Pixelated Semantics

A schizotypical inventory

No-one is innocent

The Defence Minister has admitted that Australia might have "innocently" exported nuclear technology to parties with weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs:

"They can be exported quite innocently and there have been suggestions that some may have been exported from Australia innocently that have been used within WMD, at least research programs."

The effort to claim "innocence" is very deliberate, clearly the word is being used at every opportunity to avoid responsibility for either a failure to manage and monitor such programs, or as cover for a deliberate effort to covertly engage in such programs. Either way, it's a highly disturbing development, and one which is ironic indeed in the light of the Irak adventure. There is nothing "innocent" about contributing to weapons that have immense and uncontrollable destructive power, or about the failure to properly inform the public of the situation. Uranium enrichment is not a peaceful activity, and it would seem hypocritical in the extreme to be conducting or condoning such activity while engaging in wars (Irak) and diplomatic games (Iran, North Korea) with countries that are pursuing the same means and ends. The revelation is also likely to increase tension with Asian neighbours who are already offended by the government's refusal to sign a non-aggression treaty. The choice of "innocent" is profoundly disingenuous in this context - and the failure to inform and safeguard is palpable.

Item posted by AutoEditor at 1:12 pm ::