Liberal MP Tim Smith has gotten into an online spat with journalist Leonardo Puglisi, threatening to send him “a letter” for republishing one of his own tweets. The main difference between the two? The one is 38-years-old, while the other is 14!
The whole thing began when Smith posted a tweet regarding the recent ruling by the US Supreme Court to allow individual states to ban abortions. In his tweet, Smith pointed out that abortions are legal in every state across Australia, asking followers if they’re “glad (they) live in a constitutional monarchy with a largely British constitution” – in a clearly sarcastic manner.
Tim Smith on Roe v Wade being overturned: “Aren’t you glad we live in a constitutional monarchy with a largely British constitution?” https://t.co/pq6WYhIg24 https://t.co/vMcPK1ZQoQ pic.twitter.com/w70C4Wdq1T
— Leonardo Puglisi (@Leo_Puglisi6) June 25, 2022
The tweet was then picked up by 14-year-old Puglisi, who restated Smith’s words before republishing the tweet and sharing a link to his own platform, 6 News Australia.
If you’re trying to verbal me on my opinion regarding the substance of the Supreme Court’s decision, you may be getting a letter in the post. Be very careful.
— Tim Smith MP (@TimSmithMP) June 25, 2022
This action prompted the Liberal MP to respond in a bit of an aggressive manner, pointing out that if the youth were to use these quotes, he could be getting “a letter in the mail” and advising him to be “very careful”.
The young journo showed his surprise in Smith’s statement and, with the rationale of a seasoned veteran, asked the politician to retract his threats, reminding him that he was speaking to an adolescent.
Tim, I’m a 14-year-old journalist who’s been reporting reactions from Aus MPs to the Roe v Wade decision all day
I simply tweeted about yours too
I’m disgusted that you’ve made a blatant threat to me & I’m asking you to withdraw your comment
— Leonardo Puglisi (@Leo_Puglisi6) June 25, 2022
The response by Smith also prompted Puglisi’s father to get involved in the debate, asking him what type of letter his son would be expecting.
damn even my dad ratioed him pic.twitter.com/2jIb10SS15
— Leonardo Puglisi (@Leo_Puglisi6) June 26, 2022
Picking fights with teenagers who are just trying to find their passion in the world is never a good look for any adult, let alone an elected representative of the people.
