RALLY TO DEFEND CIVIL RIGHTS, MUSLIMS

[chebol]

RALLY TO DEFEND CIVIL RIGHTS, MUSLIMS
BRING THE TROOPS HOME

NOVEMBER 5, 12 NOON
BELMORE PARK, SYDNEY

Speakers include:

Daryl Melham (ALP)
Senator Kerry Nettle (Greens)
Socialist Alliance
Council for Civil Liberties
Australian Muslim Civil Rights Network
CFMEU

DEFEND CIVIL LIBERTIES

Our democratic rights are being eroded in the name of fighting terrorism. These restrictions on our civil liberties have not made us safer—they have simply given more power to repressive government agencies like ASIO. The recent deportation of US peace activist Scott Parkin shows that the government is misusing its powers in order to silence critics. We need to stand up and say loud and clear that we will not tolerate any more of our democratic freedoms being taken away.

DEFEND MUSLIMS

The relentless focus on so-called “Muslim extremists” by the government and the media is creating a backlash in which Islam is blamed for terrorism. Any Muslim who speaks up against government policy risks being labelled an extremist. This is unacceptable—Muslims have the same right to voice their views as anyone else. The Muslim community should not be scapegoated for problems they are not responsible for. Muslims and non-Muslims need to stand together for peace and against racism.

BRING THE TROOPS HOME

The war in Iraq, far from spreading freedom and democracy, has bred violence and instability. 100,000 Iraqi civilians have died along with 2000 US and British soldiers. John Howard says we must stay in Iraq until “the job is done”—what job is he referring to? Supporters of the occupation say that if foreign troops are withdrawn then violence and chaos will rule. But isn’t that exactly what is happening now? The Stop the War Coalition believes the primary source of violence in Iraq is the presence of occupying troops. We are campaigning for an end to the occupation and to bring the Australian troops home.

Rally endorsed by: AID/WATCH, Al-Ghazzali Centre, Australian Islamic Friendship Association, Australian Islamic Mission, Australian Muslim Civil Rights Advocacy Network, Australia- Venezuela Solidarity Network, Canterbury-Bankstown Peace Group, CFMEU (NSW Construction div.), Civil Rights Network, Federation of Australian Muslim Students and Youth, Green Left Weekly, Islamic Association of Australia, Justice for Hicks and Habib, Leichhardt Peace Group, Marrickville Peace Group, Muslims for Peace, Newtown Peace Group, NSW Council for Civil Liberties, NTEU, Randwick Peace Group, Refugee Action Coalition, Resistance, Socialist Alliance, Sydney University Peace Group, Ian Cohen MLC, Arthur Chesterfield Evans MLC, Sylvia Hale MLC, Jack Mundey, Senator Kerry Nettle

DONATIONS WELCOME

We would like to place an ad in The Sydney Morning Herald to advertise the Nov 5 rally, at a cost of about $2000. We would welcome any donations towards this. Donate money directly at any Commonwealth branch (BSB 062 498, Acc no 10046565) or send a cheque payable to “Stop the War Coalition” to PO Box 82, St Clair NSW 2759.

[rioters bloc]

yeeeeeeeep this should be dope

hey ho let's GO

[Maynard]

Sounds like a good rally.

The war in Iraq, far from spreading freedom and democracy, has bred violence and instability

I agree with most of what the statement says but this is seemingly implying that "stability" is a good thing, when it comes to Iraq, which it was not. Saddam Hussein needed to be overthrown, there is no doubt about that, that would require ïnstability"regardless of whether it was American troops doing the overthrowing or an internal revolution. Also, I would like to see from the Australian left more thought about what we want for Iraq beyond the pulling out of troops, which is undoubtably important and necessary. Who will the left be "supporting" if the troops were withdrawn?

[Clutch]

I'm gonna need a Sydney road map.

[rioters bloc]

Originally posted by Clutch@Oct 18 2005, 09:25 PM
I'm gonna need a Sydney road map.

its the park next to central station, eddy avenue side

OR come meet up with us beforehand