Tim Blair

Katie does a good job pointing out Maureen's inconsistancies, but so what?

Maureen is an embittered paranoic who envisions Bush as the devil incarnate. Her rants are to be ignored.

Katie, love, spend your talent on subjects more worthy.

Thanks Tim for the bit on Maureen Dowd. Is there a possibility that the word dowdy is not just limited to a person's appearance? After discovering your blog I realized that Aussies and Canadians have a lot in common with one big difference. You've got a leader you can be proud of. Maybe - ah forget it.

John Harman

Just read the posting re Hugh Mackay. Interesting considering the article page 19 The Weekend Australian written by Cameron Stewart. Very similar!!!

I was most impressed with Cameron's leaping ability when jumping to conclusions:-

(Fact) "Two thirds of Australians believe Howard misled them over the reasons for going to war with Iraq but seem not to care". (Conclusion) Therefore there is "palpable apathy in middle Australia".

Maybe there is an alternative? Maybe the sub-heading on page 22, "Are Australians too Apathetic or too Trusting?" should read, "Are Journalists too Black & White?"

Could it be that two thirds of Australians, not only had the ability but also spent the time to weigh up a number of issues, such as Hicks, Tampa, Bali, Babies Overboard, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Terrorism and others and then came to a conclusion regarding the course of action to be taken based on what they believed to be right. Not perfect but then neither is the world we live in.

This is 'reasoning' not 'apathy'.

Maybe what Cameron perceives as 'apathy' is actually boredom? Boredom with journalists whose ability to jump seems to have outstripped their ability to reason?