Bob Irwin arrested.

Wayne Smith

Wayne Smith

New Member
Wes Mannion of Australia Zoo

The father of late naturalist and conservation fighter Steve Irwin was arrested yesterday for protesting against the CSG pipeline being built west of Chinchilla. Being one of the Tara blockies affected by this environmental vandalism I'm touched that this tough old bird has made a stand against evil mining corporations who with government assistance are ruining peoples lives.
 
Good on Bob. I believe everybody should be arrested at least once for protesting about something they strongly believe in. I once protested against importation of illegal Malaysian forest timbers into Australia. I remember all of us having our arms linked together, we were chanting and swearing. But none of our group got arrested. Ironically only a few months later I did get arrested for swearing on a night out. LOL

The world needs protesters, especially the fanatical ones they do the most good at getting important issues media attention. I don't know the whole answer to this coal seam gas extraction, and I don't think anybody does. But this has been going on in America for a long time shouldn't we learn from their mistakes. Instead once again the State government is only interested in the dollars.

Congratulations Bob, Steve would have been right next to you with his arms out waiting for the handcuffs.
 
I always wondered; if people really wanted to make a difference then why don't they enter politics and actually change something...
 
jwer said:
I always wondered; if people really wanted to make a difference then why don't they enter politics and actually change something...
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Polies rarely have a chance to change things they are passionate about. Politics is all about compromise and responding to pressure groups. If you are passionate about an issue you will be far more effectivel working in a pressure group to get it changed than trying to work your way up the slippery political poll. However if you are just after power for power's sake...
 
I wonder why he didn't also campaign for the sinking of the HMAS Adelaide off Avoca Beach yesterday? This is not a go at him, but I would think he would at least try to stop it, for they said there was lead paint and some metals which could cause damage to local wildlife.

But then again, it will create an artificial reef to attract fish and provide a habitat, so it compromises out.
 
MRJ said:
Polies rarely have a chance to change things they are passionate about. Politics is all about compromise and responding to pressure groups. If you are passionate about an issue you will be far more effectivel working in a pressure group to get it changed than trying to work your way up the slippery political poll. However if you are just after power for power's sake...
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I don't think i've ever seen so many contradictions in so few lines. First politicians can't change anything but then they're powerful...

And politicians can't change anything because they have to compromise and respond to pressure groups, but then you're far more effective working in a pressure group? To do what, influence politicians?

My opinion is, when there is something you are passionate about then there are two ways of getting your way. You can either force others to do what you want by protesting, chaining yourself to a fence, use threats or even agression and try and FORCE the other to get what YOU want.

Or you try and influence politics?

In my mind, the first option is no option. It's like being a big baby, if you can't get what you want you force others to get what you want. I always wonder what Sea Shepherd would do if japanese sailers would chain themselves to the front of Sea Shepherd's ship to prevent it from leaving port...

If you really want to change something then influence politics. If it is by changing public opinion and therefore indirectly influencing politics then fine with me. But in my mind, the most effective way to change politics is entering it...
 
briz said:
The world needs protesters, especially the fanatical ones they do the most good at getting important issues media attention.
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How do you define fanatical?
I have no problem with peaceful protest but I think getting arrested is going to far.
 
jwer said:
I always wondered; if people really wanted to make a difference then why don't they enter politics and actually change something...
Click to expand...

I think we all need to be engaged in the issues we care about and to campaign with as much energy and enthusiasm we can manage and not just leave it to poiliticians.

Often a broad grassroots reaction to something - especially in terms of consumer action - is far more powerful than words from politicians who due to various factors can't always effect change as individuals.
 
A good example would be Greenpeace. They break the law to get their point across.

I don't support protesting when harm comes to human,animal or property.
 
Yes, And after your illegal protest you can have a few beers and drive home as fast as possible. The law is there for a reason, even if you don't agree with it
 
jwer said:
I don't think i've ever seen so many contradictions in so few lines. First politicians can't change anything but then they're powerful...
Click to expand...

As this is not the place for a course in politics I'm replying to the poster privately.
 
Laws are put into place and should be followed, no argument.

But come on, everyone has broken the law at one time another.

The simple fact is, if for example Greenpeace climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge and unroll a huge banner about global warming. You get worldwide media coverage. You also get arrested, they know going in the chances of being arrested are very high.

Animal activists are very compassionate about their causes, there are plenty of fanatical groups that regularly break the law. They steal animals, to save them from the endless agony of testing of different kinds.

The Sea Shepherd and crew have broken every nautical law in their efforts to protect whales from being slaughtered by Japanese whalers.

Hard-core protesting isn't for everybody, and I fully support anybody who gets arrested for fighting what they believe in.
 
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