Hell hath no fury like a media baron scorned

I am enjoying the reversal of News Ltd's position on the subject of the regime in China and the lack of basic human rights enjoyed by its subjects. Where once Murdoch might suppress a governor's autobiography because it could offend Beijing, now he's more than happy to have his lackeys lay the boot in.

It's not exactly a secret as to why, but if the interests of News Ltd temporarily coincide with those of human rights campaigners around the world, we should take advantage of the opportunity. As we've often experienced to our cost, they certainly have plenty of firepower to direct at their enemies. (Not as much as the literal firepower Beijing has at its disposal, but still.)

Of course, it's sobering to consider how News Ltd would likely have been reporting these incidents if Murdoch still did have a positive relationship with China, and the ultimate message - do what he tells you or you'll regret it - is hardly a happy one. It's not that the baron has finally noticed what China was doing throughout the period he was courting it; it's just that they turned on him. And, conveniently, their outrageous conduct to other people is a handy stick with which to get his revenge. Is anyone seriously suggesting that News is assessing the situation on its merits and will apply its present enthusiastic defence of human rights any time the people who are oppressing them are willing to give News what it wants?

Just like how nice it was when the Labor Party found that News also wanted a change of government - finally we had a shot at getting rid of Howard. On the other hand, contemplation of with what they had to agree, or what they had to oppose to get that endorsement, can hardly reassure the democrat. (And, of course, News Ltd remains implacably opposed to the actual lefties, the Greens, and is more than happy to smear them at any opportunity.)

Still, nasty organisation firing away at much nastier country; it's better than the alternative. Thank God Beijing was too stupid to realise what an ally it could have had.