I have sat back and observed the reaction to my comments on Dustin Martin.
The constantly offended are in a spin because I dared say what everyday people were thinking.
My sarcastic comment treated the original story with the mocking contempt it deserved.
If you feel the need, view the video footage online. It is over five years old and, in its context, the most shocking thing about it is that someone managed to score some cheap shots with it.
As a result, I have been dobbed on, accused of being a sleaze, disgusting, unprincipled, sad, pathetic, radicalised right-wing, anti-science and someone who condones all sexual assault.
This barrage of threats, insults and intimidation amounts to nothing more than primary schoolyard bullying.
This unreasonable and irrational reaction does nothing to highlight respect for women, the original story and this over-the-top reaction potentially cheapens the issue.
There are two victims in this saga – Dustin Martin and his lady friend.
The perpetrators of this crime are the media, who should have left this sordid story in the gutter where they found it.
I think I shocked Nicole Chvastek last year when I used the words “common-sense” on the radio.
I have since joked that the media views common-sense as one of our filthiest C words. It appears little has changed.
As for my position as a councillor, I am fed up with those that act tough behind a keyboard but are frightened by people that hold a different view to them.
They would benefit from leaving their safe space and understand the real world, warts and all.
The day I am finished as a councillor, is the day I take a position simply because it is easier.
Cr Garner Smith
