The Rest Is Politics

Aussie here - Love the podcasts guys! Couple of things that you should note after listening. There has been a rise in BOTH antisemitism and in Islamophobia, including torching of a Muslim school bus and of Palestinian businesses, and hateful anti Palestinian graffiti. The mainstream media and ABC have largely ignored the Islamophobic and anti-Palestinian attacks, while giving huge coverage to anti Semitic attacks. Important that you discuss the full picture

Thank you for this very informative podcast.

Your recent comments about the rise of so-called anti-semitism in Australia could do with a little clarification and some evidence-based research. Powerful lobby groups in Australia have exerted influence to the point that criticising Israel’s actions in Gaza are now tantamount to anti-semitic hate speech. Intellectuals such as Randah Abdel-Fattah have been scrutinised and persecuted, academic research has been constrained, artists with Arab backgrounds have had their sponsorship to the Venice Biennale cancelled. In addition, the newly formed Australian Jewish Council has registered its concern about the negative impacts that a widespread and indiscriminate application of ‘anti-semitism’ will have on their communities - YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO BE FACTUAL.

This is quite a good program, but recently the presenters began to speak advertisements in a way that sounded like part of the program. For eg, commenting the reduction in support for renewables, which sounded like political commentary before it became apparent it was actually an advertisement. I don’t mind advertisements - as I can’t afford to subscribe - but I dislike deceit.