Antinuclear

Australia – Nuclear, Climate, and Weasel Words: theme for February

For this particular theme in Australia, we are surely blest, in having a world class exponent of the art of weasel words, in our very own revered Prime Minister, Tony Abbott.

Moving away from his previous obviously belligerent and direct style -e.g. “climate change is crap”, Tony Abbott now uses weasel words. These are words that sound good, but in fact convey no clear meaning. For example:  “the government accepts that climate change is real and that humanity does make a contribution, but the important thing is to take strong and effective action to deal with it.” 

With statements like this, no detail given, Abbott nevertheless covers all bases – looks good. while his spokesman Maurice Newman expresses Abbott’s real attitude.“The scientific delusion, the religion behind the climate crusade, is crumbling”   Abbott’s “Direct Action Plan -is it simply an empty charade devised by a skeptic wanting to give the impression he is prepared to do something about climate change?

Tony Abbott is smart. He uses weasel words to appeal to appeal to all sides, while saying nothing concrete. In the case of nuclear power- well, Tony’s other (well known) strategy is silence. Abbott again appoints someone who speaks for him – the next Governor General, Peter Cosgrove. – a strong advocate for nuclear power.

January 31, 2014 Posted by Christina Macpherson | Christina themes | Leave a comment