rooters & shooters in Oz

[Gary MacLennan <g.maclennan@xxxxxxxxxx>]

I presume that comrades will be vaguely familiar with the recent massacre in
Tasmania, Austrralia. 34 people killed by a mentally distrubed young man (of
course)  They may also know about the strict gun control laws that have been
passed by the Conservatives following the killings.

The gun lobby were clearly outmanoeuvered but now have begun to fight back.
the rhetoric they emply will be reasonably familiar to American subscribers-
freedom, rights etc.  Here in Qld at last nite's meeting in a country town
there was the added twist that the new laws were blamed on the homosexuals
because we all know they "don't like guns."  The media too are homosexual it
seems and the politicians too have "gay advisers".

The Anarchist collective that I work with has come out against the new gun
laws.  Anarchist thought detests state intervention and besides is nourished
by the fantasies of the putschist jacquerie.  What can one say about working
with Anarchists/ liberterians?  They are always far to the left or far to
the right.(sorry Bryan!)

I myself favour gun control, but then I would, wouldn't I?

There is talk of opposition from the gun lobby.  They are threatening
conservative politicians.  Saying they will take over the streets. Will they
do anything?  I have such contempt for rightists that I am unable to to come
to a correct estimate of their  political strength.  They might be a problem
for the Tory govewrnment.

What interests me is what the Prime Minister said after the laws were
passed.  He claimed that Australia had decided not to "go down the American
path".  That sort of remark would have been impossible before the collapse
of the Berlin Wall.  Ah the power of an absence.


regards

Gary



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