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Sydney APEC and the Politics of Fear

John Howard and his neo liberal mates have lied and exploited the politics of fear to send the Australia Defence Forces off to war on Iraq. They war on the Australian people too, winding back and stripping away hard won civil liberties and work place rights.

All the PR in preparation for APEC has emphasised fear whether that be news of lock down security arrangements, new anti crowd weaponry or riot police parading and practicing in their latest gear.

Understandably there are many citizens made afraid by this media. The fear has infected even some of the best and most experienced activists, discouraging them, flattening them with overwhelming sense of futility and apathy.

Precsiely as fear making, terrorism by government, is aimed to do.

On his journey to APEC Graeme hears lots of words on this theme.

Here is how it expressed itself in an email exchange which took place on 14 August between Graeme and Andy Gough, the Greens candidate for Lismore, a young man and long time activist for whom Graeme has admiration.

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Andy Gough to graeme dunstan
Aug 13

I have a prediction.

Next month is the APEC meeting in Sydney - September 8-9. Howard is holding off calling the federal election until after APEC so he can have what may be his final role in the international spotlight at PM. The polls are not looking good for the coalition at the moment, so he needs to generate as much fear in the electorate as possible before calling a ballot.

I'm expecting a 'security threat' or 'terrorist attack' to conveniently take place during the APEC summit. It will probably conveniently kill a bunch of protesters, rather than any important visiting dignitaries - that would create more fear, and eliminate some vocal opposition in one fell swoop. It would also 'justify' all the expenditure on counter-terrorism, like the concrete wall to be built around the city centre for the duration of the summit, and the terrorism alert speakers recently installed around Sydney's CBD.

Sure it's cynical to be expecting things like this to happen, but I believe there is nothing that Howard would not do to stay in power. Of course he personally will not be planning or organising the 'threat', but all he has to do is suggest that it might be beneficial and any number of his rich, uber right wing associates could set the ball in motion.

Be afraid, be very afraid. Or stay away from Sydney in September.

Andy Gough

Greens NSW Mobile 0427 458846

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Graeme Dunstan to Andy
12:21 pm

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about APEC, Andy.

The scenario you describe has the callousness and conspiracy of 9/11 in it. And since I believe 9/11 was an inside job, what you suggest is not beyond the realms of the possible.

But this is not a good reason for not protesting APEC.

Indeed the point of the protest is the bear witness to the corruption of power that produces such evil deeds.

To surrender to the fear being so deliberately cultivated by the neo-cons is to surrender full stop.

The times call for visible dissent.

The antidote to public fear is public courage.

So contrary to what you say, I say: Go to APEC.

Be brave, be very brave.

The ancestors are watching and cheering; future generations are calling us on.

For peace. For justice. For the Earth!

Graeme

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Andy Gough to Graeme
Aug 14

Good on you mate, just be wary...

May the Force be with you,

Andy

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Graeme Dunstan to Andy
Aug 14

dear Andy,

Come to APEC. Bring the Force with you.

ciao,

Graeme

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