The issues raised in one of the best editorials of the year are certainly timely and focus on a central conundrum for editors worldwide. There is a hypothetical risk that open reporting of a story actually ignites issues and adds momentum to very bad public behaviour. Media publication in Australia of heinous damage to public property might once have shamed individuals and stopped further instances, but divisive, hating elements of our community today seem out of control and intoxicated with a poorly based self righteousness, stoked by their convictions. The Daily Telegraph was right to ensure senior police were compliant before the publication of their story on the Dural caravan packed with explosives. Also, the punishments handed out by the courts for instances of public disorder should receive maximum publicity to hopefully quell future misbehaviour and offer some recompense to victims. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 1Feb2025