Invasion Day +21 Hoggy writes to the BBC and posts for Maria Burmaka on the f-word. Meanwhile, Putin manipulates a 'peace' conference to distract the world from his mercilessly shelling of a theatre and swimming pool being used by children as shelters. We stand with Joe Biden in declaiming Putin as a war criminal and wait patiently for an International Arrest Warrant on Putin and his generals to be issued. We add 'The Barbarian' to Putin's titles. Now as the third terrible week of war commences, reports suggest nearly everywhere the Ukrainians are holding fast. And bravely. In some places reports suggest they are re-gaining ground as front-line Russian soldiers lay down their arms and flee. Reports also suggest Putin's first supply of munitions has run so low he has had to resort to last-generation weaponry, more deadly for their inaccuracy. As if that would worry Putin. Only the cowardly trigger-pullers miles behind the lines and above the skies, safe and adequately fed, remain loyal as the front line troops become increasingly sacrificed. These young duped and threatened soldiers are victims of Putin too and whilst we probably have little sympathy to spare for them, they need to see how betrayed and abandoned they and their parents and brothers and sisters have been by Putin. Freedom has a high price tag for many. And here's to heroic Olga Smirnova of the Bolshoi Ballet who says a line has been drawn and 'We (Russians) cannot remain indifferent'. All wishes to you Olga and to the Dutch ballet company who have embraced you. Last word for now, a question; how can Russia still be sitting in presidency at the United Nations? A disgraceful situation which should be sorted. And soon; letters to Hoggy, not necessarily on a postcard. hoggytheyimp@gmail.com
(For more information on Hoggy and this letter writing support blog for Ukraine please go to 'About Hoggy' on this site, thank you to you all, we are having a lot of site visits every day now and many comments of appreciation.)
Today's letters:
Hoggy complains to the BBC on their treatment of Maria Burmaka and the 'phrase that defined a war'.
Dear Director General,
On March 2nd, Dan Walker interviewed singer Maria Burmaka on BBC Breakfast Time. It was a moving and inspirational piece giving great hope to Ukrainians everywhere. In the interview, Maria had words to say to Putin. These including the paraphrased 'f-word' the soldier on an island who had sworn at the Russians used. Dan Walker and the editor then almost unbelievably, immediately, and in my view extremely rudely, cut the interview. I sent my complaint about Maria's shoddy treatment into the news desk immediately but have not, as yet, had a response. Maria Burmaka is listed as one of Ukraine's 100 most influential people, the winner of many awards over a long career as a singer and TV personality. This interview will have been seen by many Ukrainians everywhere and she and they deserved much better given the circumstances. There was no need to cut this interview in the manner the editor or Dan Walker decided, the apology he gave for the swearing was perfectly adequate and the interview could and, should have continued.
I am hosting a war blog of letters in support of Ukraine and wish to let the readers know the BBC response to my complaint. I would be grateful if that response could now be forthcoming.
Yours sincerely.
Hoggy.
A Yimp.
Response:
Dear complainant,
Thanks for contacting the BBC. This is to confirm we have received the attached complaint sent in this name. We've included the text of the complaint and case reference for your records.
Our normal aim is to reply at this stage within 10 working days (two weeks), but we hope you will understand that sometimes we are unable to respond by then. We'll let you know beforehand if we think it may take us longer.
We'll normally include your complaint in our overnight report to producers and management. This will circulate your and all complaints with others received today (but with any personal details removed) so it then be available for the right team to read tomorrow morning.
Thanks again for contacting us,
BBC complaints team
Hoggy says: 'We will keep you posted on this but just in case you missed the interview and the original press reports, the 'phrase that defined a war' is ''F*** You Putin.' And no apologies here for the language. Hoggy.'
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