APEC Protesters... What the h**l are they protesting for?

Question

It seems like APEC protesters are kicking up a stink for the sake of it! They want something done about the environment, Iraq and god knows what else? At the end of the day that is some of the things on the agenda for APEC. Stop being a nusance unless you have ACTUALLY something constructive to add... which most of you don't! Save us Australians from looking ridiculous by preventing a riot over absolutely nothing! Also, parents bringing the kids to these events... Other protesters crushing them will get you on the news, but do you wanna be on TV that badly? Be smart leave them out of the marches, organise a baby sitter!

Answer 1

I find it a bit pathetic when protestors ignore the leaders of countries with really nasty human rights records (China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Russia), and go for the "toxic Texan" instead.  

The Chinese, Tibetans, West Papuans and Vietnamese were protesting, and despite having a greater claim than those feral skips they had much more dignity.

Notice how there were almost no Asians amongst the mainstream APEC protests.  Perhaps they know something the protests don't or don't want to know - that trade and economic liberalisation is a good thing, and has lifted their countries out of poverty.

Perhaps the most pathetic people were the Sydney-siders themselves, whinging about traffic and security restrictions.  It isn't George Bush's fault if you cannot organise a half decent public transport system.  New York doesn't close down whenever the UN is sitting, so pay your taxes and support better planning.  If you want to say you live in a "global city", and enjoy cushy cosmopolitan careers (instead of working in a factory behind protectionist barriers as most Aussies were doing 30 years ago), you had better get a more global outlook in your thinking.

Answer 2

they are protesting civil rights something you should take in as it effects you why should we stop everything just for them

Answer 3

I agree. The majority of these protesters need to learn that their actions cause great inconvenience and financial loss. They aren't going to get anything done by running around the streets hurling firebombs at police officers. If you want change, use your mind, your vote and you voice. No point using voilence and physical intimidation.

Not forgetting the fact that a lot of the demands of the protesters are unrealistic and impractical, often parading their own interests or a particular interest group they've taken a fancy to while being ignorant of the repercussion these demands would have on other members of society.

Sigh....... Of course I applaud those with the heart and passion to attempt peaceful and socially constructive demonstration. Too bad they're attempts will be soiled by the actions of hooligans and wannabes.

Answer 4

SORRY i wasn't go to answer your question ... ( only because I am getting a little Jaded re politics .) BUT ...

to the person who wrote that GWB  is OUR leaders SPECIAL GUEST ... well that's all fine and dandy and crackerjax... BUT IF THAT'S THE CASE .. let bloody John Howard FOOT THE BILL for his **very special guest** ...

NOT the australian public .. especially when it has been reported that many Nursing homes in AU spend as LITTLE as $5.00 a day on  each resident's meals ..

Answer 5

Most protesters are school kids or adults who have not left school and we all know that the juvenile brain is not fully developed until the age of about 23.

Therefore,   the juvenile brain CANNOT make informed decision not even when should he/she light up a joint.

In an internet world  where intense communication is the norm it is easy for someone to say that a falsehood is fact and fact is fiction and if you say that a falsehood is fact long enough even intelligent people will begin to believe that the falsehood is fact, this is human nature and is similar to the hostage syndrome (the name escapes me at the moment) but it exists.

Answer 6

Protests and demonstrations (the peaceful variety, of course) are the hallmark of a functioning democracy.  It certainly doesn't make the country (Australia or elsewhere) ridiculous.  So long as it doesn't degenerate into violence, don't sweat it.  It may serve as an indicator to the powers that be, that even if the items are in the agenda, simply meeting, talking and going back home without any action will not be acceptable.

Answer 7

Australia is spending $160 million on security for APEC (this could have been spent on hospitals, schools, welfare campaigns, upgrading roads etc). An Australian city has been put into lock-down because of an American, at Australia's expense. Australians are banned from taking photos of their own city! All of the native animals have been removed from Taronga Park Zoo so the officials and their partners can see them somewhere else. I think they are good reasons to protest.

I am not protesting APEC - I just think this conference could have been done via video link or teleconference. I will be protesting the loss of rights for Australians.

I do agree that a protest is not the place for children. However, not many people seem concerned that there are Iraqi children being killed, maimed and losing limbs in Iraq (as a result of the war).

Answer 8

I feel ashamed for your people. Bush is your leader's special guest. Where are all the respect for your leader? Didn't Australians vote for him? For anti-war protesters, shouldn't you protest at your own leader first? He is the one listens to Bush sending his troops to Iraq.

I think you all should be proud that your country is the host of so many great leaders and welcome them.

Answer 9

You are either a stooge of Howard's crowd or just a very ill informed person.  The protests are about Australia's involvement in Iraq and Bush and Howard's inaction on Climate Change.  They are being held during APEC because George Bush is here, Sydney has been shutoff to Australians and the Government and police don't want them to protest at APEC!  

There is a fundamental right that is afforded to people in free,democratic countries which allows that any person can voice and/or demonstrate dissatisfaction or dissent with Government actions or policies at anytime.  It is the Government and the police who are talking about violence - not the people who are intending to protest peacefully.  

What are you and the Government so scared of?  Why is Howard and his cronies so worried about offending Bush - the man who, at the present time, would have trouble getting approval from his dog?  Why are you trying to discredit people who want to express their disapproval with the Government's handling of certain issues by using sweeping generalisations and obvious prejudice?  

Why do you think they make you look ridiculous?  Is it ridiculous to think that we should be living in a free country?  Is it ridiculous to be indifferent to the possibility that George Bush might not like it that there are people in Australia who don't agree with him? Is it ridiculous to believe that Australia has fought enough in foreign wars that we have no stake in?  Is it ridiculous to want to make this world livable for our children?

I think that people who want us all to stay away and be "out of sight out of mind" while 'Dubya' is in town and while everything that our forefathers fought for is being wrenched away from us is ridiculous and needs to be challenged so that people like you can be reminded what a free and liberated society is all about.