Thanks, Caitlin, for giving us this tangible, organic, unequivocally genuine feel for the experience of being an Australian of your and Julian's generation. Now I can easily understand your love for your country and its people.

What makes me hesitate about the Australian government's sudden interest in Julian is the sense that they do pretty much what the United States wants them to do. Think of the perks they'd receive if they were to take Julian into custody under guise of a release; think how grateful the American empire would be for their cooperation. And the anger/retribution they would receive if they protected him. The presence of his lawyer is the only bit of comfort in this scenario.

To the reasons you give for Julian being difficult for some to understand, I would add his adherence to a set of principles that are remarkably selfless. In an age of narcissistic self-revelation, this inner discipline -- really, nobility -- keeps him a closed book. So his powerful enemies use all the rhetorical prowess at their disposal to write their own descriptions of Julian and his motivations. Thus he garners scorn instead of much-deserved honor.

I hope he will receive true release into personal freedom and safety, but this move would need specific conditions, guarantees and exigency plans as it is carried out. I remain fearful. I don't trust the powerful.