John Simpson is the BBC's World Affairs Editor. A veteran reporter of over 30 wars, he is a figure enormously respected by all who recognise in the BBC continuing traditions of fiercely independent reporting & commentary. For the same qualifications, he is feared by politicians, particularly those in positions of executive power.
I sat on the sofa this afternoon with Rosie on my lap, watching the cable channel BBC News 24. It was a rolling broadcast of mixed live reportage & video of the current situation in the disaster areas. Simpson’s familiar bulky figure faced the camera &, with customary calm detachment, he spoke of the initial reactions of the United States & British governments to the immediate aftermath of the tsunami. He drew our attention to the fact that the initial sums proposed as national donations were significantly smaller than the sums finally produced. He pointed out that this adjustment followed closely on the heels of the massive sums raised from public donations.
We’re all accustomed to the hypocrisy & mendacity of our leaders. Removal from the ordinary processes that govern the lives of the rest of us, they pursue a policy of permanent realpolitik, which they see as forced upon them by the need for pragmatic responses to rapidly changing situations. So let us not even begin to entertain any notion that either Blair or Bush was shamed into diverting a few more pounds or dollars from maintaining the war effort. That very rapid adjustment to the debit balance was a piece of naked pragmatism.
Not that Simpson even inclined towards that analysis. But he represents a small group of political commentators on both sides of the Atlantic whose ability to shine a hard, bright light at just the right moment during the swift unfolding of events helps to keep us apprised of the facts behind the facts. I was glad to feel that his vigilance is as acute as ever at this early stage of a human tragedy that - after the last body counts are in - will be hijacked by the politicians.
11:47:30 PM 
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