A leading Australian conservative proves incapable or unwilling to criticise the Howard government. “Most on the right support the Howard government”, he says. Nothing to complain about? No issues? No questions? Forgotten your role as a journalist to question official perspectives, rather than simply channeling them?
On Iraq: “Either you believe democracy can be introduced, or you don’t.” Supporting the war is one thing, discussing the numerous failures since March 2003 is another. Prisoner abuse scandals, torture in American-run prisons, inability to establish functioning infrastructure for the majority of Iraqis and heavy-handed anti-insurgency attacks leading to civilian casualties. The list goes on and on. But, our Court Reporter insists, it’s about democracy, it’s about democracy, it’s about democracy…and hammering the Left into submission.
John Howard must be so proud of his disciple. This is not journalism, it’s propaganda.