EDITOR,
After 3 1/2 years of unjustified imprisonment in a Mexican prison,Pavel Kulisek walked free Aug. 16, cleared of all charges, and came home to Vancouver. The Mexican authorities had failed to produce any substantive evidence to support allegations of narcotics trafficking or gang activity.
By coincidence, the evening of Aug. 18, I was going through some old documents of my late mother and father. Included were telegrams concerning my father's captivity under the Japanese during World War II. Like Pavel, my dad spent 3 1/2 years in captivity. Sustained by faith in God and a determination to see his sweetheart once again (my mother!), he made it through privations, and went on to pioneer in his chosen field of agriculture, winning the 1958 world championship for alfalfa seed, and inspiring people through his courage and perseverance. His suffering as a prisoner created in him a great appreciation of the freedoms he enjoyed as a Canadian. His life calls up the great statement of Auschwitz survivor Victor Frankl: "Freedom without responsibility is dangerous."
In the past few days, Pavel Kulisek graciously met with or called some of those who helped him while in captivity, including his wonderful family doctor and primary advocate, Ramona Penner; and Bob Kelly, my good friend and former boss, who worked closely with our consular staff, including Canada's Ambassador to Mexico, Guillermo E. Rishchynski. While in prison, Pavel developed great talent as a painter, and sent home inspirational works. He's demonstrated the virtues of gratitude, perseverance and hope, inspiring many Canadians. Just as my father accomplished much on release from captivity in 1945, Pavel has also accomplished much, by showing that grace can - and will -transcend anger.
Thanks to all my colleagues in the government, including Minister John Baird, Minister Diane Ablonczy, Member of Parliament Andrew Saxton, and all others who worked so hard on the case.
John Weston
Member of Parliament
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country
