One week ago, Jews everywhere learned that even in the world's most diverse and tolerant society, they were not beyond the deadly reach of anti-Semitism.

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For this, there is much shame to go around.

But there is no shortage of shamelessness either.

Take for example the Liberal Party MPs who attempted to remove section 18C from the Racial Discrimination Act in the interests of free speech, when last in office. Seamlessly, they have now staked out the moral high-ground against hate speech and vilification.

So complete is their conversion, that the government's move to tighten gun laws was immediately dismissed as a "distraction". This, despite the fact that the shooters relied on a small suburban arsenal of high-powered long-arms and quite a lot of ammunition - all legally held.

Amid heartfelt demands for action over words, cutting firearm numbers goes directly to a core logistical element of this attack.

After the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, then opposition leader, Kim Beazley, offered John Howard support for whatever measures were necessary. Sussan Ley initially pulled the same rein, but within 24 hours, the opposition had switched to blame and attack mode.

Never had national tragedy so brazenly been turned to political advantage.

I spoke to a Jewish friend who is thoughtful, analytical, and unfailingly decent. He said he would speak but would prefer not to have his name published, given the profound grief and injury among Jews at present.

I have decided to bring you his thoughts because they offer a nuanced interpretation which has been lost amid the absolutism of current reporting. We spoke by phone and he........

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