Stuart Munckton
Staff and students at Sydney's Davidson High School have come under attack for their performance in this year's Rock Eisteddfod, which criticises the war on Iraq.
On August 6, Socialist Alliance NSW Senate candidate Kylie Moon defended the performance, arguing that those involved were "using their democratic rights to question an unjust war and should be congratulated for their stand".
Moon was the national coordinator of last year's "Books not bombs" student strikes, helping to organise thousands of school students to leave their classes to protest the invasion of Iraq.
"Australian troops were sent to participate in the invasion and occupation of Iraq based on a lie. The occupation of Iraq has been a disaster for the Iraqi people, and more than 10,000 civilians have been killed. This crime is being, carried out in our name, so all Australians have the right to use public platforms to question or oppose the war. The Rock Eisteddfod should be no exception. Popular culture should always be available as a means to protest injustice."
Moon stressed: "It is particularly hypocritical to criticise the school students involved, given that they are denied the right to vote. The Socialist Alliance calls on all school students who are against the pro-war policies of the Coalition government to join the pre-election 'End the lies' demonstrations, being held around the country on the Sunday before the elections. Unable to participate in the elections, school students should vote with their feet to let their views be known."
From Green Left Weekly, August 11, 2004.
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