February 9 2010

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Labour minister attacks nihilistic blogs

HAZEL BLEARS will attack political 'nihilistic' blogs today in a speech to the Hansard Society.

The communities secretary will attack blogs such as Guido Fawkes' blog whom she claims are damaging the political process.

Blears told the Guardian Online:"Perhaps because of the nature of the technology, there is a tendency for political blogs to have a 'Samizdat' style. The most popular blogs are rightwing, ranging from the considered Tory views of Iain Dale, to the vicious nihilism of Guido Fawkes."

She adds: "But mostly, political blogs are written by people with disdain for the political system and politicians, who see their function as unearthing scandals, conspiracies and perceived hypocrisy." Well, that is the premise of Guido Fawkes' blog.

His About page section on his blog says his job is to uncover plots, rumours and conspiracies.

Guido wrote in response to Blears's attack:"Anti-establishment and occasionally vicious Guido may be, but nihilistic? Never. Nihilists deny that an objective morality exists. Guido has a clear sense of morality - "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Blears really shouldn't use words she doesn't understand."

So, what is Blears actually implying here? That freedom of speech is not permitted? Perhaps this is another way of Labour putting the chains on free speech and freedom of voicing poltiical views. In a society where there is 'perceived' corruption as long as there are journalists and bloggers around, the public will not be able to get to the truth - even if it is slightly anti-establishement!

Guido also slams the mainstream: "Guido has his own values and aims to hit back at political hypocrisy and lies. Politicians make laws, so they should be held to account, to a higher standard. The Nick Robinsons, Peter Riddells, Michael Whites and Steve Richardsons of the world don't do investigative digging, they report back their impressions from their lunch meetings. They re-package and interpret spin from the party machines. That is how they "add value."

submitted by chris on November 5th 2008

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