Charles Darwin: 198 today. Paul Mullett: survival of the fittest. Paul Mullett - the Police Association secretary, renowned control freak and thug, has reneged on an interview offer from Four Corners [ABC Australia]. A massive Birthday Present indeed, to celebrate the realisation of Natural Selection by Darwin. Not only do we acknowledge Firesnakekind as the most highly evolved species, but rejoice gladly in the Humble Hole, at MMM's distress.
The reneging of an interview in itself is no big deal. However, the letters between Four Corners producer Sarah Curnow and Paul Mullett reveal much about Mr. Mullett, his tactics in negotiating, his unbending arrogance, his heavy handed insistence for special consideration, followed immediately by threats when he could not control potential outcomes. Firesnake touched on the corruption in Victoria Police, the lack of training, poor policing, discrimination, excessive punitive and offensive tactics and of course the corrupt to the core, Police Association, in Episode 3 Corruption in Victoria Police.
As we check out today today, the correspondence language used by Mullett in attempted manipulation of outcomes, is mere play putty under The Kiln Like Heat of Firesnake's Deconstruction Glare. Or, more accurately - and modestly, we can see by reviewing the letters, Mullett has a distinct style in a.) arguing his case, and b.) seemingly apportioning blame, and casting himself as an innocent - almost "bystander" - victim.
He is prone to preempt description of issues, to place himself in a position of apparent vulnerability. The old favourites - "witch hunt", "inquisition", "collusion", "the people who" [gotta love the omnipotent, ethereal "Them"], feature in his writings. Or this gem - "Your program will inevitably be diminished in the eyes of reasonable observers if you are only prepared to raise the allegations on an 'ambush' basis". Ambush dear reader - ambush!
I shan't offend readers by reminding them a massive report pertaining to this issue is at Mr. Mullett's disposal. One may be prone to erroneously assume, he is fully aware of potential allegations, and reacts out of guilt and fear that these allegations may be aired without passing through the Mullett filter of terror and bullying. Escape the final sign off from Kit Walker as it were. There would be much consternation - and sniggering - in the Humble Firesnake Hole if readers were to form any such opinion.
Essentially, Four Corners wish to interview Mullett over the OPI findings, the content of damning video evidence, the massive Cost Fund used by corrupt officers in lengthy legal battles [$14 million] and why is it so bloody secret, what actions are underway - if any - to clean up corruption, relations between staff and governance standards, is he a bully as alleged, what's their political agenda, who did what to Janet Mitchell, and what's goin' on over there in general.
Firesnake, of course, would like to contrast this very favouritism - particularly legal - afforded members, with the hash reality of Victoria lacking a Spent Convictions Policy or indeed any avenue of reproach, for average offenders. As we have stressed previously, this unacceptable situation snares fine community members who have repaid any "debt", the ill and those caught in highly atypical circumstances.
Firesnake reads through all Nine letters in the correspondece chain and highlight the manner in which Mullet attempts to 'extort', I believe one may argue, firm control over the dynamics of this highly emotive, damning and powerfully significant issue. He attacks Commissioner Nixon's awarding of [then] Association President Janet Mitchell, with a Bravery Award, for tackling his BS, as a specific swipe of antagonism aimed only at his culture. A little boy to the core it seems.
His utter disdain for even remotely accepting responsibility for accountability of any kind shines like a beacon. His constant efforts to intimidate journalist sources and demands for covert face to face, "off the record meetings" are there in black and white. He'd play, but only if he was umpire also.
The 'source' of course is prior President of The Police Association, Janet Mitchell, [and supporting senior police] who was vilified, ostracised and bullied into neurotic stress leave by Mullett [we allege], and thus we note present president Brian Rix was a.) asked for an interview also, and b.) remained absolutely mute. Only Mullett responds. Even direct requests to Sandro Lofaro - Association contact and prior correspondent - are answered only by Mullett. We say 'allege' as we can say only that "Kit Walker"; the fictitious character who became "The Phantom" of Comic Book Fame, signed intimidating emails. Such is the maturity of these attacks - and an interesting age profile to boot. Bummer when police tactics come back to bite Police.
Could accusations he rules with an iron fist and controls every breath of members possibly be true? Why can these men not put an answer in writing? The president of the most powerful union in Australia cannot answer mail? Why must Mullet have a list of all interviewees? Why must he know "the angle" of the show? Why must he know what others 'said about' him? Why must he meet covertly with people petrified of him? Are accusations of attacks, intimidation, threats and spying true? Why does Mullet ask for a copy of "allegations" when he can answer any question? Why is Christine Nixon blamed? Is she really "colluding" in some deep dark basement with nameless, faceless people? Why is Mullet so paranoid he has dedicated enemies?
Is not an unbiased interview owed the people of Victoria and Australia. Why is "the Association's view..." identical to Mullett rhetoric? Is this merely vintage MMM - Micro Mullett Mindset? We watch as Mullet wails in frustration at not getting his way, then takes the bat and ball, and goes home.
You may judge dear reader. We raise more than mentioned above, and pick over the intuitive, biased language used, and touch on how this relies upon the readers lack of critical guard - something we all drop, in understanding the writings [a minimal communication form] of another.
The Four Corners transcript is here. Access to all relevant articles reviewed in the body of the show Mullett's Mumbles and raised by Four Corners is here. Four Corners Home Site.
Of course we have the usual contribution from The Good Book, today - The God Delusion, with thanks to authour Richard Dawkins. We touch on some of the absurd biased allowances made in the name of religion. From war service, to hallucinogenic substances - religion gets the thumbs up, no questions asked.
We pop over to http://del.icio.us/firesnake.org/08 for Interactive News and check out ABC Science News.
All welcome.
Gags.
Music thanks to Gargeband.
Articles: http://del.icio.us/firesnake.org/08
Four Corners Transcript.
Access to All Correspondence and Brecht Report.
