“Dear Andrew,
“After reading about your recent travels to the Middle East with Foreign Minister Downer, I’d be interested to know who paid for your travels, accommodation, access etc? Did your employer pay for this or the Howard government? What kind of agreement was reached between the two parties?”
“Best wishes,
“Antony Loewenstein”
Within a few hours, I received this:
“I’ve publicly answered this question, and in a way that should satisfy you, but I did so in answer to people whose views are less repugnant than yours. Go fish [his “answer” is here.]
“Incidentally, how does if feel to be chosen for a university body as a token Jew, apparently – it seems to me – on the grounds that you’re sufficiently anti-Israeli to give protective cover without harming the cause? [More information on this here and here.]
“Even a man with your views should have more pride than to accept. What do they call an Uncle Tom in Hebrew? May you one day awake in shame in the realisation of how you have been used.
“Grow up, Antony. Your excuse is, I know, that you are but young, but the words you write in ignorance today will be held against you in your more reflective maturity, should that day arrive. Give yourself less to repent.”
I was tempted to simply enjoy Bolt’s delicious words, but couldn’t resist responding:
“Mr Bolt,
“Thanks for your kind response. Indeed, I feel very comfortable with my position on the board, my forthcoming book on the Middle East and a host of other projects. Perhaps it would be good to actually source your information from reliable people before making accusations. A foreign concept, as your recent trip to Iraq proved.”
“Please continue your brave reporting. The masses are gagging for more.
“Best wishes.
“God bless.
“Antony Loewenstein”
UPDATE: Perhaps Bolt needs to remember his own words about civility:
From: Karen Hart
Comment: “I love how you and other morons say Hamas will destroy Israel. Israel has over 200 nuclear weapons Mr Bolt. That’s enough to destroy the entire Middle East many times over which of course would make you very happy. Spare us your garbage, we all know the true terrorists are those that pardon their soldiers from emptying their machine guns into 9 year old girl corpses.”
Andrew replies: “If you can find the quote in which I claim Hamas will destroy Israel, I shall apologise. If you can’t I’m sure you won’t. Abuse is always a sign of a person who has forgotten the conventionalities of civilised debate, using evidence.”