[b e s ty - // u p d a t e s]

Hey hey all,

If you live in Australia, you have undoubtedly heard about the attempted suicide of John Brogden. If you don't live in Australia, here is a bit of background. John Brogden is the opposition leader of the Liberal Party in New South Wales, Australia. Recently, after allegations of racial and sexual remarks directed towards then Premier Bob Carr's Wife, Helena, and two journalists at a function in inner sydney, Mr Brogden quit his position as Liberal Party leader.

Last night, Mr. Brogden was found by ambulance officers and police at his electorate office, slumped over his table, with minor self inflicted stab wounds and a bottle of alcohol beside him. He was rushed to hospital, and was discharged earlier this afternoon.

Mr Brogden did the right thing in quitting as leader of the Liberal Party. He himself admitted that what he did was wrong, and that he was sincerely sorry for his actions.

After resigning, newpaper articles and front page covers damned John Brogden for his actions.

It is said that a certain journalist from the Daily Telegraph in Sydney 'taunted' Mr Brogden about his actions, and was planning to publish other allegations that had cropped up after Mr Brogden had relinquished the leadership position of the Liberal party.

Wether or not this is true, it is a sad fact tha the Media can potentially drive a public figure, such as Mr Brogden, to the point of suicide. If the media can do this, it shows how much power they really do have.

My best wishes go to Mr Brogden, his family and his colleagues.

Besty

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