The ABC...I'd not listen/watch the National Broadcaster on any matter associated with politics. Their bias is palpable to the extreme.

On Alan Jones and his somewhat intemperate remarks apropos the PM's deceased Father. Sure in poor taste, but then with the 'human headline' Mr Hinch's always so clever remarks...hypocrisy would be most apt with this peculiar fellow of double standards.

On a personal note. I'm a Veteran, a former client of the Vietnam Veterans Counselling Service, and I hit a bit of a hurdle about 18 - 20 years ago, and without going into the details, my 'plight' came to the notice of Alan Jones, and his kindness, patience, his very humanity, towards me was simply unfailing even inexhaustible !

Yet he doesn't even know me. Nor has he ever received any recognition for what he's done for me.

If I were to still rely on the VVCS, I'd have a very protracted wait ahead, regrettably.

In the past, because of my own ignorance, and probably, a lot to do with my employment (the coppers), I was very much a 'gay' basher (metaphorically). Alan Jones is gay, so what.

There should be many many more Gays like Alan, and many many less 'straight' men, like me.

I'd defend Alan Jones to the 'enth degree, I'll tell you.

I know Alan Jones is faggoty, the world knows it, and so the barbed queen jokes are no surprise even as distasteful as they are. Jones is a public figure that was homosexual from his first breath, so the attack on his sexuality probably does not daunt him greatly. I would surmise that the fact that the pendants go for the sexual shot rather than a shot at his credibility shows one that he has some substance.

Alan Jones is an old queen, he is particular, pedantic and fussy, and seems to have the strength of character that I have noted in some old queens that I have been fortunate enough to have known. It is as if their struggle in a pre gay rights society has made them tenacious outsiders who call a spade a spade.

Jones’ bitchy remark about Gillard’s dad was ignorant and insensitive. The ones lampooning him are less guilty of the crime of personal offense.

No, not a convincing article. Just doesn't reflect the reality of Australian public life.

For example, "loud attacks made by prominent left-wing atheists". Really? How loud? How often? For what reasons?

How do these compare with the frequency, stridency and sheer viciousness of loud attacks made by prominent right-wing commentators?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hsaVpepMyA8

Secondly, Alan Jones' "apology". Are you referring to the 45-minute exercise in self-justification - satirised below?
(Don't click if strong language offends)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXxJfs7mtW0

There may well be a case that Jones is a victim of homophobia. Not sure. But it hasn't been made here.

Hi Alan,

didn't you read Binoy's recent article on OLO and his gratuitious attack on Jones's sexuality?

'In April 2004, the Chairman of the Australian Broadcasting Authority, David Flint, was shown to have penned various gushing letters to Jones. (This, incidentally, made fellow shock jock John Laws suspicious – were the two having it off?) In 2004, Jones was cleared for other "cash-for-comment' related deals apparently made with Telstra, courtesy of Flint. The plot thickened just that little bit more.'

It seems such behaviour isn't limited to the ABC.

'

The following is a balanced comment. One section of the right-wing love to point out how Alan Jones is gay because they know that he gives gays a bad name. They are also suspicious of Alan Jones homosexuality mainly because he was arrested in a public lavatory in London's West End in 1988. But in saying that, the right-wing also likes to pretend that the toilet arrest did not happen, and secretly wish Alan Jones was not gay. So when the left mentions his toilet arrest, the right-wing reluctantly defends Alan Jones, because people like Tony Abbott often praise him. The left knows that Alan Jones intentionally down plays his homosexuality due to the fact his radio listeners are mostly socially conservative who generally vote for the Liberals or Nationals. So the left are gay-baiting him so that the world and his listeners can see how hard he is down playing his homosexuality. The left knows that conservative people who listen to his radio show are generally more anti-gay than left-wing people who vote for the ALP or the Greens. The left-wing love it when Alan Jones is caught out making thoughtless comments, as that makes the likes of Tony Abbott look silly associating with Jones. The left also likes to mention that Alan Jones is gay because they want conservatives to know that not all gays are left-wing. As the left believes that the right-wing paints a picture that only gays vote for the Greens or for the ALP party. So they use Jones as an example of someone who is socially conservative, yet openly gay. The left also knows that Alan Jones is influential, and are secretly terrified of his influence during election times. Finally the right and left both know that Alan Jones is due to retire soon, and it can't come soon enough for left-wing and right-wing people who want his show off the radio. Personally I have no sympathy for Alan Jones as he has a history of making silly comments on his radio show. It's the old saying "what goes around, comes around".

You really do have to feel sorry for the ABC & its people. It must be difficult to be so torn in different directions.

For the ABC, the most pro homosexual organisation [the place is full of them], in the country, to have to attack one, must be near giving them a collective psychosis.

It does show, however, just how far these lefties will go, when there is a chance of inflicting even a pin prick of damage to the Abbott.