David Hicks
Just for a minute, imagine if David Hicks was charismatic, brilliant, eloquent, and truly, truly remorseful. He came across as precisely none of those things on ABC TV’s David Hicks special on Australian Story last night. But if he had, would Australia forgive him?
We’ll never know. Because what we saw was an unconvincing charade. And some irrelevant shots of Hicks on a motorbike, his wife in soft focus, and his mate making a cup of tea.
The former Guantanamo Bay detainee, by blaming his childhood and talking about his way forward, seems to be seeking some sort of forgiveness. ‘Closure’, even.
Continue reading "David Hicks is a sinner, sinned against, but no martyr" »
In her excoriating review of David Hicks’ memoir My Journey, ABC reporter and author Leigh Sales begins with the following assessment of the blame-shifting psychology of the former Taliban recruit:
“A sentence near the end of this controversial book encapsulates David Hicks’s attitude to his stay at Guantanamo Bay on terrorism-related charges:‘Any and all inconvenience . . . was brought about due to my incarceration and treatment and that was at the hands of others.’
“In other words, Hicks eschews personal responsibility. Guantanamo: My Journey is a flawed memoir, chiefly because of an astonishing lack of self-reflection.”
Continue reading "Maybe Dave just shouldn’t have joined the Taliban" »
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Dolores Neilley says:
Hicks has not been convicted by any court, he has just been trialled by shonky “MEDIA”. If I have to be honest, between the Taliban and the Liberal Party under wild Abbott there is not such a big difference….If you need a new candidate, corrupt enough to be the leader… Read more »
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Helen says:
David Hicks was with Muslim troops in the breakup of Eastern Europe, but has his first role of jihadist been forgotten. He was even dimwitted enough to send photos to his mates in Australia. Afghanistan was his second military posting, this time with Al-Qaeda. Once isstupidity, twice is serious commitment… Read more »
Late Sunday night it was revealed on Twitter - by a well-known TV presenter whom I assume approved - that David Hicks had just received a standing ovation at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
I wanted to know what they were cheering and tweeted: “Fact he abandoned wife and kids? Fact he thought OBL terrific bloke?”
There was no answer, but soon after another tweet arrived, from a complete stranger, saying: “God I am so glad you said that… I am no right wing jerk BUT I draw the line.”
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Kristanna says:
Wham bam thank you, ma’am, my questions are answeerd! Read more »
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Jack Thomas says:
Simon you’ve ruined my day by saying I don’t stand a chance of being one of your heroes. Well, I nearly snorted my coffee out my nose laughing when I read your post anyway. For me, a hero has minimum requirements, basic things like maybe courage and bravery, decency, and… Read more »
Just a hunch, but if a mate ever asks you to snap a pic of them with their favourite high-powered weapon, you might want to reassess your friendship - and possibly call the police.
As give aways go, snaps such as this one of Daniel Cowart, who’s just pleaded guilty to plotting to kill Barack Obama, are a bit of a no brainer.
Just in case no-one was alarmed by the enormous great gun he’s holding, Cowart helpfully had a Swastika tattooed on his upper arm and shaved his head.
Continue reading "Generally alarm bells should ring if people pose like this" »
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Dave Sag says:
Wasn’t that that wheat board bloke? Trevor Flugge http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/the-odd-stray-shot/2006/02/02/1138836372830.html Read more »
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The Greek says:
Where is Zena warrior woman? Read more »
I keep waiting for the traditional church to launch its campaign against the government’s treatment of boat people.
After all, boats carrying asylum seekers keep entering Australian waters in greater numbers, there are allegations that boats are left to drift and, worst of all, some have perished along the way.
I glance skyward in Melbourne, looking for the immense banner hanging from the spire St Paul’s Cathedral, like there was a few years ago. Instead of “Justice for David Hicks”, it will read “Justice for SIEV 624”.
Continue reading "Churches pray for terrorist and ignore a businessman" »
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Christian Eden Monaro Voter says:
Thank you so much for this post. I am a voter in the Eden Monaro electorate. Just this morning, I was wondering who on earth I would vote for at the next election. Traditionally, I have voted Labor. But lately, like many other people it seems, I have turned against… Read more »
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Simon H says:
“And then, of course, the traditional church can’t even agree on its social agenda.” Gee, the church (really dozens of churches) being politically split and all over the place: that’s a massive change of pace from what’s been happening for most of the last 2000 years. And your point is?… Read more »
He may be known as the Ruddbot, but when it comes to his much vaunted specialist skills on China, it would seem that batteries were not included.
As the Prime Minister plays catch up on being caught flat footed on the Stern Hu case, he needs to demonstrate that his special China skills are not just a party trick, but can genuinely be used in Australia’s interests.
When in Opposition, Kevin Rudd was quick to criticise John Howard, claiming he was “dragging his feet on providing Mr Hicks with a fair trial”. These were his exact words in a door stop he gave almost four years ago on August 2.
Continue reading "Free David Hicks, but fumble on Stern Hu" »
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johnv_au says:
Hicks was cought with the smoking gun I say he got of lucky Hu has be detained without charge so charge him or let him return to his adopted land Geoff, Who cares if he is a lib he has a right to free speech and get Rudd To act… Read more »
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Geoff says:
Scott Scott Scott…......Why don’t you put somewhere that you are a Liberal MP. ( another unknown one ) The only way people can find out is by clicking on your picture. Are you ashamed of which side you are on? Read more »
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