{"id":499367,"date":"2026-01-07T17:12:13","date_gmt":"2026-01-07T17:12:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/499367\/"},"modified":"2026-01-07T17:12:13","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T17:12:13","slug":"the-three-reasons-wilcoxs-cartoon-was-unacceptable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/499367\/","title":{"rendered":"The three reasons Wilcox\u2019s cartoon was unacceptable"},"content":{"rendered":"

January 7, 2026 \u2014 8:00pm<\/p>\n

Save<\/p>\n

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n

Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n

Save this article for later<\/p>\n

Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime.<\/p>\n

Got it\" Photo: Cathy Wilcox<\/p>\n

To submit a letter to The Age, email letters@theage.com.au<\/a>. Please include your home address and telephone number. No attachments, please include your letter in the body of the email. See here<\/a> for our rules and tips on getting your letter published.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cathy Wilcox\u2019s cartoon (7\/1) is disgraceful for three reasons:<\/strong>
First, it implies that the calls for a royal commission after the Bondi massacre is a machination of Benjamin Netanyahu. The myriad Australians calling for a commission are functioning adults, who are quite capable of making up their own minds about what is required after the Bondi massacre.
Second, it implies that a malign external power is behind the calls for a royal commission. After the Christchurch massacre no one stated that the \u2033\u2063Muslim lobby\u2033\u2063 or international Muslim leaders influenced Jacinda Ardern\u2019s swift call for a royal commission. She did so in 10 days.The families of the bereaved in Christchurch were very relieved that this happened so swiftly.
Third, the cartoon depicts the ancient antisemitic trope that international Jews are interfering with local politics. This is blatant antisemitic racism. The widespread hatred of Benjamin Netanyahu, and of Israel, is blunting many Australians\u2019 capacity to see what is required after Australia\u2019s worst terrorist massacre.
Shame on you.
Pia Brous, Armadale<\/strong><\/p>\n

Australians are manipulated? No<\/strong>
Is Cathy Wilcox seriously suggesting that eminent Australians such as former Chief Justice Robert French and Chancellor of Western Sydney University Jennifer Westacott are being manipulated by Rupert Murdoch and the Liberal Party, and ultimately by Benjamin Netanyahu? Apart from the contempt shown towards many eminent Australians who are horrified by the level of antisemitism since October 2023, it appears to engage in antisemitic tropes by alleging manipulation of public figures by the Israeli PM.
Peta Heffernan, Flemington<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are no dots to join<\/strong>
Cathy Wilcox\u2019s cartoon suggesting that Australians are dancing to the tune of Netanyahu in the call for a royal commission is not only false but obscene. Wilcox is joining non-existent dots.
Mark Shenken, Balaclava<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s just a force of history<\/strong>
Cathy Wilcox\u2019s cartoon addresses the disturbing silence around the Gaza war from conservative voices in relation to calls for a royal commission into antisemitism. It is as if the deaths of thousands of Palestinian children have, Stalinist-like, been expunged from history already. One can be truly appalled by the malign acts of Hamas; but the IDF\u2019s wildly disproportionate revenge attacks on ordinary Gazans have blunted Israel\u2019s hitherto high moral ground. Any royal commission must tackle this egregious historical act if it is to have full contextual legitimacy. I say this as one who acknowledges Israel as long being the only, albeit now imperfect, democracy in the Middle East.
Jon McMillan, Mornington<\/strong><\/p>\n

A serious moment in our history<\/strong>
What a profoundly disappointing and disturbing cartoon. As if this needs restating, Australia is trying to come to grips with the worst terrorist attack on Australian soil that was specifically targeted at the tiny Australian Jewish community. Inexplicably, the federal government has been resisting holding a royal commission and a significant and diverse cross section of society has made it known that a royal commission is needed to examine how the Bondi massacre occurred and the circumstances that lead to it. This is a serious moment in the history of this country and yet the cartoonist and The Age chose to trivialise it. The utter moral emptiness of the publication decision is exacerbated by the allusion in the cartoon that all that is occurring in Australia is being orchestrated by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Andrew Komesaroff, Caulfield<\/strong><\/p>\n

THE FORUM<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unbridled power<\/strong>
The Age editorial<\/a> (7\/1) that \u201cIf you respect international law, then you cannot condone Donald Trump\u2019s attack on Venezuela\u201d and as an ally we ought to be able to say so, is apt. That Anthony Albanese chose his words carefully in response to Trump\u2019s coup d\u2019\u00e9tat (ie no direct criticism of Trump flouting international law), while continuing to support international law is indicative of a fair-weather friendship between our two nations.
Nevertheless, as Geoffrey Robertson, KC, discerns \u201cthere was no legal difference between Vladimir Putin\u2019s attack on Ukraine and Donald Trump\u2019s attack on Venezuela\u201d, but for the distinction in diplomatic \u2033\u2063tolerance\u2019 of the respective scenarios. Alas, \u201cthe ability to call out the obvious crossing of clear red lines\u201d, while it ought to be \u201cunremarkable\u201d, is a major challenge for our nation\u2019s leadership.
Not least of which in the context of the gratuitous boast by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller that \u201cWe\u2019re a superpower and under President Trump we will conduct ourselves as a superpower\u201d.
Recall English historian Lord Acton: \u201cPower tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.\u201c
End of story.
Jelena Rosic, Mornington<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rethink friends<\/strong>
Australia is a young country, but we are old enough to know who should be our friends, and, who to avoid. Diplomatic language requires us not to speak plainly about a person we may dislike, as we would in a pub. Such a person is Donald Trump. Maybe it is time for Australia to think, who is the greatest risk to Australia, China or America?
Barry Revill, Moorabbin<\/strong><\/p>\n

The ties that bind<\/strong>
I loved Elias Visontay\u2019s article about the wearing of ties (Comment<\/a>, 7\/1). I have taught mainly in state schools where uniform either is mandatory or casual dress is fine. I wear a bow tie to both situations. Where uniform is compulsory, I like to be a role model while where there is no uniform, I try not to look like the kids. It always creates amusement when I wear a necktie on Fridays. It does not take too long for the students to determine \u201ccasual\u201d Friday. No way would I emulate those teachers who wear T-shirt, shorts and thongs.
As I was making a farewell speech at one school, I quipped that I hoped that I had increased the sartorial IQ of the staff.
Rod Watson, East Brighton<\/strong><\/p>\n

Privatising failure<\/strong>
In news that will surprise absolutely no one, costs will increase for Victorians after the land titles office was privatised (\u201cVictoria privatised this agency. Now home owners face increased fees<\/a>\u201d, 7\/1). This is just another example of the failures of privatisation. Can anyone from government identify a single example of the privatisation of a government service that has resulted in better and cheaper service, as always promised, or even a break-even example? I\u2019ll wait, but if they can\u2019t name an example can they then admit defeat and say, \u201cNo more.\u201c
Ross Hudson, Mount Martha<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walk in others\u2019 shoes<\/strong>
In the aftermath of the terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch in 2019 in New Zealand, I remember we were encouraged to visit a mosque so that we might learn something about Islam and empathise with them. Fast forward to today. Given the usual security protocols beforehand, it might be helpful if we visited a synagogue as a way of showing support and empathy with our Jewish neighbours following the terror attack in Bondi. Whichever way the PM goes with calling a royal commission into the rise of antisemitism, to walk a mile in the shoes of our fellow Jewish Australians like this can be illuminating and educational. Can\u2019t hurt and we might learn something.
Nick Toovey, Beaumaris<\/strong><\/p>\n

Unintended consequences<\/strong>
A royal commission that does not address all racism will only lead to an increase in antisemitism as Jewish Australians will be seen as getting preferential treatment.
Rob Melvin, Avondale Heights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Broaden terms<\/strong>
The pressure is increasing on Anthony Albanese to establish a royal commission into antisemitism (\u2033\u2063PM shifts on calls for Bondi inquiry<\/a>\u2033\u2063, 7\/1). A growing list of people and organisations are demanding it, the opposition, lawyers, business figures and prominent sports stars. Some well-qualified, some well-intentioned, some politically motivated and some perhaps joining in to be seen as part of the public push. Now that a growing number of his own party are joining in, perhaps it has reached a point where if he doesn\u2019t act, he will be seen as not listening to the community. If he does agree to a federal royal commission he must extend the terms of reference beyond events before, during and after Bondi and the rise in antisemitism. Terms to be added should include Islamophobia, the current resentment against immigrants stoked by the Put Australia First movement and the jaundiced portrayal of parts of our Indigenous community as clearly illustrated by the negative campaign prior to the Voice referendum.
Bill Pimm, Mentone<\/strong><\/p>\n

Gaps in the memory<\/strong>
I nearly lost my teeth in my muffin when I read that Opposition transport spokesman Evan Mulholland said, \u201cThis sinkhole is the perfect metaphor for the Allan Labor government\u2019s management of this project … the costs of the North East Link have become a bottomless pit.\u2033\u2063
The trouble with age is memory, but I do seem to remember some rather Liberal holes around Burnley and Domain that leaked like sieves and probably still do today.
So it it seems even the Liberals have their own metaphoric sinking holes history, though some are a bit young to remember.
Kim Kaye, Surrey Hills<\/strong><\/p>\n

Too many guns<\/strong>
As a young man I arrived from England and was sent, as a jackeroo, to a large property outside Bourke, NSW. We all had .22 rifles (with scopes) which we used to kill wild pigs, for which we received a bounty and kangaroos for dog meat. Once I had to shoot the manager\u2019s sheep dog which had drunk sheep dip. The station had one 12 bore shotgun which we could use but cartridges were expensive and one .33 rifle which was used to put down larger animals in distress. Why landowners say they need multiple guns is beyond my comprehension. If the government is serious about limiting gun ownership this seems a good place to start.
Adrian Peniston-Bird, Kew<\/strong><\/p>\n

The revolution is now<\/strong>
Usurpation of power takes many forms. Here\u2019s one that seems to have flown in under the radar: Donald Trump\u2019s conditioning of the American people, the military included, to unconsciously accept a previously unthinkable idea, that the US army is his to deploy wherever he likes and for whatever purpose he chooses. One might argue that the coup has already happened. Just needs the i\u2019s dotted and the t\u2019s crossed.
Claude Miller, Castlemaine<\/strong><\/p>\n

What are the odds?<\/strong>
Your correspondent raises the important issue of how the Bureau of Meteorology communicates bushfire risk (Letters, 4\/1). As a professional statistician with a deep interest in uncertainty and chance, I believe the bureau\u2019s current approach to rainfall forecasting is another example of poor probabilistic communication. The problem lies in framing. The bureau expresses dry weather forecasts as a high probability of no rain \u2013 attaching high probability to a non-event. While mathematically symmetric (90 per cent chance of no rain equals 10 per cent chance of rain), language and interpretation are not. We don\u2019t say \u201cthere\u2019s a 99.9 per cent chance of not having a heart attack today\u201d or \u201ca high probability of not being bitten by a snake\u201d, even though both statements may be true. Instead, we naturally frame these as \u201ca small risk of … \u201c
Good communication highlights informative uncertainty. A 90 per cent chance of no rain conveys little useful information on most days, while a 10 per cent chance of rain precisely captures the uncertainty people need to act on.
The bureau should focus on the event that matters, not its absence.
Professor David Fox, University of Melbourne<\/strong><\/p>\n

Acts of kindness<\/strong>
One afternoon recently I saw an elderly man on a roadside seat, with his head back and looking as if he could be asleep. A young man walked by and asked if he was OK. As there was no response, he touched him gently and tried to rouse him. He realised something was wrong and went into action. It was so reassuring to see such care and kindness.
A small crowd gathered and assisted, as the young man called the ambulance. Later as I was driving home, the ambulance had arrived. Another man had taken over directing traffic. As sad as it was, I was reminded of the wonderful, positive, humane characteristics in people. They are everywhere. Unfortunately, the few bad people seem to get our attention, instead of the good human beings in our communities.
Catherine Healy, Brighton<\/strong><\/p>\n

Business, not takeover<\/strong>
Why would the US need to own Greenland to extract the minerals? The extraction business is global and Greenland would probably be happy to enter into mining deals with American companies, for proper royalties of course.
Ralph B\u00f6hmer, St Kilda West<\/strong><\/p>\n

Next stop, Putin<\/strong>
It\u2019s a pity that Donald Trump can\u2019t extract Vladimir Putin from the Kremlin to face his alleged crimes and atrocities.
Peter Walker, Black Rock<\/strong><\/p>\n

AND ANOTHER THING<\/strong><\/p>\n

Inquiries<\/strong>
Re \u201cPM shifts on calls for Bondi inquiry\u201d (7\/1) is this yet another example of populism from a play-it-safe and timid prime minister?
Michelle Goldsmith, Eaglehawk<\/strong><\/p>\n

With politicians set to debate laws around hate speech, which you\u2019d imagine, have their roots in ignorance and intolerance, perhaps they could also examine the way they behave in Question Time. Leading by example would be a good start.
Craig Jory, Albury, NSW<\/strong><\/p>\n

Will the proposed new hate speech laws apply to all preachers and cult leaders no matter their religious beliefs, thus allowing us atheists to feel safe?
Peter Roche, Carlton<\/strong><\/p>\n

So it took the sports greats to perhaps get a royal commission over the line?
Bryan Fraser, St Kilda West<\/strong><\/p>\n

An alert has been put out in the US. It appears that the nation\u2019s\u2019s moral compass has gone missing.
Greg Tuck, Warragul<\/strong><\/p>\n

Furthermore<\/strong>
Bazball has been labelled the culprit in England\u2019s failed attempt to regain the Ashes. The more simple explanation is that apart from Joe Root and Ben Stokes the English team is somewhat average at best.
Phil Alexander, Eltham<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bravo Usman Khawaja for having the intestinal fortitude to speak out at the racism and double standards you have endured during your career.
Eric Palm, Gympie, Qld<\/strong><\/p>\n

When they say, \u201cIt\u2019s not about the oil,\u201d it\u2019s about the oil.
Peter Russo, West Brunswick<\/strong><\/p>\n

I thought we might be saving water with so many homes being built wall to wall then realised they all had pools, which never get used.
Kate Read, Canterbury<\/strong><\/p>\n

If I want a warm beer, I go to UK. It is unacceptable in Australia.
Susan Munday, Bentleigh East<\/strong><\/p>\n

That sink hole has made a practice par two a gimme \u2013 retrieving the ball not so much.
Greg Curtin, Nunawading<\/strong><\/p>\n

Save<\/p>\n

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n

Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n

Most Viewed in NationalFrom our partners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"January 7, 2026 \u2014 8:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":499368,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[4740,50],"class_list":{"0":"post-499367","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-australia","9":"tag-news"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/115854937042762994","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/499367","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=499367"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/499367\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/499368"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=499367"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=499367"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=499367"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}