Protester hits back at critics
I draw my inspiration from Jesus' sermon on the mount, and Martin Luther King Jr's vision of a world where peace and social justice include all peoples everywhere.
I'm horrified by the killing that happens every day in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.
I'm appalled at the waste of $300 million on fuel, ammunition and ordinance that will be spent during these war games.
I'd like that money to be spent on schools and hospitals.
I don't expect that everyone will agree with my point of view, but I did expect that Rockhampton and districts would proudly display the best qualities of Regional Queensland, and would show tolerance, friendliness and a willingness to engage in rational discussion.
I've been surprised and disappointed by the virulence of some local reaction to me, and my friends, family and colleagues.
“Idiot”“moron”“terrorist” and “pest” are some of the labels put on me by your readers.
Not one had addressed the issues of war and peace.
Many have cited “the money” that soldiers and the war machine will spend in the local economy.
Many have told me to “go home” or “go away” and your former town Councillor Bruce Simpson has gone so far as to claim I've somehow insulted his dead father.
For Bruce's information my late father, John Law, was born in Rockhampton in 1920 and fought with the Australian Army during WWII in New Guinea.
He was then a member of the occupation forces in Japan.
He became a life-long member of the RSL, and he taught me that our democratic society was worth defending.
He taught me that any citizen worth their salt would stand up for what they believe in.
I'll bet that my father and Bruce's father would have easily become mates had they met.
Any time Bruce wants to have a civilised debate based on facts, in any forum, before any audience, I'd be happy to accommodate him.
If all he can manage is to hurl prejudice and insults at me because my beliefs are different from his, well, I'm sorry but that's how I behave, and I really think Rockhampton can do better.
- Bryan Law
• Wat right do those dumb protesters have useing gods name in there protests its disgrace full
AN
• To all u protesting idiots men have fought and died to give u the freedoms u enjoy and this is how u repay that ur all a disgrace
NA
• How fair dinkum are these publicity-hungry "protesters " when they're prepared to take police away from their duties, to protect their stupid backsides in Shoalwater Bay ? These self-centred morons should be left to take their chances if they trespass. Good riddance.
RM ST LAWRENCE.
• I have 3 sons under 24 in navy /army,n another ready to go in army.Mr law obviously is not a worker,but a protester. They choose to defend the country u live in.
From l.a.w nth rocky. Ironically,my initials spell law!
