<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Neb:


Seriously? It was Tracey?<hr></blockquote>

hehe, no, but I bet she wishes it had been her........ :)

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Silver Cheetah:


Huh. That one works both ways. I'd like some protection from creeping Blair's creeping bloody privatisation program, personally... The way it's going, by the time I'm 60, medical care will consist of a handup into the nearest dustbin, unless I happen to strike it rich, that is...<hr></blockquote>

C'mon Cheetah! Not the same thing. You yourself said one man doesn't constitute a nation. ;) Privatising your health care isn't the same thing as being toffed on the face. It's a governmental policy and you know it.

Australia has been heading towards that direction for a while. There are arguments for and against privatisation. I lean towards public ownership but heck. I'm a part of a society. No way I'm going to hit those poor suckers we vote in, in the face with anything. Better them in the thankless job than me.

Matter of fact I'm off to vote now.

I'm pretty sure Australia will have at least 95% voter turnout. ;)

[ 11-09-2001: Message edited by: Yorick ]</p>

The Liberal Party/National Party coaltion romped home fot their third term.

The minority party "The Greens" improved their share! [img]smile.gif[/img]

Labor, though governing every state, remain in opposition.

The racist "One Nation" look decimated.

The Australian Democrats, led by a female GenXer remained static.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by skywalker:
I saw the news today...oboy!

I saw that Prince Charles was smacked across the face with a carnation by a woman protesting against the War in Afghanistan! The police took her away. They said the Prince was not hurt!

I could almost imagine that the protester could have been tracey! ;)

Edit [It was a carnation and not a rose!]

[ 11-08-2001: Message edited by: skywalker ]<hr></blockquote>

Apparently she misunderstood him. What he actually said was 'all I want in life is a CORONATION'

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by skywalker:
That's just sad. A 16 year old going to prison for making a political statement that did not hurt him. She'd be 31 when she gets out. I hope the don't seriously prosecute this girl. That would be a gross injustice IMO.<hr></blockquote>

Sad yes, but so are political statements made using violence :(

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Ronn_Bman:


Sad yes, but so are political statements made using violence :( <hr></blockquote>

This was violent?

It could have been a Black Jack and not a carnation. ;)

The girl had no right to strike at the Prince.

The Prince should be smarter than to make himself available for target at such close range during these trying times for everyone.

Still, I am with you on the lenience side of "punishment".
More than 6 months would be harsh.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by skywalker:


This was violent?<hr></blockquote>

Yes! Physical assault is violent. Even worse when you only want to make a point.

If someone walked up to my wife and hit her in the face, regardless of their reason, I would be happy to show them what violence can lead to.

Maybe not as deadly as an unexploded cluster bomb, but is this ok? Because they're making a point? I don't think so.

Has the Royal Family come out in support of the bombing in Afghanistan? I still haven't heard. If they have, it's still not anyone's right to target them for something they have no control over. If they haven't, then isn't he an unjustly attacked innocent?

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]</p>

Excuse me! She was 16 years old. I think a little perspective has been lost in this particular incident.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by skywalker:
Excuse me! She was 16 years old. I think a little perspective has been lost in this particular incident.<hr></blockquote>


It still doesn't change things. If she was old enough to understand why she was doing it (which I seriously doubt), she should be old enough to face the consequences. Maybe she should have been taught somethings are unacceptable.

I don't want to see her in prison until she's 30, but I also don't want any adolescents inspired by her actions.

Is what she did ok because she's 16? Is it ok because of the "weapon" she chose? Is it ok at all? When do protests become violent?

[ 11-13-2001: Message edited by: Ronn_Bman ]</p>