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March 2012

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Free Speech Is Not A Free Ride

monktonSo, a funny thing happened a few months back. In my own little way, I contributed to this country’s disturbing trend towards shutting down freedom of speech. Or something.

Here’s how the story begins. You’ve probably heard of Lord Monckton. Don’t get sidetracked by the whole thing about the title. Just make sure we’re thinking of the same guy. Tours the world; talks about climate change myths and one world government and stuff; a bit like a British anti-Al Gore.

Well, he was coming to Australia for another speaking tour. And someone who I knew online sent me a message. Some ivory tower types had prepared an open letter, asking the University of Notre Dame to reconsider their invitation for Monckton to speak on campus. Would I co-sign it?

My academic area isn’t climate science. My research and teaching work is in psychology — but as a blogger, first on my own site and then for Crikey, I had covered issues about climate change and I was familiar with the public debate and its main participants, including Monckton.

I thought about it for a while. I passed the link along to a few people for them to think about as well. And then I made my mind up, and I added my name to the letter.

This letter wasn’t exactly massive national news. But it did get some mainstream media coverage. It generated some opinion articles. It drew a response from some prominent academic leaders. And, on the other hand, it gave some ammunition to our local community of so-called climate sceptics, who bundled it into their conspiracy theories.


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In the November Issue

Editors’ Rant - Nov 2011
Jane Gilmore and Justin Shaw - October, 2011

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Credentials & Democratic Decline
Leslie Cannold - October, 2011

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The lack of imagination shown by the media and...

Science Explained for the Not Particularly...
First Dog On The Moon - October, 2011

This is an edited extract of an address given to the Australian Society for Australians who feel fondly towards but are also a bit afraid of Scientists.

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Free Speech Is Not A Free Ride
David Mallard - October, 2011

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Here’s how the story...

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Drag0nista - October, 2011

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The Bad Threesome
Justin Shaw - October, 2011

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Tim Dunlop - October, 2011

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Being A Woman Is A BITCH
Jo Thornely - October, 2011

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Wes Mountain - October, 2011

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Has Multiculturalism Failed Us? Time for...
Rachel Woodlock - October, 2011

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Heath Callaway - October, 2011

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Dave Gaukroger - October, 2011

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Liberals At Work
Andrew Elder - October, 2011

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Trouble In The Ranks
Serena Ryan - October, 2011

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Going Forward Going Backward
Peter Anderson - October, 2011

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Back in Black, Feeling Blue
Regina Pritchard - October, 2011

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Tara Judah - October, 2011

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