Aussie Values - A 'Fair Go'

I attended the demonstration in Brisbane on 20 December. There were 1000-1500 people there and there was a potent sense of outrage and anger at the lack of justice in the Mulrunji affair. What struck me was the exasperation of Aborigines, especially older ones, who have seen so many deaths of Aborigines while in custody. Their sense of deja vu must eat them up. Of course there are many white Australians who share the anger and are aware of the history of injustice in this area of Australian society but for those who are related to or know the victims and who attend the funerals, it must be shattering.

I must also comment on the police presence at the demo. It was very large but they gave the demonstrators a 'fair go' in that they did not intervene in the face of considerable provocative comments by angry speakers. Even the burning of the Australian flag brought no action.

One of the things that irks (read shits) me about John Howard and his constant talk of Australian values is the implication that they are unique. As if no other country or culture believes in, say, a 'fair go'. What rubbish! You only have to look at today's news that Abu Bakar Bashir, spiritual leader of Jemaah Islamiah, has been found innocent of involvement in the Bali bombings. Clearly Indonesians believe in a 'fair go' for this bloke when Blind Freddy knows this decision is wrong. Or perhaps it's just that their legal system is as open to abuse by fancy lawyers as ours is and legalities take prominence over justice.

STOP PRESS
I HAVE JUST HEARD THAT THE QLD ATTORNEY GENERAL IS GOING TO REVIEW THE ABSURD DPP DECISION NOT TO LAY CHARGES AGAINST SERGEANT HURLEY OVER MULRUNJI'S DEATH.
I have just posted this comment on the Courier mail's website:'Let there be NO DOUBT the review decision is purely political. It is nothing more than a response to the outrage expressed in letters, emails, petitions, talkback and the angry demonstrations on Wednesday. Ordinary people - black and white - have won out over fancy lawyers and equivocating politicians. Now let's see some justice.'

How fantastic to know that people power is still capable of being taken seriously. Every little bit helps. Remember, the Pacific Ocean is made up of drops of water!
Cheers, Peter