Obviously our correspondent Peter Bruce has not heard, or is unaware, that most columnists usually express forthright opinions, not necessarily endorsed by the media in which they appear.
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In the scheme of things the expression of opinion is OK, provided that those of a different opinion have the opportunity to respond, as Peter has done. Apparently the Long Blows column has had the capacity to make him gag on his breakfast porridge on a Thursday morning.
The author of the column concerned could be regarded as an ‘old leftie’, something for which he makes no apology.
However we should point out that sometimes the conservatives have been given a bit of a go, which is often more than they deserve.
For instance, some good while ago we referred to Julia Gillard as a hypocrite.
The National Party supporters loved it, and one actually rang to say what a wonderful column it was!
But there has been no attempt, as Peter seems to imply, to disguise the political inclinations of Long Blows.
People who express opinions are expected to take it as well as dish it out.
Our friend Andrew Bolt regularly gets stuck into people of whom his News Limited masters don’t approve, but when someone draws attention to his shortcomings he says that he has been hurt and wants an apology. Peter indicates that he hasn’t been resident in Boorowa for very long, so perhaps we should point out a few things.
First of all, although we breed some of the finest sheep, we don’t necessarily behave like them.
Most people of this town have the capacity to think for themselves and have the ability to work things out, including the preconceived ideas of some newcomers to the community.
Secondly, local people don’t mind a bit of debate, and although many of them might not agree with some of the opinions expressed in the column, over more than thirty years they seem to been comfortable with the fact that the author and his opinions, and other bits of nonsense, are an acceptable part of their Thursday reading.
There are many things about Boorowa which are not apparent to a newcomer, so perhaps Peter could profit from an ‘in depth’ discussion with a long term local.
Call me, Peter, on 63853213 and we could meet for coffee. And have a great day!
Derrick Mason
Boorowa
