TONY MULDER
I’m not sure that violent protests would achieve anything, except hurt people, alienate public opinion and make the stopping even harder.
Bloke #46 On police refusing to act, that was tried in the APPM picket at Burnie. Police took the view that since the protet was peaceful and there was no danger to anyone, they would maintain the peace by not breaking up the picket (blockade). The company went to the Suprenme Court and sought and got a writ of mandamus in which the courts ordered the police to break through the lines. The right to go about your lawful business was deemed s superior right to being safe from any injury, particulalrly given that people were deliberately staying in harms way. Thats the basis for actually removing forest protestors, rather than just leaving them.
The ends do not justify violence – especially when individuals chose the ends. I don’t doubt your passion, just your wisdom. In the end the Gordon Blockade succeded beause it was peaceful and public opinion became more favourable. Run some ptiched battles and see how long the public stay on side.
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