Say what you like, but don't expect Bush to hear

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/10/20/1066631356196.html

The basic right of freedom of speech will adopt a new interpretation during the Canberra visits this week by the US President, George Bush, and his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao.

Protesters will be free to speak as much as they like - just as long as they can't be heard.

Last week, the Federal Parliament's presiding officers announced that no members of the public would be allowed into Parliament on Thursday or Friday, when the leaders deliver historic addresses to the "people's house".

Now, organisers of an anti-war protest have been told they have been banned from using a public address system anywhere in the precinct encircling Parliament.

The only spot made available for protests is at the back of Old Parliament House in Federation Mall.

But the speakers must be pointed away from the new Parliament House so that no one inside, particularly the two presidents, can hear the protest speeches.

The organisers will also have to find a way to carry the stage and the equipment to the site. All roads servicing the area will be closed from early Thursday morning, preventing the protesters from bringing in their buses.
<snip>

Our President. Spreading the virtues of American Democracy wherever he goes.

I'm getting tired of having to apologize for this man.

[SharonAnn]

1. He's actually spreading "American Dictatorship" around the

globe. Not Democracy, Dictatorship.

[mhr]

2. Pretty Soon The Only Free Speech Zone Will Be On The Moon

eom

[northzax]

8. and ironically,

only the PRC will have access to it.

[DisgustipatedinCA]

3. My sincere hope

...is that the good people of Australia will show up in such crushing numbers that the security measures taken become meaningless. This happened in New York earlier this year.

It's my understanding that the Parliament has NEVER kept the public out of their proceedings. I hope the public there can find a way to keep that exemplary record unbroken.

[UpInArms]

4. are these new and improved "1st amendment zones"

just wonderful - springing up around the globe - spreading joy and cheer and showing how "open" our goverments are.

:puke:

[0007]

5. Is this from 'Old Australia!"

I hope they protest junior as much as they dislike their own Prime Minister.

Both have gotta go, 'eh?

[damnraddem]

6. But the Aussie government is cooperating in this.

If the Aussie's are really as independent and rowdy as they claim, their government should have hell to pay for this arrangement.

[benfranklin1776]

7. Sounds like they are aping what Junior and his handlers do here.

Create unconstitutional first amendment zones to isolate protestors from Junior's sight.
Amazing the lengths that insecure authoritarian types and their sycophants will go to to insulate themselves from dissent and the sight of people who are disgusted their policies. They prefer the insular world of mendacious, boot-licking, court courtiers and jesters delivering a constant amen chorus of how the leaders are " good, strong and wise." :puke:

[DulceDecorum]

9. Wozzat? Bush can't hear?

Has he been dipping into that oxycontin jar again?

[progressiverealist]

10. maybe this is for the best...

if Bunnypants hears the protestors he might throw a hissy fit and nuke Australia. :nuke:

[proud patriot]

11. He's treated as a king not a man

and it disgusts me .