Spiders spread in all directions
By Margo Kingston
February 20 2003
Has the internet influenced world public opinion on the war? Webdiarist
Peter Funnell thinks so.
It has extended the range and sophistication of communications
exponentially. People are not just getting information about the war on
Iraq, they are developing communities of interest around the globe to
explore their knowledge and feelings, form opinions, support each other,
and provide courage and understanding. The www has absolutely rubbished
Bush, Blair and Howard over Iraq. It has neutralised spin. It can't be
controlled and people are finding ways to become very well informed. Every
person can have a voice and as you say, "self select", and that is
incredibly democratic and inclusive.
Its impact on our political scene, when taken in conjunction with the
marches will be severe. Consider this: The Prime Minister and the Leader of
the Opposition have some things in common over war in Iraq. They are unable
to convince all their Parliamentary members to go to war over Iraq. Not
even UN approval can bring unanimous support by either party for their leaders.
Both now appear isolated from the majority of the Australian people. As a
consequence, polling measures such as preference as leader and likelihood
of winning an election are rendered useless. We have clearly crossed a new
threshold in Australian politics. The marches were not like the Vietnam
demonstrations, they were far more inclusive of our citizens. Only one
conclusion is possible: Australians do not want to go to war in Iraq. Not
at all.
Both leaders are dangerously exposed and vulnerable. Neither have an exit
strategy from their poor judgement and inability to read the Australian
people or their Parliamentary colleagues. Not even UN approval for war is
important anymore for they have both advocated war on certain conditions.
I conclude that the www has matured as means of education and communication
and community. Good thing too.
smh.com.au/articles/2003/02/20/104563842...
http://www.indymedia.org/front.php3?article_id=239122&group=webcast
