Rockhampton protests war

BY
TERRICA STRUDWICK

ROCKHAMPTON — Around 600 central Queensland residents protested here
on February 15 as part of the global weekend of action against war on Iraq.
It was the largest rally held in some years in this rural town, known for
its bulls and beef. Voicing dissent against government policy is often
done by only a small minority here. The sizeable turn-out is a testament
to people’s determination to voice their opposition to this unjust war.

Erin Cameron, organiser of the International Women’s Day protest planned
for March 8, was applauded for calling the war a feminist issue.

Many people, young and old, joined in the protest. One man who was nearly
bedridden with arthritis “drugged” himself up to be there, and a 10-year-old
girl told the crowd the war was a “war for oil” to “make profits”, expressing
her concern for Iraqi children. A Vietnam War veteren still suffering from
the effects of Agent Orange read poems about his days at war and his opposition
to it.

From Green Left Weekly, February 19, 2003.

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From GLW issue 526