George Bush: guilty on all counts

Story by Dave Wright SYDNEY — United States President George Bush was tried for crimes against humanity by a people's court here earlier this month.

The event was organised by the Mobilisation Opposing Bush, a coalition of peace, environment and solidarity organisations preparing for Bush's proposed visit to Australia during the New Year period.

Charges against Bush included:

l Waging war against the people of the Middle East during the Gulf War and perpetuating the oppression of the Palestinian people.

l Persistent destabilisation of Latin America, including the invasions of Grenada and Panama, mining of Nicaragua's harbours and the 30-year economic blockade of Cuba.

l Continuing expansion of US military activity into other countries, including use of military bases in the Philippines, Turkey, Cuba, Australia and South Korea.

l Destabilising the Asia-Pacific region, including North Korea, Vietnam and the Philippines.

l Attacking women's rights, especially the right to abortion.

l Attacking the trade union movement and workers' rights, and the rights of migrant, minority and black workers.

l Failing to address environmental problems such as ozone layer depletion.

The jury found Bush guilty on all counts. Judge Alissar Gazal deferred sentencing until such time as a suitable punishment could be found.

MOB is planning protests for George Bush's December 31 to January 3 visit to Australia. The group's next meeting will be on Wednesday, December 4, at 6.30 p.m., Sydney Trades Hall. For more information phone Jenny or Dave on 690 1977. n

From GLW issue 38