The Bendigo Writers' Festival walk-out showed that principles matter. Maybe members of the NPC should find the courage to do the same, and bring integrity back into what used to be one of the pillars of democracy. I want to hear Hedges and be better informed. Let's find another forum.
The actions of the NPC simply serve to reinforce the talk that Hedges was going to give. It also serves to remind us of the growing authoritarianism in the West and the increased intolerance of 'inconvenient' voices. It also tells us that the opposition to such authoritarian impulses are not to be found in parliament, or indeed parliament itself, but in the voices of those who seek freedom of speech and with it, the freedom to oppose. People like Hedges and indeed our own redoubtable ‘friendlyjordies' ARE the opposition. They need our support. We lost parliament and the political system years ago. We ought to realise this by now.
They might realise one day that cancelling these events just gives publicity to the issues they are trying to cancel. The worst thing is that they are prepared to so severely compromise and humiliate themselves to protect the state of Israel and Zionism, as we’ve seen with Bendigo Writer's Festival, ABC, National Art Gallery, Creative Australia. And, of course, the federal government.
Correct 💯. Nothing could be clearer than the spineless obedience of this government to the orders of powerful lobby groups . We have a Prime Minister who refused to hold into the Murdoch Press despite over 500,000 petitions , as just one example .
It looks like self censorship at the very least and we've seen how that has gone for the reputations of a number of bodies – arts institutions, writing festivals and media outlets. Glad this has been called out for what it is: an abject failure to back in journalistic integrity by an award-winning journalist. The national press club isn't going to live this down.
I remember with delight the address to the NPC given by the heroic UN Human Rights Representative , Francesca Albanese.
Her knowledge , wit , charm and sense of humour easily demolished the pathetic questions asked by most of the excuses for journalists present . Noticeably , the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister could find no reason to be bothered to meet her , a further sign of their “obedience “ or “balance”. Meanwhile the Foreign Minister at that time had no trouble in smiling broadly as she posed for a photo shaking hands with Israeli President Herzog .
The cowardly and despicable silencing of Chris Hedges is the very opposite of “balance”, as the board of the NPC well knows . Blowing smoke in the faces of the public only serves to confirm their obedience to pressure from the usual suspects. It appears that Free Speech and speaking Truth to Power is no longer permitted in this country . I hope the speech by Mr Hedges will be published online , as is urgently necessary.
Most of these old staid clubs are funded by large donors, most of them biased or floating right wing. Reporters Committee, Reporters Without Borders etc, all say they support Reporters under siege or pressure from governments or people that attack them or their reportage. But, when push comes to shove, they bail on them claiming they aren't big enough to bother with or some other excuse. If you need a club, then build your own, get your own donors/sponsors and give your speeches that way. You'll never be denied the chance to speak because it's your own club. Forget these old orgs, they have proven time and again how truly worthless they are.
The Bendigo Writers' Festival walk-out showed that principles matter. Maybe members of the NPC should find the courage to do the same, and bring integrity back into what used to be one of the pillars of democracy. I want to hear Hedges and be better informed. Let's find another forum.
The actions of the NPC simply serve to reinforce the talk that Hedges was going to give. It also serves to remind us of the growing authoritarianism in the West and the increased intolerance of 'inconvenient' voices. It also tells us that the opposition to such authoritarian impulses are not to be found in parliament, or indeed parliament itself, but in the voices of those who seek freedom of speech and with it, the freedom to oppose. People like Hedges and indeed our own redoubtable ‘friendlyjordies' ARE the opposition. They need our support. We lost parliament and the political system years ago. We ought to realise this by now.
They might realise one day that cancelling these events just gives publicity to the issues they are trying to cancel. The worst thing is that they are prepared to so severely compromise and humiliate themselves to protect the state of Israel and Zionism, as we’ve seen with Bendigo Writer's Festival, ABC, National Art Gallery, Creative Australia. And, of course, the federal government.
Correct 💯. Nothing could be clearer than the spineless obedience of this government to the orders of powerful lobby groups . We have a Prime Minister who refused to hold into the Murdoch Press despite over 500,000 petitions , as just one example .
Refused to hold an Inquiry . ( Leaving out the key words ! 🙄)
It looks like self censorship at the very least and we've seen how that has gone for the reputations of a number of bodies – arts institutions, writing festivals and media outlets. Glad this has been called out for what it is: an abject failure to back in journalistic integrity by an award-winning journalist. The national press club isn't going to live this down.
Unfortunately, they will because the MSM will not report this nor will their members upset their own greasy gravy train.
I remember with delight the address to the NPC given by the heroic UN Human Rights Representative , Francesca Albanese.
Her knowledge , wit , charm and sense of humour easily demolished the pathetic questions asked by most of the excuses for journalists present . Noticeably , the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister could find no reason to be bothered to meet her , a further sign of their “obedience “ or “balance”. Meanwhile the Foreign Minister at that time had no trouble in smiling broadly as she posed for a photo shaking hands with Israeli President Herzog .
The cowardly and despicable silencing of Chris Hedges is the very opposite of “balance”, as the board of the NPC well knows . Blowing smoke in the faces of the public only serves to confirm their obedience to pressure from the usual suspects. It appears that Free Speech and speaking Truth to Power is no longer permitted in this country . I hope the speech by Mr Hedges will be published online , as is urgently necessary.
As a Australian this action has proven what I already know the power of Israel over our government how pathetic
Most of these old staid clubs are funded by large donors, most of them biased or floating right wing. Reporters Committee, Reporters Without Borders etc, all say they support Reporters under siege or pressure from governments or people that attack them or their reportage. But, when push comes to shove, they bail on them claiming they aren't big enough to bother with or some other excuse. If you need a club, then build your own, get your own donors/sponsors and give your speeches that way. You'll never be denied the chance to speak because it's your own club. Forget these old orgs, they have proven time and again how truly worthless they are.