Faking “social cohesion”
Several times Jeff Sparrow’s article reminded me of an emerging ‘concern’ about “social cohesion” that attempts to silence discussion of genocide in Palestine to keep things ‘peaceful’ in Australia. A false peace, I suggest.
Locally, various groups gather to support preferred theories. Hidden away, without moderation to determine true from false, disharmony festers unseen, unheard. For how long?
In Canberra, I don’t doubt Sen. Payman (P&I Podcast, Courage in public office…, 6/12/2024): Labor’s caucus doesn’t welcome divergent views.
Without meaningful debate in parliament, outside that refereed space Labor mostly follows the US on Palestine, recent slight deviations notwithstanding, and Liberals, bought by paid visits to Israel, support that country unreservedly. Both are dishonourable. Not speaking in parliament means words are not effectively judged. Yet events of the past year have shown we must speak, together. Only ‘together’ can future action be determined
A murderous year later, it’s still worth reading Jenna Price (P&I, Netanyahu has given …11/12/2023) who quotes a Muslim leader, “Can all the reasonable voices get together?”
We, people and politicians, need to talk about contentious issues, where what is said can be examined and judged – facts determined, lies, half-truths, honest mistakes and wishful thinking cast aside.
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