(link added)John Philpott wrote:For some reason this brought to mind Kenneth Williams as Julius Caesar saying "Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me", which many regard as the funniest film one-liner of all time.
I disagree with Ernie. We have already disagreed in principle on what level of responsibility CJ has for events. But I think we are agreed the the treatment of Lara by The Times and their correspondent was wrong. I think we have both wished Alex McFarlane success with the PCC.Ernie Lazenby wrote:I dont like the way Steve Giddins writes on his blog however his fundemental message has merit
Mr Giddins has not. He has written extensively without condemning The Times. He has barely mentioned The Times. I do not know if CJ "aided and abetted" press coverage which has distressed Alex and Lara. But even if he did, it is worth remembering the actual "crime" was committed by The Times.
Given Mr Giddins has not distanced himself from the actions of Mr Keene and The Times, it seems to me his support for Alex is an opportunist attack on the ECF. But opportunism and politics go hand in hand. If this was the only thing Steve Giddins was doing, I would assess him as a person who disagreed with me, and was prepared to fight dirty to get his point across, but I would not find him offensive.
The views expressed about CJ are what I find distasteful. I believe most intelligent people, when criticising a gay person in terms which are open to interpretation, are careful to clarify their issue is with the person and not homosexuality. It only takes a line to say "Not that there is anything wrong with that". But Mr Giddins tone is leaving considerable doubt as to the nature of his criticism. For example, describing Gay Times' nude calendar as a "Pornographic Magazine" or saying that a charity's anti-bullying slogan is "political lobbying" might be taken to imply there is something wrong with homosexuality itself.
I can't know Mr Giddins mind. Maybe he is simply trying to lay it on as thickly as possible and has unintentionally created an impression of homophobia. Since he reads this forum I'll invite him to:
1. Clarify that he does not believe it inappropriate in itself for a gay person to be ECF President.
2. Condemn the coverage of "T-shirtgate" by the Times, and condemn their correspondent Raymond Keene for his actions. (Or at least explain why such condemnation is not deserved)
Supporters of Alex and Lara who are critical of CJ can judge whether the enemy of their enemy is really their friend based on the response.
