Hacking Inquiry Hacked?

In the UK, the Leveson Inquiry, named after the chairman of the inquiry, Lord Justice Leveson, is revealing just how unethical journalists can be in their pursuit of “news”. I say “news” because, frankly, in my opinion, some of the things that are reported by journalists cannot be classified as news. Malicious gossip is probably a more appropriate term.

What is particular amusing is that a blogger, who goes by the name of Guido Fawkes, has actually obtained and already published, on his blog, one of the Leveson Inquiry witness statements. What is significant about this is that the statement was only due to be given to the Leveson Inquiry this coming Wednesday, 30 November 2011. So, it seems that the Leveson Inquiry has been “hacked”.

Guido Fawkes has not revealed how the statement, by Alastair Campbell, was obtained and his blog contains a simple statement that “Guido obtained this text by legal means.” The full statement by Alistair Campbell, due to be given on Wednesday this week, can be read here.

Guido highlights on his blog that the Daily Mirror hacked phones and that is how they broke the story of Cherie Blair’s pregnancy. (I really wonder why Cherie Blair’s pregnancy should be considered news worthy enough to warrant exposure before she chose to do so herself? What is wrong with these sick journalists?)

Guido also makes a clear note, on his blog, that Piers Morgan was the editor of the Daily Mirror when the telephones were hacked to get the story of Cherie Blair’s pregnancy. (This is not the first time that these allegations have been made. Former Daily Mirror journalist James Hipwell has also previously said that it was "inconceivable" Mr Morgan did not know about phone hacking.) Piers Morgan will have to appear in front of the Leveson Inquiry to answer the allegations.

Piers Morgan is the same man who claimed, on CNN, to be culturally Catholic, whatever that is. In the same breath, Morgan said that the Catholic Church’s view on homosexuality is out dated and that this view bordered on bigotry. 

If this hacking allegation is true, it seems clear that Mr. Morgan some time ago fell into the relativism trap and that he has lost any sense of what is “right” and what is “wrong”! Morgan may want to consider ceasing to be culturally Catholic and return to being Catholic. The Church could then help form his conscience as to what is “right” and what is “wrong”! It may even do him some good to read this document titled "How to form a Catholic conscience".

I really hope that the Leveson Inquiry will lead to the implementation of stricter controls over what journalists may report, specifically when it comes to private matters, which has nothing whatsoever to do with public interest. Much of what they report is really nothing less than snooping and displays a complete lack of respect for the dignity of individuals.