary Jane Veloso, was spared at the last minute, after a woman accused of tricking her into carrying drugs turned herself into police in the Philippines on Tuesday.

There are reports that the executions took place at around 00.25 local time.

Amelia Freelander (@AmeliaAmnestyOz) April 28, 2015

#Indonesia confirms executions of 8: including Myu and Andrew. The darkest of days. The fight to end death penalty must continue.

[maynard]

The fight to end death penalty must continue.

Ughhh

[RussTCB]

Gotta give it to Axl... When the spirit moves him, he sure gets into something.

[Nosaj Thing]

Will read later.

[Axl_morris]

Fuck sake Axl you always late. Its just been confirmed they have executed 8 of them

[IncitingChaos]

Sad situation and honestly something I wouldn't have been aware of if I didn't follow Axl. I'm sure it's similar for many others as well.

Looks like the letter had very little impact, but I'm glad Axl recognizes that he has a powerful voice globally and understands he can reach more people than your average Joe. I wouldn't mind seeing more from him in terms of his thoughts on issues important to him. Obviously it would be easy to comment on ISIS or Baltimore riots, but he took an issue getting less attention and made it a bit more public. I respect that and hope that something can be done for the girl still alive.

[Słash]

Apart from Axl's letter, it is pretty sad what is happening in this world, Yeah its wrong to smuggle and they should be punished, but why are the rich people who kill innocent people get away with it, this is what pisses me off

[SeBaZ]

stay of execution

[The Black]

Mr. Rose,

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. In 2010 & 2012 I was fortunate and privileged enough to see Guns N' Roses perform in the Netherlands, Belgium and England. Where enjoyed and was taken aback by the incredible show during your performance and in meeting other fans and people there wherever I went. It was a very special and exciting experience I was fortunate to have had and to have as fond memories. I would like to express our sincere thanks to your bandfor showing me such warm and enthusiastic musicianship.

The main concern of this correspondence is in regard to the uncertainty of the release of a follow-up to Chinese Democracy. In following the interviews in regard to particular comments made by Dj Ashba who notes that he writes new songs for the band every day, the band all mention they hope to release the following album "some time". I feel with all due respect compelled to ask why your band members don't have a clue whether there will be another album released at a certain time? And if you really intend to release anything at all?

As all band members are still alive there are clearly ways to get them into a room and have them make some songs together. Under the circumstances it would seem a tragic waste to not at least have them execute their ideas together, making you look like the tyrant.

I appeal to you Mr. Rose, Mr. W. Axl Rose to use your power in ways to strengthen relationships between your band members and others, to show your band's strength and allow the world to witness an extraordinary act of humanity and bravery on yours and your band's part.

To show each of us that there can be hope and true redemption in times of hopelessness and despair, that rehabilitation and turning one's life around is not just for one's place in what if any afterlife there may be or one believes in but here on this earth where it can do each of us the most good in this life now. Where true justice is better achieved in not hating, not avoiding and not calling ex-bandmembers a cancer but instead in this case, this situation, right now in this moment in your hands in making music once more and proove you are more than capable of being a productive and positive contributor to society.

You last release was now long ago, not many people cared about those songs, their lyrics, the suffering they've caused most of your fan base, their tears, their laughter, sorrow, the lasting and deeply embedded fears of the crushing reality of very mediocre to bad songs and their deepest desires to hear different and better songsand if not to forgive past members and show them mercy and give them the opportunity to prove themselves.

In a world where the bad often outweighs the good and evil and negativity would appear more and more prevalent we need and can use every person choosing to make a difference however that choice came about that we can get, that we can save, that we can salvage and we can finally make music, and include that you who have seen and learned from the errors of your ways and in doing so you show the entire world that we are capable of forgiveness and mercy, a much greater sense of courage, strength and humanity and being so much more than that which seeks to overcome and destroy us.

To not do so does not send as much a message of deterrence but rather a cold, cruel and uncaring message of hopelessness and blindness by the powers that be. Please do not be this type of man, this type of individual blinded by rigidity and inflexibility and ignoring your true power and wisdom by not acknowledging true change verified, witnessed and confirmed by virtually all who've loved Guns N' Roses.

It's true I do not know tyou nor have I met you but your music has touched me deeply. I as well as many others could easily have found ourselves in your unfortunate and unarguably self-inflicted position. People make mistakes, sometimes big and horribly regrettable mistakes and sometimes more importantly people learn from their mistakes and make new choices, strive and succeed at true positive change. To not acknowledge and give such change the opportunity to prove it's value would seem in this case a greater crime than those originally committed.

This is clearly not a case of hardened, unrepentant, violent or greed driven musicians with no regard for the tastes of others. They are not con men lying and faking their behavior over all these years only to return to the people they once were and are no longer, except for DJ Ashba though. That these individuals can't make music together purely because you can't be bothered is in my opinion akin to a kidnapper or terrorist killing hostages to make their point and have their demands met. In carrying on doing nothing productive the example shown here is one of pure lazyness where the punishment in this stage of the people's lives by virtue of their wanting new music and genuine sorrow over all these years needs proper attention.

To ignore these musicians under these conditions of their profound and proven willingness to make music seems a barbaric, backward and truly disgraceful act of pride, ego, fear and prejudice, prejudice against your own system and the souls of anyone who has committed what's been deemed a crime from one day making amends and having the opportunity to make things right by how they live their lives and not how they are brutally and with disregard ignored or called a cancer.

I realize I am no one and no one to get involved with your affairs or those of your Brazilian management team and how this letter reads or anyone other than yourself thinks of it is irrelevant. Only the music is what's important now. That said I did not speak in jest or empty flattery when I spoke of how I was affected by the depth of showmanship shown to me by your performances.

I ask you now to show such great depth of humanity and compassion now to these band members and former bandmembers and to deny your venom in your war on slash and grant clemency to him and to change the course of your own life. No other can do what you alone have the power to do and that is the power to show benevolence and mercy where mercy can be truly appreciated and given it's proper respect not only by theses musicians but by the entire fanbase.

Give them a chance to prove you right by living where the hiatus at this stage can only prove tragic and by all involved avoidable and unnecessary. You've made your point and struck fear in both the hearts and minds of the fanbase and anyone even remotely considering bad choices or already involved in those worlds. It seems they all commit crimes on your watch. Music is the only thing important now, not food, beer, women or tv, but music.

Sincerely,

The Black

[justmike66]

Maybe the Indonesian President should reply to the hypocritical letter asking for forgiveness for something that happened so long ago ... right slash cancer ?