The Invisible Australian

Lock Howard up
throw away the key
We won't stop
until David Hicks is free

Chant at the Brisbane Rally to free David Hicks

Well, since Phil has made reference to my own blog, I am shamed into paying it some long deserved attention, and after yet another three months of frantically working for a parasitic task master, time to review and do something a little cathartic.

Today our family marched in the Brisbane rally to free David Hicks. Yes, that includes the man of the house, Chattering Chipmunk and Dolphin Girl. That's not to say that we didn't perhaps bribe the brood a little with lunch at one of the much despised fast food outlets on the way through - I like to think of it as part of a longer term engagement strategy. But we were there.

The significance of this can not be overstated. You see, today was the first time anyone in our nuclear family have marched for a cause. I've ever so mildly protested in the past; been outspoken in various forms of ill-willed company on issues I believe in. But today was the first time I've attended a rally. But I didn't feel we had a choice. We have a government determined to interpret silence or apathy as passive support for systemic erosion of basic human rights. To not march allows them to claim they have my support. And if the children don't march - then they will never appreciate what it is they have lost if we are unsuccessful in our endeavours. I think their fight is only beginning.

I've read much in recent times about "Australian values" - and I've yet to see anything that captures what it means to me to be Australian. Australia has ratified several human right treaties - stating our country's intent to uphold those values at all times, including the Convention Against Torture. And yet it would seem that our government selectively applies the use of these treaties. To me being an Australian is all about helping someone less fortunate than yourself, or who needs assistance - and having faith that no matter how awkward or untoward the situation you might find yourself facing - your government will fight for you, because you are an Australian. But now it seems, our current government has decided to apply caveats. If you are potentially an "undesirable" - well you just seem to become an invisible Australian.

Whether David Hicks is innocent or guilty is irrelevant - he's entitled to go through a legal process and contest his case. I just want to see the man given his basic, fundamental human rights. As an Australian, he is legally entitled to have his government fight for his rights - but as a fellow human being he's entitled to be treated like one. And so we march, in the hope that he will be.

And if there were any other reason to march? The resurgence of that frightfully ignorant media harlot, once again espousing populist, half-baked racism. I don't like it!!!!

So start marching people..... the idiot brigade are already swarming.