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The Times, in my print copy,*** gave a good account of the fiasco, albeit not uncritical of Hague for his lack of foresight of how others (the press) might make further mischief of the debacle. This does not help blogging, in the least. Some bloggers of course rely upon facts, documentation and/or qualified opinion – like Regulator Watch.
*** We do not subscribe to the electronic version (like Watchful).
The Sunday Times also has a very thoughtful and interesting article on that chap Julian Assange, the founder of Wikeleaks, who is now having his private affairs, we read, much against his better wishes being published – allegations of sexual assault, although it is far from certain, reading between the lines, if it was anything like that, actually.
You see, what goes around, comes around, eventually – hence the despair of Elizabeth (‘Disgusted of Leamington Spa’). Indeed Mr Coulson BBC article might yet find himself the wrong end of his affairs becoming more public.
Meanwhile, carry on Mr & Mrs Hague – you have our support too.
Wilt
Isn't it very sad that the media can make something sexual out of something that was probably nothing more than two men of different ages enjoying each other's company in a totally platonic way. It is hard enough for men to find meaningful friendships that involve more depth than chatting inanely about football and sex. I suspect that the pair enjoyed stimulating and intellectual conversation and the pleasure that company of this kind offers. The sexuality speculation was hideously invasive. This drives even further back something that is not always available to men in life, the opportunity for them to have meaningful, close but platonic friendships.
ReplyDeleteA distant relation and my father once ended up sharing the same double bed during a fishing trip. Nothing was thought of it. It may be a different world today. Yet no one would think twice about women sharing a bedroom. They often walk down the street with arms draped around each other and no one blinks an eye. The default assumption is that they are probably just friends. We might wonder a bit but don't make the conclusion. The same default assumption should have been applied to William Hague. I always liked him and thought him very sincere. I too wish him well.
The whole shroud of perverse accusation surrounding this incident is nothing more than feeding time at the zoo for the press. Throw a bunch of bananas into a cage of chimps, and before long you've got a frenzy, and they'll actually forget about the bananas.
ReplyDeleteWhat's been forgotten here is that out of a parliament that's been 'chosen' for 'us', seemingly 'by us', there are a few good names. And it was only inevitable that at some point the press would design such an accusation from very innocent raw fact.
After all, we—the general public—are conditioned to hearing the dirt being dug-up on the 'ones we love to hate'... so I guess seeing a family man having his personal affairs publicised and amplified to such a degree as to place suggestion into the mind was just the next step in grabbing our attention.
Some years ago, I worked for a large web design agency in the Shropshire hills, and the main marketing guy was just touching 60 as I was in my mid 30's. Quite often we'd attend seminars, presentations, lectures, etc. together—sometimes just the two of us, sharing hotel rooms, taking dinner/lunch together etc.
We are both happily married, and comfortable with our hetro-sexuality. However, there have been intense moments of discomfort when on at least two occasions in deep dark South Wales we had the finger of suspicion pointed at us for being two homosexuals.
Which was actually quite disturbing, given that we were just two business colleagues sharing a bottle of wine over dinner and waxing lyrical about putting the world to rights.
As we live in an age where it's almost fashionable—let alone acceptible—to be openly camp and 'gay', it's surprising that something like this is considered 'news'.
As with most things in the public eye, I prefer to consider that without evidence, I make my own decisions on such matters.
Chin up, Mr H. and of course, Mrs H.
Dear Wilt
ReplyDeleteWould you please be so kind as to pass my regards on to Chris at Pixel Makers. Even though we have never met, I would like to thank him for providing the electronic platform upon which Regulator Watch rested. I appreciate that he has now moved on to greater things but we are all indebted to his skill and constant good cheer even in the face of assault from Elizabeth Calleja, Plaskett and Simmons, Muirhead and Burton, those chattering sets of expensive dentures in Soho. Thanks Chris and best wishes.
File Doctor.
Dear Wilt
ReplyDeleteI will not be going to England to visit The Pope. I never like to wander to far from soda bread, Tayto crisps, and the Andersonstown Benefits Office.
Here I am a devout catholic in a crisis situation. The council tell me they will demolish the pigeon loft just as soon as they get the court order. And what is The Pope prepared to do about that?
Personally, I think The Pope should visit me. If Popes can go round the world kissing airport runways there is no reason why one cannot come to Andersonstown and help save my pigeon loft.
After all he is only across the water in England.
Pigeons and Popes rhythm. It would be very unlikely that the Darren’s and Sara’s of Belfast City Council would demolish a pigeon loft visited by The Pope.
Andersonstown Andy
Dear Wilt
ReplyDeleteI have been approached by a journalist working for a Sunday Newspaper. This persons particular interest is vexatious complainants. She said she would like to cover the Calleja and Plaskett story as they are akin to the famous Mrs Mellor story upon which she has worked. Whats your thoughts?
Big Boy Behan.