Morality is doing the right thing regardless of what you are told. Obedience is doing what you are told, regardless of whether it's right.
With so much biased propaganda flying around following the recent upheavals in the Ukraine - I thought it would be an interesting venture to write to a politician and ask some questions about his political views and how Russia's geo-political actions have been portrayed in the media.
I came across an article written by such a politician titled 'Putin's Kampf' and after reading it, I felt compelled to contact its author - Charles Tannock.
Charles Tannock is currently a Member of the European Parliament and a full member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament.
His other notable titles include:
- Commendatore of the Order of St Maurice and St Lazarus of the Italian Dynastic House of Savoy
- Freeman of the City of London
- Freedom of the City of Cartagena de Indias in Colombia
- Knight of the "Order for Merits” 3rd Grade of Ukraine
- Medal of Mkhitar Gosh of the Republic of Armenia
- Honorary doctorate from Yerevan State University
- Grand Officer of the Order of San Carlos of the Republic of Colombia
- Medal of honour by the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan (ROC)
- Presidential Order of Excellence of Georgia
With such an impressive list of lofty awards and titles, you would have thought this man would be able to provide pertinent insights regarding events unfolding in the Ukraine. What Mr. Tannock concocted was an awe inspiring blitz of biased piffle that doesn't allow the truth to get in the way of a good story. Is it any wonder that voter apathy is on the rise, trust in politicians is waning and trust in the political system has almost evaporated?
| from: | GT | ||
| to: | charles.tannock@europarl.europa.eu | ||
| date: | 4 March 2014 13:59 | ||
| subject: | Article | ||
Did they give you a script to follow or do you actually believe the piffle you're peddling?
Every Western political official including you, has simultaneously started parroting on about how unacceptable Russia's actions have been. Right on cue as if all you political figureheads had received the go-ahead from a master traffic light, to spout biased rhetoric and to direct you which position to take following recent developments in Ukraine.
I suppose not all MP's/MEP's even know what the fuss is all about. If they get cornered by a reporter, its best they know what to say right? I've heard that some of the older, Lordier colleagues of yours think that 'working class' simply means people who have a job. Could you confirm that?
The United States invading and occupying the Middle-East - what are your thoughts on that? Diplomatic or undiplomatic? Positive or negative? Lawful or unlawful? Fascist or...... Capitalist?
Stupid questions really. Your seat on the Foreign Affairs committee is so much more safer if you tow the line. Criticising a political ally for heinous crimes, illegality, hypocrisy and imperialism is definitely not an option for you is it?
If you had a different opinion to the game plan you are given to play - could you ever voice it openly? And would you?
I did a bit of research and I couldn't find a single article from you that criticises US or UK foreign policy - both have been vastly more heinous and damaging compared to Russia's local shenanigans, that have been largely peaceful in both Georgia in 2008 and now in Ukraine.
You are unwilling to see the problems of invading whole continents at the expense of millions of lives, but when a country sends troops across its own border (and to heartfelt welcomes I may add), you are quick on the bandwagon to call for sanctions, embargoes, visa restrictions and so on.
When a tyrannical leader you support is deposed, you call it an undemocratic coup and the supporters terrorists. When a tyrannical leader you support gets into office by hook or by crook, its a victory for democracy and the supporters are called freedom fighters that should be armed and supported.
Shame on you Sir.
Regards,
G
PS: Here's a quote that may resonate with you: "No man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true" -Nathaniel Hawthorne
Does that sound like anyone you know?
PS: Here's a quote that may resonate with you: "No man can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be true" -Nathaniel Hawthorne
Does that sound like anyone you know?
British politicians in particular have a tendency to posture, gesture, spew rhetoric and tow the line with such fervour that no one knows where their own opinions begin and end. Straight questions that beg for a 'yes' or 'no' answer are routinely answered:
"Well, that's a good point you raise there, but the important aspect to consider in this particular instance is... <insert bombastic diatribe that veers the interviewer away from the topic>.
The aim is to leave as many doors open as possible in case a future reversal is required. Viewers of the British political talk show 'Question Time' or topical news show 'Newsnight' will know exactly what I mean.
In general terms, it seems that the stronger you tow the establishment line, the more titles and awards you receive. British MP's seem to have an insatiable urge to 'serve' the State and Queen - doing whatever is required to get included on the Honours list, obtain a knighthood and claim some land and castles probably.
The fact that Mr. Tannock is so highly esteemed in far away lands such as Armenia, Colombia, Georgia, Taiwan and the Ukraine, it can only mean that Mr. Tannock is either an incredibly astute, inspirational political leader with supranational reach or alternatively, he's an incredibly obedient and slippery 'yes-man' that will serve Queen and country to the ends of the Earth - regardless of whether those deeds are moral or ethical. My money is on the latter.
I am still waiting for a reply from the superstar crass hypocrite ('hypocrassical'), diplomatic dissimulator otherwise known as Charles Tannock.
Watch this space.
