152 Responses to OPEN THREAD.

  1. Martin says:

    John Stephens: Yes whilst the BBC were claiming that Mohammed Teddygate was just a bit of fun with a handful of protesters (a BBC lie) Sky News at EXACTLY the same time had a journalist live on air by phone stating there were thousands of protesters demanding she be beheaded.

    The BBC, kissing Muslim arse is what we ENJOY doing.

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  2. DB says:

    David Preiser
    No matter the outcome, it's because of His brilliance.

    That's the same sentiment I offered in response to Matt Frei's "Mr Obama has played a blinder" article. I think I said something along the lines of "Whatever Obama chooses to do, Matt Frei will be on hand to tell us how wonderful he is." Needless to say my comment hasn't appeared. Justin Webb is touchy about criticism but Matt Frei is in a prima donna league of his own.

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  3. David Preiser (USA) says:

    DB,

    Yes, the Gospel According to St. Matthew.

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  4. Robert S. McNamara says:

    This is pretty funny.

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  5. George R says:

    Late in the day, the dhimmi Church of England stirs on what the dhimmi BBC is doing:

    'Telegraph':

    "BBC's appointment of Muslim as head of religion is 'worrying', Anglicans warn"

    [Extract]:

    "The appointment of a Muslim as the BBC's head of religious broadcasting is a 'worrying' development that could further undermine the corporation's coverage of Christianity, Anglicans have warned.

    "Members of the General Synod, the parliament of the Church of England, are to vote on a motion condemning the decline of religious programming on BBC television, amid complaints that Christians are now only depicted as 'freak shows'.

    "In a new report to accompany the motion, the corporation's decision to recruit Aaqil Ahmed from Channel 4 to head its religious and ethical output is singled out for particular criticism. "

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  6. Martin says:

    Actually I don't think the BBC should be covering ANY religion unless it's for news matters.

    But it should cover all religions in the same way. Just as the BBC attacks the Catholic Church for its history on child abuse so it should attack Islam for terrorism.

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  7. Ralph says:

    On the News at Ten we find out that terrorists now 'execute' British hostages.

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  8. JohnA says:

    The most vivid image of Iran is the video clip of the death of a young woman – Neda – being viewed by millions, CNN are repeating it all the time, it is on Fox and YouTube and dozens of websites. Apparently she was with her father, observing, not rioting – and may be as young as 16.

    Any sign of this video clip on the BBC ? Or are they sanitising things as usual ?

    This young woman could be an abiding image of the start of a revolution, certainly of state brutality. And many websites are crosscutting it with a relaxed Obama eating ice-cream. Slurping while Tehran burns.

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  9. Malcolm says:

    Just been reading Sky News headlines; Mousavi Pushes For Iran Protests Amid Deaths, with footage of mass rallies and rioting
    and
    Murdered Teen Gives Protestors Global Voice, with pics of dying protestors.

    Two headlines pointin to the reality of protest in Iran, with pics of dying protestors.

    BBC News headlines;
    Iran tv says 10 killed in Tehran protests, and
    Iran teels BBC reporter to leave.
    Nothing about dead teenageers, but a nice bit from Mr Bowen, he who loves Hizboolah.
    Ho and indeed hum, why do I even bother looking at the BBC website ?
    A matter of habit I suppose, it was the first real news website, and in my old set ways I can't help typing in news.bbc.co.uk.

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  10. Martin says:

    JohnA. They have the Jew hating shit Al Bowen doing the reporting. He loves Dinner Jacket. I reckon he'd do anal with him. So the answer is no, the BBC won't report it.

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  11. JohnA says:

    Malcolm

    The dead teen you refer to is the video clip of Neda dying. This has "gone viral" on the Net. 9 million references on Google already. Very vivid and sad.

    Neda evidently means "voice" – and people are suggesting her image is becoming the voice for freedom in Iran.

    It was that idiot Carter who helped in the Ayaatollahs and their vicious Islamist regime back in 1979. And Obama is behaving just as badly, there is real scorn about his behaviour – naive, inept, and forever referring to himself eg his cairo speech. No sign on the BBC of how angry many people are about Obama.

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  12. JohnA says:

    Malcolm, Martin

    The Sky news site is carrying the Neda story in full – with the video clip.

    1000 journalists at the BBC, and they can't match Sky ?

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  13. John Horne Tooke says:

    George R
    "BBC's appointment of Muslim as head of religion is 'worrying', Anglicans warn"

    Indeed – the church has advocated its own destruction for years and now "they worry".

    "Senior chaplain Reverend Jonathan Gough dropped the Christian declaration of faith in God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, when he took office earlier this month.

    Mr Gough – nicknamed the ‘Right On Rev’ by some of his flock – says he wants avoid offending non-believers."
    http://www.jihadwatch.org/dhimmiwatch/archives/024652.php

    We know the BBC is anti-christian but they seem to take their lead from the anti-christian Anglican Church.

    Do these people really believe that they are being christian by keeping quiet in case they offend anyone?

    "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" Matthew 28:19

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  14. JohnA says:

    The BBC website actually has a story on how Iranian youth are taking and circulating videi clips taken with their mobile phones. It has half a dozen clips. So there is NO reason to exclude the most vivid clip of Neda dying, that clip has been going round the Net for over 24 hours.

    Spineless appeasing bastards.

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  15. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Here's one for you:

    If these people are "Romanian", why aren't these people Albanian?

    Answers on a moebius strip, sent to the BBC c/o "You're a Racist" office, 4th floor, etc.

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  16. Malcolm says:

    Apropos of BBC news, my local news (ITV) is now an amalgam of the 'old' East and West Midlands and I hear will also include S. Wales. This is because of falling advertising revenues for independent news. Bad news, but understandable.
    However, BBC Midlands will soon cease to be as part of BBC's big move to Manchester, http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/122/122558_bbcs_big_move_to_manchester.html
    So investment in local BBC is rising, but at the same time falling, a typical bit of BBC Doublespeak ?

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  17. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Justin Webb pokes his head out of The Obamessiah's backside just long enough to praise the fact that He still has many important administration appointments unfilled. No mention that meanwhile, the President is creating unaccountable new government czars with increasingly vast powers.

    To Justin Webb, it's all part of His plan for us. And that's all the British public needs to know.

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  18. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Mark Easton, who never met a Labour Government talking point he didn't like, has a piece about the recent legal action against an illegal immigrant.

    A dramatic end to a week in Yarl's Wood

    Amid highly charged and chaotic scenes inside the Yarl's Wood detention centre on Wednesday afternoon, two officers were injured – one claims to have been bitten, another stabbed in the neck with a pen. Children were vomiting and weeping as a number of men were marched away.

    Actually, Mark, the vomiting and weeping is from your readers.

    It was the dramatic end to a week when the desperation of those facing deportation boiled over.

    Notice how the entire piece is presented from the perspective that it's wrong to say that somebody doing something illegal is, well, wrong, and that those engaging in illegal behavior are the real victims here.

    The best part – have a strong drink ready, but nothing breakable in your hand:

    What strikes me about all of this is how easy it is to demand deportations and tough sanctions against those who attempt to live in Britain without permissions, and also how hard it is for those professionals charged with making the system work in the face of the emotions and apparent desperation of those caught up in it. Particularly the children. (It is Ethol Singo's birthday today.)

    Is this a charity appeal? Where's his red nose?

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  19. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Martin @ 10:17 PM

    Actually I don't think the BBC should be covering ANY religion unless it's for news matters.

    Funny you should say that.

    Gordon Brown to reconnect with voters by appearing on Songs of Praise

    And you were so cynical about a Muslim taking over religious programming at the BBC….

    Surely this deserves its own post on the main page.

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  20. Anonymous says:

    Gordon Brown to reconnect with voters by appearing on Songs of Praise

    In past evidence… yup… that'll work.

    I think the BBC might be in 'enough rope donation' mode, albeit probably inadvertently.

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  21. George R says:

    'Mail'

    "The BBC supports Islam and attacks Christianity, claims Radio 2 stalwart Don Maclean"

    [Extract]:

    "Mr Maclean said: 'They're keen on
    Islam, they're keen on programmes that attack the Christian church.

    "'I know there are things that need to be brought forward, but you don't see any programmes on Anglicanism that don't talk about homosexual clergy and you don't see anything on Roman Catholicism that don't talk about paedophiles.

    "'They seem to take the negative angle every time. They don't do that if they're doing programmes on Islam. Programmes on Islam are always supportive'. "

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  22. George R says:

    Way up on the BBC's political agenda today is the BBC's continuing support for illegal 'greenies', in this case trying to stop a ship delivering coal to Kingsnorth power station in Kent:

    "Coal protesters board cargo ship"

    ('England' page.)

    Is the BBC in support of the consequent power black-outs too, caused by 'greenies' and their followers?

    (The BBC's outright support for 'greenie' action at Kingsnorth in the recent past is scandalous.)

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  23. George R says:

    Brown on BBC 'Songs of Praise'.

    If you missed it, thoroughly recommended 3 mins. video clip (Youtube) of 'Brown' singing:

    "Gordon Brown sings 'I Dreamed a Dream' | Bremner, Bird & Fortune | C4 2009"

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  24. JohnA says:

    World Service reported as "news" that Hugo Chavez had come out in favour of Ahmendinejad, saying that the election was valid.

    Only a truly socialist editor could have inserted that item. Or an Islamist wanting to present the Mullahs in a good light.

    Plus they found 2 people "off the street" in Yeheran to declare that it was much nicer now that the protests had stopped.

    Sick, sick, sick.

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  25. Nightstalker says:

    So biased it doesn't pretend otherwise…from the front page!

    West 'seeks Iran disintegration'
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8112176.stm

    Actual title should be 'West accused of seeking Iran disintegration'…..
    (by the under pressure Iranian government facing a revolution and looking for a scapegoat)

    One implies guilt…..the other is factual………Iran must have agreed to show BBC Persia again, so they're best buddies again!

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  26. Richard Lancaster says:

    If the US (or Britain) gets involved at this stage they are going to pull the rug from under the protestors' feet, playing right into the hands of dinner jacket and the 'supreme leader'. They'll be looking for any excuse to denounce Mousavi and his supporters and being part of a western backed conspiracy. It's riciculous, but don't underestimate the degree of suspicion amongst most Iranians about western influence, it permeates the nationale psyche – that includes the protestors.

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  27. JohnA says:

    Richard lancaster

    That attitude is a total cop-out. The regime is already blaming the US and the UK, it is their knee-jerk reaction, and it is recognised as nonsense by the Iranian protestors. They are in fact appealing for us to support their caise. It is cowardly to refuse. If this uprising does not work – another one will. And they will remember who their friends are.

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  28. DB says:

    Evan Davis's introduction to an interview on this morning's Today programme: "There are some debates going on in Washington about Iran. As usual they are between conservatives and liberals who disagree how hard-hitting President Obama should be in supporting the protests and the challenger for the Iranian presidency Mir Hussein Moussavi. They also disagree over whether the existence of these protests at all can be attributed to the election of a liberal president in the United States."

    And who did Davis interview to give us a flavour of this debate? A voice from either side of the argument, perhaps? No, just Karim Sajadpour from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Unsurprisingly, Sanjadpour thought that Obama's election had indeed been influential on events in Iran and he thought that The One had played a blinder (as Matt Frei would say). Sanjadpour's views have already been quoted by Kim Ghattas in a recent article in which she argues that Obama has, er, played a blinder. Ghattas also quotes John Kerry (Obama has played a blinder) and a State department official (Obama has played a blinder). Ghattas, like Evan Davis, mentions that there's a debate over Obama's response but, as with the Today programme, she only gives one side of that debate (Obama has played a blinder). So here we have BBC journalists queuing up to get the pro-Obama opinions of one person from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and yet there's no space for the views of any one who is critical of Obama's response to the situation in Iran. This is probably just as well because the thoughts of someone like Charles Krauthammer might cause mass weeping and peeing of panties among the devoted Obama disciples in the BBC newsroom.

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  29. Battersea says:

    A split between the BBC and The Guardian over Iran?

    On the Guardian blog devoted to Iran, Matthew Weaver writes:

    'Neda's death makes remarks made by the BBC's John Simpson's on Friday's Newsnight programme seem even more crass now than when he uttered them. Predicting that only the "hard cases" would take to the streets on Saturday, he said: "I suspect, without wanting to be sexist about it, that very the charming blondes in their black outfits won't be there."

    What a tosser Simpson is. Unbelievable.

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  30. DB says:

    Exiled Iranian activist Ahmad Betebi interviewed by Gateway Pundit:

    "His (Obama) lack of response will not be regarded lightly. We will watch for how much his response will help the people or the regime. We will know more this week… Obama can hold talks with the regime in Iran if he wants. Is it morally correct for Obama to support the regime? Does he actually believe the people of Iran will appreciate that? The social movement requires support. If the world really wants the advent of terrorism to disappear in the Middle East, if they want peace with the Palestinians and Israel, if they want nuclear techhology to be developed for peaceful things and not nuclear weapons… They only need to support the people of Iran right now. This regime has the most dangerous of ideologies. They're killing the opposition."

    Asked to comment, a BBC editor said, "Not interested. Now if you'll excuse me I've got to contact Karim Sanjadpour to see how many BBC programmes he's willing to appear on."

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  31. Richard Lancaster says:

    JohnA, not at all. The regime may already be blaming the US and UK but the majority of Iranians for now see it as problem that originated from within. But it's not so black and white as to think it's all people either for or against the overall regime. A lot of the protestors are just against the election result. What good will come of Obama interfering at this stage? As far as I can see it will only do more harm than good.

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  32. Anonymous says:

    Battersea said…
    .. Simpson is. Unbelievable.
    11:54 AM, June 22, 2009

    This is a man who, I think it was during the week before last's Andrew Marr show, 'heard some shots' but somehow 'knew' no one had been killed.

    Mr. Marr of course saw him as the best journalist in the world, I presume for such examples of 'reporting'.

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  33. David Preiser (USA) says:

    DB @ 11:28 AM

    The Narrative continues. The BBC North America editor started it in January, it subsequently spread to all Beeboids covering the US, then to the World Service, and now Today. Yes, this is an important topic to discuss, but why does the BBC – without exception, across the spectrum of broadcasts – approach this from the perspective that the President is doing the right thing, and whatever happens is a sign of His guidance?

    Groupthink? What groupthink? It all started in America, and the BBC North America editor is going to be a regular Today presenter in September. Things will only get worse from there.

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  34. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Richard Lancaster and JohnA,

    What I've been reading and hearing makes me inclined to agree that it's a dodge for The Obamessiah to hold back from criticizing the Iranian government. His recent statement tip-toed about halfway up the ladder of the high board, but He was nowhere near jumping off into the deep end.

    At this point, it seems that the protesters themselves are the ones looking for a little outside encouragement. The mullahs have already violently suppressed a couple of lesser protest movements in the past, and the people know it. If the West doesn't offer any support this time, the mullah's thugs will probably eventually wear them down.

    How many times can Western governments say their problem lies with the mad mullahs and Ahmadimjihadi and not with the people before the people stop believing them? The ordinary protesters know they're doing this entirely on their own. They don't care if the mullahs blame the BBC or whatever, and it's not like the basiji will start shooting even more of them simply because The Obamessiah says the people deserve to have their voices heard. It would be nice if the Iranian people actually got a real sense that the West was behind their desires for peace and prosperity – for once. That won't happen if we listen to the BBC and their fellow travelers.

    If the Western governments aren't careful, this is going to be yet another missed opportunity for real change in a nasty regime, simply because all the damn talking heads are calling for nuance and not rocking the boat. More innocents always die that way, yet the Left never learns. That's what happens when they only care about their self image as right-thinking and dialogue-y, and not about actual human lives.

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  35. Anonymous says:

    In a word -appeasement

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  36. pounce_uk says:

    So here i am wondering why the bBC isn't airing that video of that young Iranian girl shot by the police and also why they say their reporter was asked to leave and not expelled as everybody else is reporting that story when I came across this video reportage of the current unrest in Iran. Is it me or does the bBC go out on a limb in which to say they can't verify the authenticity of those clips. I mean I have nver seen Al beeb say the same when it reports from;
    Israel
    Lebannon
    Gaza
    Afghanstan
    Iraq
    You know when other muslims are victims but at the hands of so called non Muslims. Yet when allahs little helpers are dishing
    out the hurt the bBC makes sure damage limation is a must.
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8112049.stm

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  37. Roland Deschain says:

    Those who have fallen foul of moderators when trying to post on various BBC boards might appreciate
    this
    from Richard Black's blog.

    # 107. At 1:41pm on 21 Jun 2009, Richard Black (BBC)
    This comment has been referred to the moderators. Explain.

    Heh heh. Moderated on your own blog!

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  38. David Preiser (USA) says:

    pounce_uk

    The Mousavi activists the BBC uses as stringers weren't there, so it didn't happen.

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  39. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Oh, no, one of Matt Frei's and Justin Webb's friends at the Washington Post has come out with a criticism of The Obamessiah's non-action on Iran that's similar to what I was saying earlier:

    But the president and his advisers still have not adjusted policies and tactics being overtaken by events. This is clear both from the initial "caught in the headlights" reaction by Obama as he temporized — albeit with steely skill — and from accounts of diplomatic and other official sources here.

    The administration's words suggest Obama is caught in a political version of the theory of relativity — that he moves along a predetermined course that prevents him from seeing the new situation in Tehran exactly as it occurs. He clings to the pre-election paramount goal of keeping alive the chances for a nuclear deal with any government in Tehran.

    Focusing now, and narrowly, on obtaining the highly improbable nuclear accord neglects the moral and historical dimensions of mass protest in authoritarian societies such as Iran's that are vulnerable to new communications technology.

    Frei and Webb follow the WaPo's lead more often than not, and they're both friends with this guy. If the HuffingtonPost and The Nation start saying similar things, Matt and Justin will have to do some serious soul-searching.

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  40. Nightwatch says:

    I have to say that I think Obama is playing it right on Iran at present.

    Until the scale of the uprising is known there is simply no reason to show any of his cards. Back in Gulf War 1, the anti-Saddam factions were promised the US and UK would support them….we didn't and they were slaughtered in return.

    At present this is an internal Iranian matter with very few casualties thus far. Hardly reason for us to make promises we might not keep or go in guns blazing, assuming the US has troops to spare (not even asking the question of why the US should commit it's troops to a third war). If the uprising turns out to be a short lived matter then we face a more belligerent Iran.

    The Iranian people must decide how badly they want to change things and whether they really want to change their government………it's sad to say but it may have to get as bad as Kosovo before any intervention can be justified and any operation must also be under the mandate of the UN or NATO. To invade a sovereign country and enact regime change on the back of just tens of deaths and protest crowds smaller than that that attend Wembley would set a dangerous precedent. Zimbabwe, Somalia, Burma and many other countries have suffered worse recently and we did and continue to do nothing….what makes Iran so special?

    The Iranians either want freedom or they don't, in which case they will have to prove it by shedding their blood first.

    Nightwatch
    Refusing to pay BBC Tax since 2005!

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  41. Craig says:

    Just seen Greasy Bercow elected Speaker, with the Government's wind behind him. Applause broke out, largely on the Labour benches. Huge swathes of the Conservative benches kept their arms folded. Jon Sopel, who was watching the same pictures we were watching, enthused that the applause came from both sides of the house. The BBC lies before our very eyes.

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  42. Mailman says:

    Nightwatch,

    The reason Barry hasnt been showing his cards is that he hasnt got any cards to show. The guy is clearly out of his depth, and its only the cover given to him by the fawning media that has protected him so far.

    Sooner or later the house of cards the MSM has created will come crashing down.

    Mailman

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  43. JohnA says:

    2 reasons Obama has stayed inert.

    1, he is cowardly, a Chicago machine politician with virtually nil experience

    2 he has no moral compass

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  44. David Preiser (USA) says:

    Speaking of no moral compass, I bet there won't be a Newsnight segment about this:

    ACORN drops tarnished name and moves to silence critics

    Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN) leaders are using the threat of a law suit to silence and intimidate critics, according to current and former members of the liberal activist group.
    In a letter dated June 11 an attorney for ACORN advised top whistleblowers that their unauthorized use of the organization’s name could make them liable for monetary damages and injunctive relief.
    ACORN executives have also changed their organization’s name, which was tarnished by investigations in at least 14 states of allegations of voter registration fraud during the 2008 presidential campaign, and charges by current and former members of financial mismanagement and misrepresentation.

    Nothing to see here, says the BBC, move along. We already told you there was no proof they affected the outcome of any election, so who cares?

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  45. Anonymous says:

    Roland Deschain said…
    Heh heh. Moderated on your own blog!
    4:01 PM, June 22, 2009

    An interesting insight into the 'system'.

    It would seem that it kicks in no matter what, if someone 'refers' then that is that. Rather open to abuse, IMHO. Though amusing indeed that it can also 'work' against the owners.

    I see it is back and trying to track the thing it would seem the objection was flippant, backfired and handed an open goal to that site's resident troll.

    An interesting, if cautionary entity to any running a blog, this person has rendered Mr. Black's blog too much of a trial to bother with any more, and set back the cause of climate pessimists in rational debate on MMGW a great deal.

    Which, depending on their actual agenda, is either very smart or very dumb.

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  46. Not a sheep says:

    I note that the BBC are reporting that some Conservatives are plotting to unseat John Bercow. Just note the phrases used – dark corners, plotting… Another stick to beat the "nasty party" with? More with Nick Robinson at 07:10 on the Toady programme.

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  47. Not a sheep says:

    Nick Robinson was only heard from at the end of the piece as John Humphrys was the only interviewer used. Nick Robinson seems to verify that only three Conservative MPs voted for John Bercow. Nick Robinson also confirms that many Labour MPs voted for John Bercow to antagonise the Tories.

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  48. Not a sheep says:

    The Today programme interview with Brendan Barber at 08:35 was odd. The conclusions of Brendan Barber's group that the recession was not over and was deeper than that of the 1990s was challenged in a way that a positive view of the economy nearing the end of the recession would not have been. I have listened more lengthily to the Today programme this morning and the bias is so insidious. It is there in almost every piece, nagging away at the listener and ensuring that a consistent "narrative" is explained.

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  49. Roger C says:

    The BBC are almost bieng nice about the new speaker Bercow confirming to all that he is a labour stooge set up to harm the tories. Normal anti tory bias in full flow

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  50. DB says:

    Communist writer gets adoring profile from the BBC.

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