GALLOWAY

Urk

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Interesting stuff going on here. Did he do it ? ( God I hope not ! ), and will he go on to embarrass the senate committee apparently trying to stitch him up ?
I wish I had one of those ring side seats for this one !, I don't think they know what they have let them selfs in for !
Galloway set for Senate hearing :
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4553759.stm
It seems the Americans are trying to cause as many distractions as possible from the fact that it’s not going well for them in Iraq.
They had some US general on newsnight the other night saying that in his opinion the sort of insurgency’s like the current one tend to go on for 5-10 years!! They’ll be ruined if they have to carry on spending the same amount of money for another 8 years or so ( playing right into OBL’s hands, to drag the Americans into a quagmire and bleed them dry ).


Ever heard the saying, those that live in glass houses, should not throw stones ? because apparently they have not, over the pond !
Talk about the kettle calling the pot black !!
US 'backed illegal Iraqi oil deals'
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1485649,00.html
They have been so busy pointing the finger ( at the UN, Jordan, the French, Russian, Galloway, etc ), what, they forgot about the huge payouts from US firms to Saddam ?

"In fact, the Senate report found that US oil purchases accounted for 52% of the kickbacks paid to the regime in return for sales of cheap oil - more than the rest of the world put together."


Anyone forming an opinion on the man? he has been getting all sorts of bad press, despite ( or because of ) his achievements?
A little background on recent reporting of events surrounding " the maverick, rouge, controversial... MP "etc, etc, etc
MEDIA ALERT: AMBUSHING DISSENT - THE BBC'S JEREMY PAXMAN INTERVIEWS GEORGE GALLOWAY
http://www.medialens.org/alerts/index.php
See the Paxman interview here.
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8763.htm
( small, embeded real stream )

Intresting times indeed. I find myself not being able to wait for 19:00 to come around for my channel four news fix.....

Anyone else think so? or not ?
 
I'm not really up to speed on the whole issue, and only really paid any attention to Mr Galloway following the Paxman fiasco (JP wanting to base the entire interview on the skin colour and sex of Galloways opponent shows just how fucking far we've NOT come in matters of racial/sexual equality) but it will be interesting to see how this whole in bed with Saddam thing pans out.

Did he do it ? ( God I hope not ! ), and will he go on to embarrass the senate committee apparently trying to stitch him up ?

Or will we even find out what if anything he really did or didn't or just be told "yeah, he's a profiteering villain. Off with his head. Oh look, Bethnal and Bow has a nice black woman MP again and all is well in the world"
 
The medialens link is wrong. I got it on an email, but I can't find it on the site now.

here it is :

MEDIA LENS: Correcting for the distorted vision of the corporate media

May 10, 2005


MEDIA ALERT: AMBUSHING DISSENT - THE BBC’S JEREMY PAXMAN INTERVIEWS GEORGE GALLOWAY

"The 'societal purpose' of the media is to inculcate and defend the economic, social and political agenda of privileged groups that dominate the domestic society and the state." (Edward Herman and Noam Chomsky - Manufacturing Consent)



Highly-paid presenters have privileged access to 'respectable' mainstream politicians which they are very keen to maintain. It is vital that such high-level sources not be seriously alienated or offended by pertinent, but potentially damaging, questions. Overlooking obvious truths about mass violence conducted by western governments, media professionals are expert at cultivating a veneer of dogged commitment to truth.

Even when being questioned sharply, leading politicians are treated respectfully with no insinuation that the interviewee is despicable or malevolent. No such considerations apply, however, when the media confront “rogues†or “mavericks†who represent a challenge to established power and the ideology underpinning its brutality. In these special cases, the doctrinal system requires that threatening figures be dealt with aggressively, typically with ridicule and contempt.

Thus, in the early hours of the morning after Britain's May 5 general election, viewers were treated to a remarkable exchange between the BBC's principal 'rottweiler', Jeremy Paxman, and George Galloway, the former Labour MP now with the anti-war Respect party. Galloway had just deposed the Blairite Labour MP, Oona King, in the Bethnal Green and Bow constituency of East London.

Galloway's victory was remarkable, overcoming a 10,000 majority in the face of the full might of New Labour’s political machine. His success surely reflects the extraordinary level of anti-war feeling in the country, two years after two million people marched in February 2003 - the largest political protest in UK history.

The BBC exchange began thus:

Jeremy Paxman: “Mr Galloway, are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?â€

George Galloway: “What a preposterous question. I know it's very late in the night, but wouldn't you be better starting by congratulating me for one of the most sensational election results in modern history?â€

JP: “Are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?â€

GG: “I'm not [pause]. Jeremy, move on to your next question.â€

JP: “You're not answering that one?â€

GG: “No, because I don't believe that people get elected because of the colour of their skin. I believe people get elected because of their record and because of their policies. So move on to your next question.†(Broadcast BBC Election Night Special, 6 May, 2005; video and transcript available at: http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8763.htm)

Paxman's feigned concern for diversity actually rests on the racist and sexist assumption that candidates should be given special consideration on account of their colour or gender.

Moments later, Paxman said: "I put it to you Mr Galloway that [former local government minister] Nick Raynsford had you to a T when he said you were a 'demagogue'."

As far as we are aware, Paxman has never "put it" to any leading government minister that he or she is a "demagogue", despite an abundance of evidence that media-amplified propaganda and demagoguery enabled the war on Iraq, as well as earlier attacks on Afghanistan and Serbia. We look forward to Paxman suggesting to Tony Blair in a future interview: "I put it to you Mr Blair that George Galloway had you to a T when he said you were a 'war criminal'."

Perhaps other BBC presenters and journalists will also take up the cause of due impartiality. BBC political editor Andrew Marr will then confront Blair at his next press conference: "Are you proud to have won this election on the back of outrageous lies, and an invasion-occupation in violation of the UN Charter, as suggested even by your own advisors?"

BBC Radio 4 Today's John Humphrys will no doubt ask Foreign Secretary Jack Straw: "Are you proud to have won this election at the cost of 100,000 dead people in Iraq and countless hundreds of thousands of injured, malnourished and diseased civilians?"

His colleague James Naughtie will repeatedly press Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown: "Are you proud to have won this election after funding a war that was belatedly declared illegal by Kofi Annan and that has led to a major increase in terrorism?"


Expensively Dressed Loudmouth - The Media Go To Work

Over on ITN, European correspondent Juliet Bremner described how Galloway had secured victory with the use of “virulent anti-war views†- an interesting concept. (ITN 22:30 News, May 6, 2005)

Prior to the election (12:30 News, May 3), ITN had ambushed Galloway in a 6-minute interview ostensibly intended to allow the public to pose questions on Respect party policies. News anchors Nick Owen and Katie Derham began by asking about the “I salute you†comment Galloway is alleged to have made to Saddam Hussein in 1994. Anticipating Galloway’s rejection - he claims he was saluting the Iraqi people, not Saddam - ITN had a pre-prepared videotape on hand to show the clip in question.

Whereas establishment politicians are to be afforded appropriate courtesy and respect, the press find it almost impossible to mention Galloway’s name without employing adjectives like “controversial†and “maverickâ€. The consistent focus on personal foibles and alleged faults also contrasts starkly with coverage afforded to more ‘serious’ politicians.

Thus the Daily Mail noted “the expensively dressed political maverick's Respect Party snatched the seat which Labour has held since 1945 with a 26.2 per cent swingâ€. (‘Electrifying moments that lit up the small hours,’ Daily Mail, May 7, 2005)

The Express reported how “the maverick left-winger clashed with Paxmanâ€. (’Winner George loses it again,’ John Chapman and David Pilditch, Express, May 7, 2005)

The Sun noted in an article with the breath-takingly ironic title, ‘Maverick “Stirred up racism“:

“Loudmouth George Galloway was accused of stirring up racial tensions to scrape back into Parliament.†(The Sun, May 7, 2005)

The Times observed: “The latest chapter in the turbulent parliamentary career of George Galloway, newly elected MP for Bethnal Green & Bow, began yesterday in the maverick style that is his trademark. He stayed in bed.†(‘Galloway sleeps on his victory after an incendiary campaign,’ Sam Lister, Sean O'Neill and Giles Whittell, The Times, May 7, 2005)

The article concluded: “Asked what she thought of her new MP, one drinker in the Coborn Arms opposite Respect's headquarters said: ‘I want to move house.’"

The Guardian noted: “The most extraordinary result was secured by the maverick former Labour MP George Galloway…†(‘London delivers bloody nose as Galloway wins bitter fight, Hugh Muir, The Guardian, May 6, 2005)

Elsewhere, the media reflexively describe Galloway as “flamboyant†and “controversialâ€, descriptions which express proper ridicule and contempt for the “Rogue MPâ€. (The Sun, ‘Not a shred of remorse,’ Trevor Kavanagh, July 2, 2004)

The smears are repeated around the world. The Jerusalem Post notes:

"'This defeat is for Iraq. All the people you have killed, all the lies you have told have come back to haunt you,' declared maverick lawmaker George Galloway following his tight election victory... But Galloway's electoral success has been met with alarm and disdain across Britain." ('Galloway win causes alarm,' Yaakov Lappin, Jerusalem Post, May 8, 2005)

In fact, right across the spectrum, “rogue†thinkers, politicians and parties are relentlessly smeared and mocked by the elite media. The effect is as inevitable as it is intended - to persuade the public to revile and turn away from radical voices threatening established privilege and power.


SUGGESTED ACTION

The goal of Media Lens is to promote rationality, compassion and respect for others. When writing emails to journalists, we strongly urge readers to maintain a polite, non-aggressive and non-abusive tone.

Write to Jeremy Paxman, Newsnight presenter:
Email: jeremy.paxman@bbc.co.uk

Write to James Stephenson, Election Night Special editor:
Email: james.stephenson@bbc.co.uk

Write to Helen Boaden, BBC news director:
Email: helenboaden.complaints@bbc.co.uk

You may wish to consider lodging an official complaint (which guarantees an answer):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints

Please send copies of all emails to us at: editor@medialens.org

This is a free service. However, financial support is vital. Please consider giving less to the corporate media and donating more to Media Lens: http://www.medialens.org/donate.html

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Word on the grapevine in the US says Galloway gave the Senate Committee a very stern ticking off. A number of Yanks on the board I frequent are seriously impressed.

J.
 
Just see him in full flow on C4 news, sticking it right up the US Senate Committee. Feckin class! I don't like his politics, but I like his style.

Now I know that standards have slipped in the last few years in Washington, but for a lawyer you are remarkably cavalier with any idea of justice.
:D
 
The guy's a total hero so far as I'm concerned. The US Senators badly needed a reality check, and boy, did he ever give them one.

Perfect, bloody perfect. I think I'll write to him to tell him so. Sure as hell he's got my vote!

Hugs,

Barclay
 
Saw him on a few programs last night and what he said was just excellent. His only real hiccup seemed to be telling Levin that he'd voted for the war, Levin hadn't, which he was able to backtrack out of a bit by making it a more generalised comment aimed at the Senate as a whole.

I'd gladly buy that man a drink right now, hats off and three cheers for Galloway! :drinking:
 
What he has done in America is class, and really, really needed doing.

I am so pleased that someone had the balls to stand up to the crazy bullshit that the republicans ahve been spreading about.

The only problem is, I have this horrible sneaking suspicion that he may actually be guilty. Deep down, I really don't like or trust him at all - and that is a reaction to him not commentary upon him. I don't like his responses or motivations. I saw him on an ITV lunchtime show just before the election, and he struck me as borderline psychotic. HOWEVER!!! Maybe my opinion has been manipulated by the media. It is practically impossible to accurately assess the quality of the information we are presented with. Who knows, but there it is.

However, I would emphasis, I love the way he has stood up and flicked two fingers at American politics (especially Donald Rumsfeld) in general. It is so nice to hear someone talking to American politicians free from the false and artificially imposed constraints of patriotism and faith.
 
Speakafreaka said:
The only problem is, I have this horrible sneaking suspicion that he may actually be guilty. Deep down, I really don't like or trust him at all -

I can sympathise, and underneath all this, is the fact that he is a politician, and as such, can only be trusted as far as he can be thrown, I guess !

Dunno if anyone read all that stuff I posted from medialens ( http://www.medialens.org/ - highly recommended ! ), it goes into how whenever he is introduced, described written about, it will always be :
"the rebel.... / rogue / maverick / splitter ( Heh ) or, if you read the Sun "Loud mouth " politician George Galloway ", Ignoring his incredible achievement, that is to split from, and take on the Government on an issue of conscience, and win!
So, you say you are able to cut through the media hype, and not let that sway you to your mistrust, and fair play to you if you can, but what about a man having to always be on the defence !?

In what was supposed to be his moment of back-slappery ( well deserved ) Jemermy Paxman attempted to play the fckuing race card with :
“Mr Galloway, are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?â€
In the same interview :
"I put it to you Mr Galloway that [former local government minister] Nick Raynsford had you to a T when he said you were a 'demagogue'."
What kind of interview is that ? it's a fcuking JP was asking for a kicking if you ask me.

So in spite of all his achievments ( or because ) as a matter of media policy it would seem, he is constantly, publically dissed.
That would get me on the defensive, I can telliya.

I didn't catch the whole thing, so I'm gonna watch it now.

THE FULL RANT !! - http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article8869.htm
( real stream )
Enjoy !
 
Urk said:
In what was supposed to be his moment of back-slappery ( well deserved ) Jemermy Paxman attempted to play the fckuing race card with :
“Mr Galloway, are you proud of having got rid of one of the very few black women in Parliament?â€

I found this unbelievable at the time, Paxman made himeself look a total cnut before Galloway even needed to open his mouth as essentially Paxman by attempting to play the race card was exposing himself as a racist - that this woman somehow needed defending based on her sex and skin colour. Very patronising.

Galloway when he finally answered was class, basically saying that he doesn't believe politics should be about skin colour and gender.
 
Paxman's Nickname = Paxo [grin]

I used to quite like him, especially the classic interview with Michael Howard when he was Home Secretary, and refused to answer a question from Paxman.

These days he's just coming over as a tiresome, boring, thug. Pity 'cos he's got the capability to be so much more.

For really good penetrating interviews I much prefer Jon Snow. Instead of the name calling, yah boo sucks, doesn't really get you very far, type of interview, he's incisive and wonderfully intelligent. Pity there aren't more like him to give the politicos a truly hard time.

Hugs,

Barclay
 
Barclay (Dark Angel) said:
Paxman's Nickname = Paxo [grin]

I used to quite like him, especially the classic interview with Michael Howard when he was Home Secretary, and refused to answer a question from Paxman.

These days he's just coming over as a tiresome, boring, thug. Pity 'cos he's got the capability to be so much more.

For really good penetrating interviews I much prefer Jon Snow. Instead of the name calling, yah boo sucks, doesn't really get you very far, type of interview, he's incisive and wonderfully intelligent. Pity there aren't more like him to give the politicos a truly hard time.

Hugs,

Barclay

Yeah Paxo's an arrogant yob.
I like John Humphries - they way he can surgically disembowell a panicking politician before breakfast always sends me out of the house with a smile on my face :)
 
Ah yes, John Humphries... :-).

Does anyone remember him interviewing Geof Hoon over the 45 minute claim? This BTW is the same Geof Hoon who swore blind that the subject of Iraq *never* came up when he was talking to the electorate during the General Election. According to him, trust was never an issue either. I think you have to go pretty far to find another politician who's more of a bare faced liar. Even Blair pales in comparison...

Anyways, JH took him apart, surgically. It was wonderful to hear, especially as the Beeb had cleared other items away to make time for a long and detailed interview. A classic piece of work that any barrister would be proud of :-).

Hugs,

Barclay
 
Yeah, I think I used to like Paxman, simply because he gave the politicians I hate ( Howard etc ) a right roasting.
But I think people have just come to expect that of him so much, that he must "perform", and sadly, it has been to the expense of quality journaslm

Jon snow, is for me now, the man. He even emails me every day, with a sneak preview of what he's gonna be talking about on the show, and dare I admit, sometimes, I get as excited as he obviously is on the subject !
Get snow mail from - ( http://www.channel4.com/news/snowmail/ )

Anyone got any news links to swap for :
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/
http://www.medialens.org/
 
Urk said:


For commentary on social issues from the news I like http://www.zmag.org/weluser.htm
Also, I notice in Medialens there is a blog by John Pilger, though without any entries so far. I really like his articles and keep an eye on his website http://pilger.carlton.com/ where new articles are posted under "Pilger in Print" (though site looks a bit broken today - first time I've seen that).
 
Wicked! Thanks for that link Urk :-).

I'm with you. I geuinely get excited at the prospect of seeing Channel 4 news. Not quite sure what that makes me - a news geek probably ;-).

Anyone know if Jon Snow does "tours" of various UK conference halls/theatres/etc., like John Pilger, or Mark Thomas? Might be worth going to see him if he does...

Talking of Mark Thomas, I see he's starting a new UK tour. http://www.mtcp.co.uk/news.php?id=85

Hugs,

Barclay
 
Barclay (Dark Angel) said:
I geuinely get excited at the prospect of seeing Channel 4 news. Not quite sure what that makes me - a news geek probably ;-)
I became one with my inner geek a long time ago now.... :-)
Talking of Mark Thomas, I see he's starting a new UK tour. http://www.mtcp.co.uk/news.php?id=85
I saw Mark Thomas a few years ago, upstairs of the RISC centre in Reading ( just to give you some idea of the intermate nature of the gig, the seating went back about four rows ! )
And I spent the whole time petrified that if I laughed in the wrong place, sniffed, looked like I wasn't paying attention he would do his " DESTROY ALL HECKLERS " routine on me.
He can be pretty brutal at times, and not always justifiably so, IMHO.
Top bloke mind.....

A Jon snow lecture though, sounds wickid, the missus will be excited..... :-)
 
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