Quote:Wiki – “[the] monstrous Beast, indifferent, irresponsible, insensible"; and Mallarmé describes her as being inscrutable: "the veil always remains."”
It is not too high blown a flight of fancy, is it: not really. Students of the classics can find many parallels in both history and legend of ‘monstrous’ doings and dangerous dealings. Always with a reckoning at the end. In legend, (and Hollywood) the ‘good’ always triumphs over the evil doer. Being a pragmatist at heart, I like to avoid the concept of ‘evil intent’. Mostly I content myself with the logic of self interest prevailing over conscience; and, ignorance of consequence over malicious intent. Oh-ho, those elements exist, no doubt of that; world history proves it, repeatedly. However, the sad demise of the once glorious ATSB begs many questions. Questions which will haunt the organisation for many years to come, I fear.
Can they all be traced to one source; or, is a more a question of abrogated blame? If that could ever be traced back to murky political doings; then, it matters not. If the imperative was politically driven, then actioned by those who could happily (or not) live with the ‘bending’ of circumstance; deflection of fact and to ignore the ‘common good’, then there is little hope for ATSB to be resurrected. It seems to me, on sober reflection, that there has been, in one form or another, let’s call it a softening of resolve; a willingness to ‘comply’ with the requirements of political nicety and expediency.
Rather than criticise the people left in the ATSB smog; it seems to me that those who left, even as a matter of principal; or even conscience are as much to blame. A case could be well argued for more blame. I am in favour of men standing up for their principals; indeed I encourage it, however. When there is an opportunity to speak out and defend those principals, particularly when ‘in camera’ protection of the Senate is available, then, to leave Mick Quinn to do all the heavy lifting, alone, seems a bit spineless to me – The infamous “I’m all right Jack and the devil take the hindmost” philosophy of the not truly committed.
Not saying I’m right; not at all, just sharing some stray thoughts provoked by Salome and a couple of pints of ‘Genius’. All founded on the fear of loosing the integrity of the one agency which should be absolutely fearless and totally reliable for informing us how our friends, colleagues and passengers are at risk; and, importantly - how to avoid repeating the error. Well, it’s my round and the ‘lad’ has just bowled in, thirsty as usual no doubt.
“Two more here please barkeep and keep your thumb out of the glasses”.