The sacking and of Antoinette Lattouf and reinstatement of Khaled Sabsabi expose a deeper crisis in Australian institutions: the silencing of truth in service of power.
Far too many have little understanding, if any, of how powerful censorship, in any form, can be or how it, inevitably, reflects and promotes the self-interested views of a particular cohort or individual.
*No group* ought to be prevented from making its case through publication, media, discussions or other appropriate means. Where a view or issue is particularly controversial or provocative, then rather than banning or censoring it, alternative arguments and views ought to be released and the whole put into context.
Freedom of expression either exists or it doesn't. As soon as some particular view is allowed to suppress another, then freedom of expression is ended.
Unfortunately, many people seem to believe that swearing, irreligious, aggressive, foul, unpalatable and other views should not be allowed and that those making them should be penalised in some way. This is a simplistic view that makes no sense if examined. Shutting people up, censoring their writing, banning their films or whatever, changes little, if anything. Indeed, in many instances it will actually highlight and draw attention to precisely what it is being sought to hide. An old adage suggests: "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." Whilst I have no belief in 'devils' per se, the meaning is clear and I agree with it, Sun Tsu gave similar advice when he reputedly advised: "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
The cases mentioned in your article are examples of the 'relatively' insidious way in which censorship and suppression of views takes place. They may seem far from 'insidious' to those who take the time and make the effort to be well informed or those who have a particular interest in the areas where these misdeeds took place. The reality is, though, that the vast majority of the public would probably take little or no notice of them, even should they come across their mention.
Just as children must be protected from themselves, i.e. their own undeveloped understandings and appreciation of various dangers, so must the general populace. Those who are aware of the wider potential and actual consequences of such events may quite readily make the mistake of assuming that such awareness will be widespread. I think not.
Our governmental system, laws, institutions, religions, schooling and social 'norms' all take a part in forming our attitudes, what we accept, what we respect, what we consider to be our own rights and what we consider to be the rights of others. Indeed, my observation is that most are unaware of just how much of that which they consider to be their own view, opinion or belief is actually a mix of implanted ideas that they have *learned* - but more by *rote* than in the sense of achievement of understanding. Not least, this is because our society, particularly during schooling, (which is more about socialisation than education), teaches us to seek *answers* and not only answers but *the answer* and to accept it when we find or are given whatever is presented as having that status. In fact, of course, there is rarely a single answer and, in any case, true learning is derived from *asking questions* and it is rare to find that being taught, other than perhaps in philosophy classes - probably totally absent in our schools and largely removed from our higher education institutions.
We are taught, as well, to *not rock the boat*, for that is presented as rude, disrespectful, disruptive, trouble-causing or worse.
So, the stage is already set. The events referred to in your article are, I suggest, the proverbial *tip of the iceberg* and that such incidents of a lesser or greater degree are taking place every day almost everywhere. I have suffered them myself on more than one occasion.
Excellent commentary, RH. Over the past couple of days I have been in conversation with others who have suffered at the hands of Zionists and their interference for standing up for Palestine/Gaza/etc - against the genocide-delivering Zionist criminal - Netanyahu and his regime and unconscionable supporters - (many of the so-called Christian evangelical strand of Zionism - think Biden, Trump as well). And the politicians bribed, blackmailed or otherwise traduced by Zionist money.
It gives comfort that our Australia Judicial system ability to execute independently the law of the land without prejudicial to Lattouf given our government stands with US-Israel relationship.
Yes and its infuriating and pathetic in turn.....look at their faces when interviewed - they are embarrassed by their own inability to take a stand when the evidence is plain for all to see.
All wars are contolled by them as well - see Sachs and Mearshimer- they are from USA - and have pointed this out for years - only their positions and fame are keeping them alive- before them Chomsky and Hermann - manufactured consent and control
If nothing else the horrific events of the past twenty one months have revealed the extent of the infiltration of the various organs of society and culture worldwide. It seems extraordinary to me that what is,to all intents and purposes, a tiny tinpot pariah of a state is able to wield an influence over every sphere of society in what has become known as the “West”.
From politics to music and all stations in between it appears even the slightest sign of dissent is subject to a hammer blow instigated by a foreign power that is presently committing the most heinous atrocities and crimes against humanity. Journalists,activists and public commentators are facing an unprecedented wave of censorship and in some cases attacks through a cynical use of the law in their countries. Here in the United Kingdom the Terrorism Act has been used to proscribe as “terrorists” a non violent protest organisation named Palestine Action which is guilty at worst of breaking and entering and criminal damage against property both of which are crimes already covered adequately by existing laws. Indeed in my own hometown yesterday an activist member of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign was arrested for chalking a message protesting the activities of the General Dynamics company that is a part of the military industrial complex enabling genocide on the public road outside their factory. This draconian crackdown is calculated to create a chilling effect in order to silence any voices raised in opposition to what is indisputably an unconscionable crime committed in full view and being live streamed twenty four hours a day worldwide.
Right at the beginning of this monstrous episode I was telling people that this was not like previous events,that there were going to be ramifications far beyond the actual theatre of the conflict and that has proven to be the case. Dreadful though it may be the effect of this has laid bare the corruption and hypocrisy that lies at the heart of what we laughably term our civilisation and the seismic shift that is going to result is yet to come to full fruition.
How dare Julian Leeser declare (in so many words) that Australian values are his Zionist "values" (anti-Semitism - concocted by Mossad agents and their "employees", - genocide, torture, theft, destruction, surveillance, bribery and blackmail)!
Thank you Roger and yes it is the tip of the Ice berg.
This piece ought to be read widely.
Far too many have little understanding, if any, of how powerful censorship, in any form, can be or how it, inevitably, reflects and promotes the self-interested views of a particular cohort or individual.
*No group* ought to be prevented from making its case through publication, media, discussions or other appropriate means. Where a view or issue is particularly controversial or provocative, then rather than banning or censoring it, alternative arguments and views ought to be released and the whole put into context.
Freedom of expression either exists or it doesn't. As soon as some particular view is allowed to suppress another, then freedom of expression is ended.
Unfortunately, many people seem to believe that swearing, irreligious, aggressive, foul, unpalatable and other views should not be allowed and that those making them should be penalised in some way. This is a simplistic view that makes no sense if examined. Shutting people up, censoring their writing, banning their films or whatever, changes little, if anything. Indeed, in many instances it will actually highlight and draw attention to precisely what it is being sought to hide. An old adage suggests: "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't." Whilst I have no belief in 'devils' per se, the meaning is clear and I agree with it, Sun Tsu gave similar advice when he reputedly advised: "Keep your friends close but your enemies closer."
The cases mentioned in your article are examples of the 'relatively' insidious way in which censorship and suppression of views takes place. They may seem far from 'insidious' to those who take the time and make the effort to be well informed or those who have a particular interest in the areas where these misdeeds took place. The reality is, though, that the vast majority of the public would probably take little or no notice of them, even should they come across their mention.
Just as children must be protected from themselves, i.e. their own undeveloped understandings and appreciation of various dangers, so must the general populace. Those who are aware of the wider potential and actual consequences of such events may quite readily make the mistake of assuming that such awareness will be widespread. I think not.
Our governmental system, laws, institutions, religions, schooling and social 'norms' all take a part in forming our attitudes, what we accept, what we respect, what we consider to be our own rights and what we consider to be the rights of others. Indeed, my observation is that most are unaware of just how much of that which they consider to be their own view, opinion or belief is actually a mix of implanted ideas that they have *learned* - but more by *rote* than in the sense of achievement of understanding. Not least, this is because our society, particularly during schooling, (which is more about socialisation than education), teaches us to seek *answers* and not only answers but *the answer* and to accept it when we find or are given whatever is presented as having that status. In fact, of course, there is rarely a single answer and, in any case, true learning is derived from *asking questions* and it is rare to find that being taught, other than perhaps in philosophy classes - probably totally absent in our schools and largely removed from our higher education institutions.
We are taught, as well, to *not rock the boat*, for that is presented as rude, disrespectful, disruptive, trouble-causing or worse.
So, the stage is already set. The events referred to in your article are, I suggest, the proverbial *tip of the iceberg* and that such incidents of a lesser or greater degree are taking place every day almost everywhere. I have suffered them myself on more than one occasion.
I ought to shut up, so I will.
Take care. Stay safe.
r.
Excellent commentary, RH. Over the past couple of days I have been in conversation with others who have suffered at the hands of Zionists and their interference for standing up for Palestine/Gaza/etc - against the genocide-delivering Zionist criminal - Netanyahu and his regime and unconscionable supporters - (many of the so-called Christian evangelical strand of Zionism - think Biden, Trump as well). And the politicians bribed, blackmailed or otherwise traduced by Zionist money.
Yes exactly
It gives comfort that our Australia Judicial system ability to execute independently the law of the land without prejudicial to Lattouf given our government stands with US-Israel relationship.
Time to cull Zionist, Israeli, Jewish agenda influence from our Government, politics and media. They are an tyrannical force for evil.
Australia is utterly supine before its American Master.
Yes and its infuriating and pathetic in turn.....look at their faces when interviewed - they are embarrassed by their own inability to take a stand when the evidence is plain for all to see.
All wars are contolled by them as well - see Sachs and Mearshimer- they are from USA - and have pointed this out for years - only their positions and fame are keeping them alive- before them Chomsky and Hermann - manufactured consent and control
Thank you George,an excellent piece.
If nothing else the horrific events of the past twenty one months have revealed the extent of the infiltration of the various organs of society and culture worldwide. It seems extraordinary to me that what is,to all intents and purposes, a tiny tinpot pariah of a state is able to wield an influence over every sphere of society in what has become known as the “West”.
From politics to music and all stations in between it appears even the slightest sign of dissent is subject to a hammer blow instigated by a foreign power that is presently committing the most heinous atrocities and crimes against humanity. Journalists,activists and public commentators are facing an unprecedented wave of censorship and in some cases attacks through a cynical use of the law in their countries. Here in the United Kingdom the Terrorism Act has been used to proscribe as “terrorists” a non violent protest organisation named Palestine Action which is guilty at worst of breaking and entering and criminal damage against property both of which are crimes already covered adequately by existing laws. Indeed in my own hometown yesterday an activist member of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign was arrested for chalking a message protesting the activities of the General Dynamics company that is a part of the military industrial complex enabling genocide on the public road outside their factory. This draconian crackdown is calculated to create a chilling effect in order to silence any voices raised in opposition to what is indisputably an unconscionable crime committed in full view and being live streamed twenty four hours a day worldwide.
Right at the beginning of this monstrous episode I was telling people that this was not like previous events,that there were going to be ramifications far beyond the actual theatre of the conflict and that has proven to be the case. Dreadful though it may be the effect of this has laid bare the corruption and hypocrisy that lies at the heart of what we laughably term our civilisation and the seismic shift that is going to result is yet to come to full fruition.
How dare Julian Leeser declare (in so many words) that Australian values are his Zionist "values" (anti-Semitism - concocted by Mossad agents and their "employees", - genocide, torture, theft, destruction, surveillance, bribery and blackmail)!