[Marxism] Demo in Brisbane

["Gary MacLennan" <gary.maclennan1@xxxxxxxxx>]

We held our demonstration today in Brisbane on behalf of the Palestinian
people.  I estimated that the crowd around the speaking platform was around
1500.  When we marched we seemed to swell to nearly 2000.  The ABC said we
numbered 400. (Nothing changes).  My clan had organised an Irish banner and
a group of us from the old Troops out of Ireland campaign.  It was good to
see old comrades again to take to the streets. We carried signs with the
names of the murdered.  I had Muhammad An-Nuri's name and I carried it with
great pride.

Speaking of which we Irish are very proud of the re-naming of the Derry Wall
to "You are now entering Free Gaza".  The Arabs know about this and they are
grateful for Irish support.

Today's demonstration was lively and very angry about the atrocities and war
crimes in Gaza.  We chanted

Bombing children is a crime!
Israel out of Palestine.

The occupation is a crime
Free, free Palestine

2, 4,6, 8 Israel is a racist state.
2, 5, 7, 9 Free, free Palestine

 and my personal favourite

Frome the river to the sea
Palestine will be free.

80% of those taking part would have been Arabs or Muslims.  But the issue is
beginning to gain some traction on the Left.

Basically that is the reason why I supported the invitation to the Labor
Parliamentarian Graham Perrett to speak on the platform.  I know Graham very
well and indeed taught him at university.  Sadly his speech lacked fire and
commitment to the humanitarian dimension.  I know Graham cares deeply about
those being killed but he operated too much within the parameters laid down
by the ALP.

Those nearest and dearest to me have switched from being supporters of Obama
and denouncing my "ultra leftist" criticism of him to now denouncing my
"tail-ending of the Labor Party'.  I had to wear a lot of criticism for my
role in getting Graham invited to speak.  Still I remain committed to the
concept of the united front so we will see what we can do.

We have an organizing meeting on Monday to discuss the future for the
campaign.  I am anxious to move onto boycotts of those who support Israel,
But of coursde that will be a matter for a collective decision..

comradely regards

Gary
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