Independent federal MP Helen Haines has been attacked, and the blame has been directed at the pro-Palestinian and climate movements. Within hours the Australian Jewish Association blamed anti-Israel extremism in general, an Israel Hasbara propagandist in New York followed, and Australian commentators including Drew Pavlou joined in. Michael West argues the attack has been harnessed for political advantage, and that free speech is still better than shutting social media down.
Chapters:
00:00 Opening Remarks
01:06 Beyond Politics
02:11 Blame and Hasbara
03:12 Free Speech and Defamation
04:26 Social Media Hate
05:41 End of Innocence
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thewestreport
Website: https://michaelwest.com.au
Michael West established Michael West Media in 2016 to focus on journalism of high public interest, particularly the rising power of corporations over democracy. West was formerly a journalist and editor with Fairfax newspapers, a columnist for News Corp and even, once, a stockbroker.
