The story is long and complicated but it centres around two interrelated issues: an internal family loan that Peter Spencer has not repaid, and the money he has spent fighting the Government, could have been used to pay the loan and he could have stayed on his farm.
One phrase from Duffy however relates to a universal experience of multiple situations and it is this: "Maybe government had hurt him, but that was life: it was time to sell up and move on."
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/hunger-strike-up-a-wind-mast-is-an-act-of-tragedies-20100108-lyrc.html
So the perennial question for many becomes, 'When is it time to move on'?
Mark Tronson, Chairman of Well-Being Australia, asks: "At what point in a dispute, whether it be a family conflict, a work relationship, a financial break down, a personal issue, whatever it is, and whatever the circumstances, 'when is it time to move on'?"
As has been evidenced time and time again, there are many different types of conflicts in our society and as 'emotions' are so very critical, the decision to 'let go and move on' becomes very complicated.
Issues of conscience and a sense of fairness mean that people want 'justice to be seen to be done', regardless of the financial or emotional cost - both to themselves and their loved ones. Sometimes this takes a long time. Sometimes it is never resolved.
We do not live in a perfect world, and the Psalms are replete with discussions about the quandary as to why the wicked prevail and succeed. The question for many becomes: 'Why should I allow the one who deceived me get off 'scot-free'.' This is what drives them to seek 'justice', if not even 'revenge'.
The problem is that this attitude eats away at people inside, and sometimes becomes an all-encompassing obsession that consumes their whole life. In the end, the question becomes 'is the effort worth the trauma which appears unquenchable?'
But there is more: what if someone's good reputation and character has been soiled by a deception or a political slur or a defamation? Unless a 'wrong is righted' in some way, the black stain remains. Further, the danger is that the 'wrong' grows larger and larger in that person's mind's eye, while almost everyone else has forgotten and more than likely isn't on their 'important care list'.
In the final analysis there are two major themes in this issue. The first relates to 'conscience', that is damage to one's reputation and what to do about it; and second, justice, or at least that, justice is seen to be done.
Moreover, everyone 'moves on' at some point in time, whether they realise it or not. If the courts or some other arbitration system has made a determination, it at least allows for some kind of a resolution and release for the emotions of the individual.
That is why our society places such importance on being able to 'have one's day in court', and provision is made for legal representation for anyone who appears at court, for any reason. [ Elite athletes too face this same question as they near retirement but with different emotions and reasons. ]
M V Tronson says that in his experience, emotions are very powerful, and sometimes cloud the future. Seeking wisdom and good advice from a mentor, trusted friend or an independent professional is a very good way forward.