Demo in Brisbane

[Gary MacLennan <g.maclennan@xxxxxxxxxx>]

There was a demonstration today called by the Lord Mayor of Brisbane.  It
was attended by around 1000.  Actually this is quite good considering that
the war has not started and we already have a fledgling peace movement in
place. I think that there is a strong tide running against Australia's
involvement.

Speaking at the rally was the leader of the Greens Bob Brown.  Brown is
generally a poor speaker seldom getting above  monotone with the rhythm of
a hobbled donkey, but today he was much more animated.  I think he has been
buoyed up tremendously by the victory in the by election at Cunningham.

The Greens could be on a role.  I ventured some criticisms of his content
but that went down very badly with my immediate circle. It is Greens all
the way in my extended family.  I will have to remember that the next time
they ask for cash.

There were two points though that stood out for me.  Brown is unable to
break clearly from the stance that war might be ok if the UN authorises
it.  It is really dangerous to sow such illusions in the UN.  Secondly in
talking about society he said those that have should share with those who
do not have.  It never occurs to him to ask why those who have actually
have it.  Within this model wealth is somehow not due to exploitation but
to rather something like good fortune and something to be shared out in a
spirit of generosity.

Still these remarks are not meant to indicate that I am not enjoying the
damage that the Greens have done to the Labor Party.  There is a crisis
among the pragmatists and sell out merchants that is truly palpable.  It
could not happen to a nicer bunch.

regards

Gary




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