City officials are treating the city's hosting of the APEC summit in September like a looming battle between good & evil. If that calls to mind Bush/Rove scare tactics, consider the current prime minister is lagging far behind in polls with a federal election coming in October. A public fearful of -- gasp -- a change in leadership worked for Bush in 2004, and John Howard has been a faithful spitbucket carrier for the Miserable Failure.
But the APEC summit? While the world yawns, Sydney will preen like a precocious tween squeezing all she can from her momentary place on the world stage. Unlike a child, who lives her life to the fullest until poisoned by fear & doubt, Sydneysiders will have the sh*t scared out of them by leaders stressing 'prudent precaution'. Consider this:
Some Sydney hospitals, including Prince of Wales and Royal Prince Alfred (where Mrs Hannah plans to have her baby), are canceling their elective surgery lists to free up resources in case there is a disaster.Bloody hogwash. Believe it or not, a public holiday has already been declared for Sept. 7 in the Sydney metropolitan area, widespread declared & restricted areas have been designated, a no-fly zone will be enforced by Air Force jets, and cops will be given unprecedented 'sneak & peak' powers in the CBD.
Amateurs.
2 comments:
I cannot believe the lack of comment on the abuse by the Howard Government’s regarding the forthcoming APEC meeting in Sydney. Apart from the obvious suspension of people’s democratic rights in Australia’s largest city for the duration of the conferences to Howard Government; by inviting George Bush and some other Country’s Leaders has increased the threat of terrorists activities on Australian Soil. This is clearly indicated by the enormous effort at enormous cost to provide State and Federal Police surveillance and protection supported by special elements of the Defence Force.
Supporting or encouraging terrorist’s activities is a criminal offence but that is exactly what Howard’s Government is doing in order to big note himself. Shutting down the centre of Sydney is not for the benefit of the citizens who will be paying for the expensive security arrangements whilst their activities are curtailed or constrained.
Shame on you Howard ! You will be held personally responsible for any terrorist activity that may ensue as a result of this conference, including all protest activities that are going to be provoked by this conference.
Why do they have to meet carnally? We have the technology for a tele-conference. With Dubya and the Dessicated Coconut both mewling and puking about their committment to doing something about fuel wastage, this would have been a great opportunity to make a significant gesture. Alas.
Fortunately I live on the other side and won't be affected by this, but you have my sympathy - and isn't B16 coming soon and the same problems will have to be faced, as well as the closure of the race course?
Thanks so much for the bird calls, they're truly beautiful. I believe the male magpie has the solid white patch on the back and the female has a sort of scrappy pied look.
Diana
Perth
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