Post by Teddy Bear on Dec 10, 2012 0:35:27 GMT
James Delingpole reflects on the death of Sir Patrick Moore and is struck by the fact that if Sir Patrick was looking to work for the BBC today. somebody with his talents and qualities would be persona non grata.
Sir Patrick Moore, proud patriot, would never have got a job in the modern BBC
By James Delingpole
The highest possible compliment you could pay Sir Patrick Moore, who has died full of years and honour, is that he would have never got a job as a science presenter with the modern BBC.
First, he was too talented – a veritable renaissance man. Sir Patrick was a handy spin bowler, a talented composer and a virtuoso xylophonist who played a version of "Anarchy in the UK" in front of the Queen at a Royal Variety Performance as well as once duetting with Albert Einstein on the piano.
Second, he knew too much about science – real science: in his case astronomy, which he had studied with the obsession of an autodidact, as opposed to the faux science of global warming which is the obsession of all modern TV scientists.
Third, he had a real hinterland and life experience, having served for five years during the war as a navigator with RAF Bomber Command. This was a remarkable feat. Few who joined so early in the war, in 1940, were able to survive for so long.
Fourth, and perhaps most important, he was so gloriously and unapologetically politically incorrect. This would have won him few favours in today's gag-inducingly bien pensant BBC.
He was, in short, the incarnation of the quintessentially English values which are now being celebrated defiantly by UKIP – a party that Sir Patrick was proud to support. He will be very much missed.
By James Delingpole
The highest possible compliment you could pay Sir Patrick Moore, who has died full of years and honour, is that he would have never got a job as a science presenter with the modern BBC.
First, he was too talented – a veritable renaissance man. Sir Patrick was a handy spin bowler, a talented composer and a virtuoso xylophonist who played a version of "Anarchy in the UK" in front of the Queen at a Royal Variety Performance as well as once duetting with Albert Einstein on the piano.
Second, he knew too much about science – real science: in his case astronomy, which he had studied with the obsession of an autodidact, as opposed to the faux science of global warming which is the obsession of all modern TV scientists.
Third, he had a real hinterland and life experience, having served for five years during the war as a navigator with RAF Bomber Command. This was a remarkable feat. Few who joined so early in the war, in 1940, were able to survive for so long.
Fourth, and perhaps most important, he was so gloriously and unapologetically politically incorrect. This would have won him few favours in today's gag-inducingly bien pensant BBC.
He was, in short, the incarnation of the quintessentially English values which are now being celebrated defiantly by UKIP – a party that Sir Patrick was proud to support. He will be very much missed.