Taking Peace to US President Bush

To further peace, people who organise gatherings in the name peace, seek out liaison with people who are responsible for safety in public space and negotiate use of it with open hearted respect. Peace, we know, is not so much a destination, but a path followed, a life lived.

Here follows the record of email exchange preparing the civic reception of the Australian peace movement for the visit to Canberra of US President Bush, 22-23 October 2003. Posted as received and for all to see.

Bearing witness for peace is the core mission of Peacebus.com.

 


Subject: Peacebus.com greets War Criminal Bush
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2003 19:33:00 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: Stephen Uhe
CC: Culture Lab
BCC: Phra Santi

dear Sgt Steve Uhe,

Thank you for calling back and establishing liaison with me for the peace reception of US President Bush when he visits Canberra 23 October.

Peacebus.com is a vehicle for promoting peace, justice and the Earth in these times. As its captain I am an experienced organiser of many assemblies, actions and theatre performance in public places.

At one time I had a colourful Toyota Coaster bus called Peacebus. Now I travel in Happy Wheels, a Mitsubishi tradesman van, plain white. But the website that has documented the adventures of Peacebus lives on and on. Check it out at www.peacebus.com.

If you have time for reading check out the Peacebus visit to Canberra in 2000 (www.peacebus.com/FreedomRide/canberra.html) and the story of police liaison for the CHOGM at Coolum, Qld (www.peacebus.com/chogm2002/index.html), in March 2002. Or just follow the links of past campaigns of Peacebus (www.peacebus.com/past-campaigns.html).

I expect to gather a party of 20 or so to come with me from Sydney for the Bush reception. I also expect that many others who arrive at the reception independently, will gather to our banners on the day.

The action I have in mind for Bush is ambulatory Dharma processions of Buddhist monks, banners, and gongs, in and about the crowd and around the Parliament when Bush is inside telling lies to hijack our taxes and defence forces for war and the preparation for war.

My friends and I plan to arrive on the evening of 22 October and camp at Peace Camp associated with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

On Tuesday next 14 October, I expect to make a reconnaissance of the site, meet with our friends at the Peace Camp. I would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you then too. I have your mobile number and will ring and confirm the visit and set a time to meet with you.

Peace be with you.

Peace be with us all.

Graeme Dunstan
Peacebus.com

Subject: RE: Peacebus.com greets War Criminal Bush
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2003 08:28:50 +1000
From: "Uhe, Stephen"
To:

Thankyou very much Graeme -

I look forward to saying gidday when you are down this way.

Regards

Steve

Subject: Civic reception for US President Bush
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 13:14:27 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: "Uhe, Stephen"
CC: John Minns

Sgt Stephen Ute
Federal Agent
Protective Security Intelligence
Australian Federal Police

dear Stephen

Thank you for meeting with me yesterday to discuss the civic reception being organised for US President Bush when he visits Canberra 22-23 October. Please thank Federal Agent Scott Rowell too.

I can imagine the pressure that you two are under from US security personnel to corral and diminish the visibility and influence of the citizens who will be gathering outside the Parliament when President Bush is inside telling more lies and asking (demanding?) more commitment from the Australian government to his wars in Iraq and elsewhere.

May we keep in mind that the Australian Parliament belongs to the Australian people, not the US President, and that it is serves its democratic function best when people can freely gather in crowds there to bear witness for peace, good government and independence from tyranny.

I was heartened by the respect you showed me when we met. I saw that you were concerned to respect my rights to assemble in order to speak up and speak out against this war-making US President. Let's us walk beside each other, stakeholders and partners with the common purpose of making the civic reception of US President Bush joyful, artful and safe.

Thank you too for linking me with the other protest organisers. I met with Professor John Minns and attended the ACTNow Coalition meeting yesterday evening. I understand that ACTNow will be organising a flatbed truck with a PA and a program of speakers. Some musicians also.

It seems to me that this platform will be of major significance for it will be to there that 'turn backs on Bush" defecting parliamentarians, ALP, Greens and democrats, will go in order to make their protest known to the Australian people.

There will be a lot of media about this. If Bob Brown announces his intention to speak there, the crowd will be huge.

But on the whole i found ACTNow to be a closed and gloomy bunch so I came away respecting the effort they are making to get the stage and PA together but also with the determination to organise and promote parallel actions with more art and more opportunities for crowd participation.

Here is what I now have in mind.

A lantern lit peace vigil on the lawns in front of old Parliament House hosted by the Aboriginal Tent Embassy (yet to be confirmed) on the evening of Wednesday 22 October. I propose to have Aboriginal elders bless the vigil and to also organise interdenominational prayer sessions and meditations for peace. I imagine the smoky fires, the coloured lights on the old Parliament, the lit up fountains, the lake views, and balmy evening weather will make this an event beautiful, accessible and deeply meaningful for many people.

On Thursday I will bring flags and banners and set up a performance space within the protester corral in front of the new Parliament House. At an appropriate time (probably after the Bush speech to Parliament) I will draw together a circle of performance poets and freestyle rappers. At minimum I will have a pig nose battery amp and mike for this. But I expect the rappers themselves will bring better sound that I have at hand.

A cardboard effigy of Bush/Howard will burn and those who witness it will literally be listening to the prophecies of a Burning Bush. Poetry, theatre, prophecy, it will be a powerful moment.

The Burning Bush is a show that I have done before with excellent media impact celebrating Independence from America Day in Byron Bay last 4 July. See www.peacebus.com/FourthJuly/ For these events I will be putting out media announcements, which I will post to www.peacebus.com. All our correspondence too.

May the path to and through this civic reception be marked at every step by respect.

May the enduring fruit of our efforts be friendship.

Graeme Dunstan

Subject: Different people, different styles
To: John Minns
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 13:14:35 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com

dear Professor Minns,

Thank you for meeting me.

I cannot say we hit it off with any grace. You came with a happy smile but quickly closed down your heart and began wearing a weary, worried face.

The change came when you learned I had opened independent police liaison. Seems you don't trust federal agents or people who talk to them. As a long time protest organiser I deal with cops all the time and usually find them polite, informative and helpful. Much more so than my fellow protest organisers. So it goes. Different people, different styles.

I was neither inspired nor made trustful by the manner of meeting ACTNow held last night. On the surface it appeared democratic and egalitarian. In fact it was tightly controlled and one got the feeling that many murky agendas lurked not too far beneath the surface appearances.

From long experience i know such manner of meeting produce controlled and very boring protests. Not my style. Long ago I vowed I would never go to another Socialist Alliance/Resistance stacked meeting. But there I was again yesteday, and you my reluctant host.

Let's work together best we can.

Associated is my response to the federal agents I met yesterday. Unless you tell me otherwise I will continue sending you copies of our correspondence.

Please keep me informed of your police liaison and the progress of ACTNow's organising.

Peace be with us.

Graeme Dunstan

Subject: RE: Civic reception for US President Bush
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 13:59:34 +1000
From: "Uhe, Stephen" To: Graeme Dunstan

Dear Graeme,

Sorry I missed your call - as you can imagine we are pretty busy at the moment.

It was most pleasant meeting with yourself and Jennifer yesterday under the shade of a tree - I wish all our meetings could be so relaxed!

Firstly I can advise there have been changes announced this morning by Parliament House Security in relation to where the designated protest areas will be. They have moved the barrier for the designated protest area back towards Old Parliament House, a distance of about 50 metres. Although the protestors will still be in the area named 'Federation Mall', it is no longer within the designated Parliamentry area and not subject to their rules and guidelines. (you may recall that the guidelines strictly prohibited PA systems, structures, vehicles etc etc)

The area that is responsible for the new area is the NCA (National Capital Authority). I have spoken to them this date in relation to what is allowed and not allowed. In essence, if any protestors intended to erect a structure (bamboo poles?) such as a stage, platform, or speaker assemblies, they need to apply for a permit. I understand these are available online - you may wish to look at www.nationalcapital.gov.au for more info. They may well approve many requests within reason.

A good contact at the NCA is Mr Chris JOBSON tel 62722919 or mobile 0402 892 815. He is the Events Officer and is a nice chap. He is away today but a Mr Dean Marshall is also very helpful.

Thankyou very much for the information contained in your e-mail - it is of great help to us. Your demonstartion sounds like it will be a very colourful and artistic event. Good Luck!

If we can assist in any way please don't hesitate to call or e-mail. Otherwise we will try to say hi on the day

Regards

Steve

Subject: US President Bush afraid of the Australian people
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 15:54:29 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: "Uhe, Stephen"
CC: John Minns

Thanks for that advice, Steve.

One wonders who Parliament House Security are working for.

But this has got to be expected of a US president come to tell lies and promote war. He is afraid of the people and afraid of the truth of the people and just like in the US, wants all sign of it corralled and kept out of sight.

I will contact Chris Jobson direct about bamboo poles and PA.

May peace prevail.

Graeme

Subject: an Aboriginal Tent Embassy contact
Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2003 23:29:21 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: "Uhe, Stephen"
CC: John Minns

dear Steve,

Do you or anyone in AFP have a contact person for the Aboriginal Tent Embassy?

I spoke to a Darren Blomfield who seemed to be an organiser there on Tuesday. He was happy to host camping there for the Bush visit. But I didn't find out if he had a mobile or any other means of contact.

May you be happy.

Graeme

Subject: RE: an Aboriginal Tent Embassy contact
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2003 08:22:04 +1000
From: "Uhe, Stephen"
To:
CC: "Rowell, Scott"

Graeme,

Sorry about the delay in replying.

No, unfortunately we don't have a contact at the Aboriginal Embassy at this time (although we would welcome one)

By ther way, there have been changes in the designated protest area. Basically it will still be the grass area termed as Federation Mall, but the front barrier will bi within the Parliamentary Precincts for the first 30 metres or so.

This means in this area they prohibit all structures, speakers, vehicles etc. As for the NCA land directly behind, Parliament House have no authority. Permits need to be applied for thru the NCA for structures etc.

Take care

Steve

Subject: Bush to be greeted with Lanterns and Fiery Prophecies
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2003 09:30:23 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: "Uhe, Stephen"
CC: John Minns

dear Steve,

Thanks for the information about the corralling. Could you send me a map with the various precincts marked.

Here is the media that has gone out this morning.

May you be happy.

Graeme

Media Release of 18 October enclosed see. www.peacebus.com/Peace/

Subject: RE: Bush to be greeted with Lanterns and Fiery Prophecies
Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2003 10:51:56 +1000
From: "Uhe, Stephen"
To:
CC: "Rowell, Scott"

Graeme,

Thanks again. I have attached an electronic verson of the Parlaiamentary Precincts Guidelines, along with an image of the area.

Hope it assists

Steve

GUIDELINES FOR THE CONDUCT OF PROTESTS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLES WITHIN THE PARLIAMENTARY PRECINCTS, ON FEDERATION MALL AND ADJACENT AREAS.

Parliamentary Precincts
Pursuant to subsection 6( 1) of the Parliamentary Precincts Act 1988, the Parliamentary Precincts (the Precincts) are under the joint control and management of the Presiding Officers of the Parliament-the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The extent of the Precincts is shown on the attached map.
The Presiding Officers have the discretion to approve or not approve the conduct of protests, demonstrations or public assemblies, and private activities within the Precincts.
Inquiries in relation to the conduct of such activities within the Precincts should be directed to the Parliament House Security Controller on (02) 6277 4700.

National Capital Authority
The National Capital Authority is responsible for the management of land in and adjacent to the area of Federation Mall outside the Precincts.
Inquiries in relation to activities planned to be held in this area should be directed to the National Capital Authority on (02) 6256 764

Protests and Demonstrations
If you are planning a protest or demonstration within the Precincts or in the immediate vicinity of the Precincts you should also contact the Australian Federal Police on (02) 6256 7649.

THE GUIDELINES
1. Breaches and Exemptions
Any breaches of the following guidelines may be the subject of police investigation. Exemptions from any provisions of the Guidelines will only be granted on the basis of an event being deemed by the Presiding Officers to be of Parliamentary or national significance.

2. Use of Authorised Area
Unless the approval of the Presiding Officers has been obtained, protests, demonstrations or public assemblies held within the Precincts are generally restricted to the Authorised Area shown on the attached map.

3. Freedom of Access to be Maintained
Participants in protests, demonstrations or public assemblies within and outside the Precincts are required to arrive and depart in an orderly manner without obstructing traffic or otherwise preventing access to the Precincts or Parliament House.

4. Hours of Use
Unless approved specifically by the Presiding Officers, protests, demonstrations and other activities shall only be conducted between the hours of sunrise and sunset.

5. Structures
Unless approved by the Presiding Officers, structures shall not be erected or placed within the Precincts. Structures within the Precincts and on Federation Mall require works approval from the National Capital Authority under the provisions of the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988.

6. Use of Vehicles for Protest Purposes
Unless approved by the Presiding Officers, vehicles shall not be used within the Precincts as part of a protest, demonstration or public assembly.

7. Parking
Unless approved by the Presiding Officers, parking is not permitted on nature strips, the grassed area between the east and west lanes of Federation Mall or on ceremonial spaces within the Precincts.

8. Camping
Camping is not permitted within the Precincts or on Federation Mall and adjacent areas.

9. Lighting of Fires
Unless approved by the Presiding Officers, the lighting, maintenance or carriage of fires within the Precincts is prohibited.

10. Affixing of Signs or Banners
Signs or banners shall not be erected, attached or otherwise fixed to any built or natural object, including land, within the Precincts or on Federation Mall and adjacent areas. Hand-held signs do not require approval.

11. Wilful Marking of Surfaces
The wilful marking of surfaces, including land, will not be permitted.

12. Preparation or Sale of Food, Beverages and Other Items
Unless approved by the Presiding Officers, food, beverages or other items shall not be prepared or sold within the Precincts.

13. Consumption of Alcohol
Participants in protests and demonstrations within the Precincts shall not consume alcohol for the duration of the event.

14. Sound Amplification
Sound amplification may be permitted within the Authorised Area but shall be directed away from Parliament House. Use of amplification equipment shall not be permitted during ceremonial occasions or at any other time or place which may disrupt the business of the Parliament. Noise levels, whether inside or outside the Precincts must not be offensive, harmful or unreasonably interfere with the activities of other people.

15. Observance of Lawful Directions
Participants in protests, demonstrations and public assemblies shall observe any lawful direction given by Parliamentary Security, Australian Protective Service or Australian Federal police officers. Failure to observe a lawful direction may result in arrest.

APPROVED

Hon NEIL ANDREW MP
Speaker of the House of Representative

Senator the Hon PAUL CALVERT
President of the Senate

Hon WILSON TUCKEY MP
Minister for Regional Services
Territories and Local Government

Subject: Surrounded by gun toting paranoids
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2003 11:54:29 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: "Uhe, Stephen"
CC: John Minns

Steve,

Thanks for sending me the Parliamentary precinct map and guidelines. I have posted them to www.peacebus.com/Peace/

I understand that free citizens, who are alarmed that a liar and war criminal has come with a small army to address the Australian Parliament intent on telling more lies and hijacking our taxes and defence forces for his endless wars, may assemble freely in Federation Mall north of the underpass.

I understand that a works permit is required for erecting flags and banners in this area and that PAs must be pointed away from the Parliament.

I mean no respect when I say as a free citizen that i am certainly going to array flags and banners; I will certainly have a PA; and a cardboard effigy of Bush/Howard will certainly burn. Unless of course you can point some harm that I might come from these actions.

Please note my new phone number 0415 843 751

Surrounded by gun toting paranoids of the US presidential guard, my heart goes out to you. May you keep your heart open and your feet on the ground. Be ever mindful that what unites Australians as a people is the faith we share in the fair go.

May peace and justice prevail.

May you be happy.

Graeme Dunstan

Arriving 4 pm tomorrow
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 04:23:54 +1000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: "Uhe, Stephen"

dear Steve,

How go negotiations with US security?

I been wondering who they are corralling on Parliament Hill. Us protestors or the parliamentarians and their staff? I know which side of the barricades I would rather be. The side of free men and women.

I am having phone troubles. The mobile still a mystery to me. The hard line that I was ringing out on has been disconnected (payment overdue) though it is still receiving calls. So it goes.

I expect to arrive in Canberra about 4 pm and go straight to the Aboriginal Tent Embassy.

Might you have time to meet and brief me when I arrive and maybe walk the turf?

Will call and confirm my arrival. My new number 0415 843 175

Chris Jobson of NCA returned my call but I missed him. No emails, no more calls since. Will email again

Peace be with you.

Graeme
Peacebus.com

Protest Events in Canberra
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2003 04:24:20 +10000
From: Graeme Dunstan
Organization: Peacebus.com
To: Chris Jobson

Dear Chris,

Will be arriving in Canberra about 4 pm and meeting with federal police in regard to the bush protest actions that I am organising:

  • Lantern Vigil at Tent Embassy from 5 pm tomorrow Wed 22 Oct.
  • Prophecies of the Bushing Bush about 11 am as near to new Parliament House as possible Thuu 23 Oct

    Might I meet with you at that time and walk the turf with you.

    My mobile number is 0415 843 175.

    Graeme Dunstan
    Peacebus.com

    gratitude and praise
    Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2003 17:08:03 +1000
    From: Graeme Dunstan
    Organization: Peacebus.com
    To: "Uhe, Stephen"

    dear Steve,

    Thank you for your follow up call on Friday and thank you for the good advice and guidance you gave me in regard to the protests in response to the visit of US President Bush to the Parliament on 23 October.

    Given the security beat up that the US President's War on Terror demanded, I thought the handling of the protests by the Australian Federal Police was fair and generous.

    But for the strident tones on the ACTNow PA, one might have thought the gathering in Federation Mall a carnival for its colourful array of flags, placards, personalities, costumes and street theatre. There was certainly no aggression between police and protestors there.

    We protestors didn't get near the US President but he got the message that his lying and war making was despised by the people of Australia none the less. Senator Bob Brown addressed our rally and carried his/our moral indignation into the House. Good on him.

    I have posted my report of the action at www.peacebus.com. It is a work in progress. Your feedback is welcome.

    Camping at the Aboriginal Tent Embassy on the night before and picnicking on Parliament Hill after the event, at ease, amongst trees, great views, unhassled, not a police officer in sight, I marvelled at how civilised Canberra is and how respectful and tolerant we Australians are of dissent.

    May it always be so.

    All praise and gratitude to you and your fellow federal agents.

    Graeme Dunstan
    Peacebus.com

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