A decade of dissent

Issue 

A decade of dissent

A decade of dissent
By Greg Langley
Allen & Unwin, 1992. 232 pp. $19.95
Reviewed by Stephen Robson

On May 7, 1970, the federal minister for labour and conscription, Billie Snedden described the organisers of the moratorium the next day as "political bikies who pack-rape democracy".

On May 8, 100,000 people marched in the streets of Melbourne demanding the withdrawal of US and Australian troops from Vietnam. Greg Langley mentions that one placard carried by an elderly woman replied to Snedden: "I'm a pack-raping bikie".

Langley interviews participants in the antiwar movement, primarily from Melbourne and Sydney. Some were prominent in avoiding the draft. Some were activists in Save Our Sons, one of the organisations that campaigned against the draft, others in other aspects of the peace movement. There are even a few interviews with people who did the dirty work for the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation in spying on the movement.

The book provides useful background material, although the debates of the antiwar movement receive only passing reference.

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.