Wednesday, June 28, 2006
SIGNS SEEN
The Sydney Morning Herald‘s Michael Gawenda:
There are signs that an increasing number of people on the left in the US, Europe and Australia are uncomfortable with knee-jerk anti-Americanism, with the left’s virtual silence in response to the unspeakable violence of Islamic totalitarianism, with the way Western feminists have basically turned their back on their oppressed sisters in much of the Muslim world. Many people would say about time.
Many on the left—well, not many, but a worthwhile scattering of leftist dissidents—have been saying “about time” for a long time. Also in the SMH (Saturday edition), this from Alan Ramsey:
John Howard’s office phoned the Canberra press gallery two nights ago. Photographers and TV crews were told to be at The Lodge at 5.30 next morning if they wanted World Cup footage of the Prime Minister in front of his television set.
They arrived just in time to catch Howard whooping it up as the Socceroos scored the penalty that evened the half-time score against Croatia half a world away. They were gone, bundled back outside, by 5.45. Thank you, Prime Minister.
The leaping toad.
Howard’s office replies:
The photo opportunity with the Prime Minister which Alan Ramsey found so objectionable was organised at the request of television networks and at least one newspaper. The Herald was invited to attend, as a matter of courtesy, and chose to do so and to publish a photo. And, to correct the record, far from being “bundled back outside” as was claimed, the crew and photographers departed at half time, having got what they came for.
(Via Dan L.)