Tom Griffin’s ABC bashing letter (July 8) is pretty much what we expect from the usual suspects. Interestingly, though, he did not address or refute my contention that Abbott sees the ABC as a state rather than public broadcaster whose role is to air government propaganda. Neither did he contest my view that the ABC is one of the last remaining bastions of free ideas, speech and thought in Australia because it provides the opportunity for those who disagree with the Abbott government (or any government for that matter) to have their views heard.
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Something to do with that irksome and archaic concept called democracy!
Perhaps he secretly agrees with what I said?
Contrary to Tom’s experience with “ardent left wing supporters”, I was unable to find anyone of that description who thought that the ABC was the least bit left wing. The ABC is, in fact, pretty much in the political centre – often boringly so - because of its requirement to demonstrate impartiality, diversity of perspectives and balance.
Of course, to some simple souls, it may appear left wing relative to the (sometimes extreme) right wing tendency of the Australian mainstream media but, as Tom so eloquently put it: “There are none so blind as those who don’t wish to see.”
Tom’s preoccupation with the colour of politicians’ ties did intrigue me so I checked 189 online photos of Bill Shorten and 163 of Abbott (sorry I could not get the “balance” more exact). The results were Bill Shorten 39 red/48 blue/102 other colours; Abbott 13 red/100 blue/50 other colours.
I also examined (from a safe distance) 37 online photos of Abbott in budgie smugglers. In 30 of these he was wearing red Speedos, all at least one size too small. I could not find any photos of Bill Shorten in budgie smugglers to compare results.
I don’t know what all this means but I can reassure Tom that I would never criticise Abbott for wearing a blue tie except if it was teamed with blue budgie smugglers, a hi vis vest and hard hat!
Hopefully he (Abbott not Tom) will spare us from ever having to witness such a fashion faux pas.
Tom’s comment about the “red attire” allegedly favoured by female ABC presenters was fairly puerile but this really sums up his entire letter.
Short on substance, long on hyperbole!
Kevin Walsh
Tura Beach
