Placibo1

Or is that Placebo?

Yes, the smallpox vaccine *evolved* after the initial concept killed many and did become effective. I think accusing Tebb of killing millions, is, to use your words, drawing a longbow. There are very few who listen to the anti-vaxxers. The original vaccine used the population as guinea pigs. Much like is happening today.

As to being an anti-vaxxer, I have had numerous vaccinations until I began to have anaphylactic reactions. I do not campaign at large, neither am I campaigning against this vaccine. Nor do I denigrate anyone who has had it by name-calling, which I see you have resorted to. Like many, once the vaccine is proven not to have long term side effects, I will most likely have it.

I agree that any protest attracts a percentage of professional protestors and a percentage of rabble, but the majority have genuine concerns. I agree violence is not acceptable, but in terms of the horse, the full video makes interesting watching. Much of the violence had to do with the attitude of the authorities. I contrast that attitude against the attitude of the authorities at the BLM *illegal* marches where they stood idly by. Is the new attitude because the protestors were protesting against government? And when is the right time to protest against a government action which is causing damage to a large sector of the population if not during the action? Or will we become another Tiananmen square? 

The fact is that the right to freedom of assembly and association is contained in articles 21 and 22 of the ICCPR and article 8(1)(a) of ICESCR both of which Australia is a signatory to. So, in fact, the protests were not illegal. They broke no Law. Lockdown is not a Law.

In terms of the Constitution, Section 92 states

Intercourse among state...shall be absolutely free.

Intercourse means the movement of people, goods and communications.

I like most others have accepted border closures in these extreme circumstances, however, my point is about the potential of permanent restrictions on movement of those, who for a variety of reasons, chose not to get vaccinated. 

My invoking Niemoller was in reference to the mooted restrictions for the unvaccinated, not the protests. When the army comes for the unvaccinated, will we as a society stand by and allow such Fascist actions to happen?

Democracy cannot be distilled down to community consensus. Democracy requires robust debate and participation in its process and that is not voting once every four years and washing your hands of it. Democracy is about accepting differing opinions and the right of the person to hold that opinion. Protests are part of that democracy and need to be view through a larger lens than just the single issue. Democracy is about standing up for the minorities, who in the instance we are discussing are the unvaccinated. It is about standing up for the disadvantaged, which the unvaccinated will become if the mooted ideas become legislation. Lemmings reach a consensus and all jump off a cliff. Whales reach a consensus and beach themselves. OK, not true, but are we really Sheople?

I'm glad I live in a democracy which is underpinned by good sense, and where sanctimonious

sophistry is largely ignored. The self- indulgent tantrums of a bunch of knuckle draggers can

never be justified by the ramblings of a smug, pseudo-intellectual would be civil libertarian anarchist.

State and Federal governments have a democratic responsibility to facilitate safe and peaceful protests in accordance with their obligations under international law. 

Australia is a party to seven core international human rights treaties. The right to freedom of assembly and association is contained in articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The right to peaceful assembly protects the right of individuals and groups to meet for a common purpose and to hold a peaceful protest. However, the right applies only to peaceful assemblies, not to those involving violence as we have seen during the protests. Violence against the police…injuring a horse…do you approve those things Lorles?

There is no general guarantee of freedom of movement in Australia… but… section 92 of the Constitution says that 'intercourse among the States… shall be absolutely free'. 'Intercourse among the States' means the movement of people, goods and communications across State borders.

You omitted the most relevant point Lorles….

“Absolutely free” does not mean what it says. The High Court has accepted that there can be limits if they are reasonable and imposed for a legitimate end, such as protecting the public from a dangerous disease. Covid 19 is a dangerous disease in case you haven’t noticed the thousands that have died across the globe.

In my opinion, in the middle of a pandemic drawing conclusions as to the future of democracy in this country, is grossly misguided. The most important and relevant topic of conversation right now is, the health of the nation.  Without that, we have no democracy. Mull over that Lorles.

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What a joke, all it has really done with this protesting, is to lengthen their isolation period. All the packed people in the street will inevitably spread it further. Those who have chosen not to have the vaccination and have remained at home 95% of the time, and when they do go out it is with masks, gloves and spray, are the ones that suffer as well as those who have had the vaccines.

I agree the vocal minority were self interested, anti government. However, there were those who had deeper reasons to be there. Concerns for employment, poverty, business. 

As you say, and I am one of them, the majority of the unvaccinated take all precautions to not contract nor spread COVID. I have not participated in the recent protests, but I defend the right to hold peaceful protests. If the mooted changes regarding the unvaccinated are moved forward, and if other avenues fail, I may reconsider my position.

"Peaceful protest in Sydney" 

...and the troops roll in...

The Australian Defence Force will assist with enforcement of Sydney’s lockdown following a formal request to Prime Minister Scott Morrison from NSW Police.

While NSW has previously declined an offer for military assistance with the operation to enforce COVID-19 public health orders, police said an escalation of efforts over the coming days justified the request. 

Hurrah!!!

While we're waiting for the protesters (who didn't show)... we might as well have a feed...

More good news...

Soldiers will begin door-knocking residents on Monday. They will not be carrying weapons while patrolling Sydney's streets