09-21-2023, 04:14 AM
(09-21-2023, 04:07 AM)townsendcalling link Wrote:Sam Newman has doubled down on his comments against the Welcome to Country in a fiery interview, taking aim at AFL legend Adam Goodes and branding the common ceremonies a “hoax”.
The AFL personality stirred up controversy on this week after making comments on his podcast, You Cannot Be Serious, encouraging Aussies to boo or “slow hand clap” during the Welcome to Country, particularly at the upcoming AFL Grand Final at the MCG.
Appearing on 3AW radio on Thursday, Newman was asked by host Tony Jones whether his suggestion was “inciting violence”.
“What an extraordinary question,” Newman said.
“The public have had a gutful of people telling us how to live our lives, particularly footballing organisations. We like to go to the football and watch the game without being told to vote for the gay marriage proposal … without being told to vote for the Voice. Why do they get involved? It is an absolute hoax, it’s a rort, the Welcome to Country. Why do we have to be welcomed to the country we live in? Why is that? It is just a mark of division. The people who welcome you to country get a nice stipend out of it. Why do they charge? It’s just a rort.”
At least he has the balls to voice his opinion which these days it’s seems anyone that has an opinion against the main stream it doesn’t take long for you to be branded, pigeon holed called a racist, homophobic etc.
Freedom of speech is slowly being eroded in this country and imo there needs to be a balance and while not everyone may agree with Newmans opinion he has as much right as anyone to voice it.