ABC's Lateline campaign loses some steam

This morning the television and radio news bulletins had let off some pressure from the head of steam they had worked up in their pursuit of Cardinal Pell. The Nine Network's Today show, demonstrating they knew nothing of the important detail, continued its silly misreporting, trying to give the impression that "after a week he would like to forget" the Cardinal bowed to pressure and handed the Anthony Jones case to an independent body for review. They wouldn't know, of course, that such a step is provided for in the Toward Healing protocol.

This was also basically the impression Lateline with Virginia Trioli replacing Tony Jones at the wheel tried to convey. Cub reporter Conor Duffy, precariously maintaining the role of Pat Garrett, reminded the Cardinal he was still on notice despite the wicked Church shutting down all contact with the media over the affair. Conor may turn out to be a good reporter in a few years when he becomes an adult and learns how to behave.

Why there is the present lull remains to be seen. Perhaps the campaign had become so transparent, someone higher up put on the brake. We shall see. We should be prepared for it to break out all over again. For my part there is unfinished business, too. There are questions the Lateline boys should answer:

Why did they ignore the arguments I put to them about the most likely reason for the contradictory letters being a mistake, understandably due to wrestling with the distinction between "indecent assault" and " aggravated sexual assault"?

Why didn't they clear up the possibility that Anthony Jones may have his own agenda? They might like to read my comment on Kathy's Real Story. The link is at the top of the headline page if they happened to miss it.

Why did they not reveal what role the Broken Rites group had in their campaign?

Why did they not consider the question of monetary motivation and clear that away?

Why did they not subject Jones's story to critical examination? Why was Conor Duffy so keen to gloss over or even highlight the ridiculous parts of Jones's story? You would think with such a name he might know a little about what it means to adhere to the Catholic faith.

Why did they not explain why the case went through the civil and criminal courts with clear judgments handed down if there was such a failure in Cardinal Pell's handling of the matter?

Perhaps if they answered these questions, the wicked people in offices of St Mary's Cathedral may be more inclined to deal with them.

comments: gerardwilson01@optusnet.com.au