MISINFORMATION REVOLUTION
The ‘coming of the NBN’ to our area this week should herald a new stage in the already established ‘information revolution’. But as with so many revolutions the benefits will inevitably be accompanied by disadvantages and dangers.
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Coincidentally this week has seen a new stage in the West’s war on Syria which demonstrates the power and extent of one such danger – the ‘misinformation revolution’.
Last Saturday RAAF planes were involved in a direct strike on a Syrian army base, as part of a US coalition operation supposedly targeting Islamic State terrorists. But for the fortunate Syrian soldiers who survived that attack, in which over 80 lost their lives, there was no doubt that they were in fact the target, as they described to Syrian TV reporters from their hospital beds.
Not only had they seen American surveillance drones before the strike, but the strategic hill on the edge of the desert city of Deir al Zour in Syria’s east that they were defending, was immediately overrun by dozens of IS terrorists, who now threaten the surrounded city’s only link to the outside world – the nearby airport.
If you find it impossible to believe that the US coalition of which we are part is actually supporting IS terrorists in an open war against the Syrian government, you are not alone – just one of millions of victims of the tide of misinformation now surging through the Western media ‘super-highway’.
David Macilwain, Sandy Creek
COMMUNITY SUPPORT NEEDED
My very earliest memories are of my mother telling people, often total strangers, that she cried when I was born because I was the ugliest baby she had ever seen and she didn’t want me. She wanted to leave the hospital without me (which wasn’t allowed).
I used to stand there speechless, listening and wondering, “How can she humiliate me like this?” I was far too young to know the word “humiliate” but I knew and I still know how it felt. Now, in my 80s I realise the damage which was done by those words.
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could suggest something positive, something different such as if the churches of all local denominations got together to organise a community day of prayer for a little boy whose cancer treatment has not brought hoped for results?
P.L. Strachan, Thurgoona
MULTICULTURAL PRIDE
Our region has many nationalities who contributed so much in many ways and our region is a better place because of many nationalities.
The attitudes of some in politics who play the racist fear card must not get traction and support of those who fail to open their minds to other ways of life. Now would be the time to have festival/markets that feature our many nationalities.
The many weekend markets in Darwin create so much joy and happiness and above all friendships and understanding between people. Markets may even liven up our stale static markets with some tasty dishes from many lands and attract tourists as well.
Stuart Davie, Corowa
DOGGIE FEVER
There was something in the air at around 6.35am on Saturday. Junction Place was already alive with music, the smell of bacon and eggs and a smile on everyone’s face. A sea of blue, white and red flooded the square, the music louder and resonating in everyone’s step.
Yes the Bulldogs fans were ready for a win, and win they did! I was on the edge of my chair, screaming and yelling like a true footy follower, really happy for the Bulldogs, welcoming the crowds to Wodonga’s Junction Place very early this morning, kind of made it feel like we were all family.
It is great how sport can bring people together in good spirit. Well done Bulldogs, your luck has changed.