The politics of "walking" in Sydney. 5 May 2000 its Ok, no international
presence. Mid September 2000...
From: "Don Clark" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [recoznet2] SOCOG Follies part one
Date sent: Sun, 28 May 2000 13:20:09 +1000
Send reply to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Some time ago I mentioned that we were putting together an article in
relation to SOCOG and the laws that have been made to stop demonstrations
in relation to the Olympics. This is it. It is quite long so I am posting
it in two parts.
Reprinted from Djadi-Dugarang, Newsletter of the Indigenous Social Justice
Association.
THE SOCOG FOLLIES
Ray Jackson
On the 6TH March I was invited to attend a meeting, along with four
other Indigenous people, to meet with representatives of SOCOG
Security at their security bunker in the old Fairfax building
situated in Ultimo, Sydney.
The meeting began late, as usual, and quickly degenerated into a
classic exercise and example of the Secret English Syndrome. I do not
intend to name those with whom I attended the meeting, but on their
side there was the self-identified Security Supremo, Roland Tisdale,
Superintendent---Precinct Commander, Sydney Olympic Park/Sydney West
Precinct. He sits under the umbrella of the NSW Police Service
Olympic Security Command Centre. He further claims to be at the head
of a 25000+ security "army" to protect the interests, commercial and
otherwise, of SOCOG, along with the "protection" of the mismanagers
of the Follies.
Also representing the interests of SOCOG at the meeting was Gary
Ella, Programme Manager, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Relations. There were of course others present but it was Roland and
Gary that mainly spoke in support of the SOCOG dream. An
authoritarian nightmare with no apology.
We five were asked to identify ourselves, our particular
organisations and our "interest" in attending this meeting. I stated
that, along with tens of thousands of others, both Indigenous and non-
Indigenous, we fully intended to peacefully march into the Homebush
site, their "sacred site," and that we wanted this to happen without
putting our Elders, women and children at any risk of any physical
assault from their forces. It was strongly put by our five that we
would most definitely march in and we accepted that we had the
moral and innate right to do so.
Tisdale then, very quietly, asked what was our intention, and the
intention of the tens of thousands of those who would join us, once
we had marched into the prohibited SOCOG areas, both within and
without the Homebush site.
Our reply was very clear and precise. That having marched into the
Homebush site, hopefully unmolested, we then intended to march around
the site and then camp in and on the Traditional Land that they have
named Bicentennial Park. After proper discussion, representatives
would be selected to remain at the Bicentennial Park site to be in an
ideal situation to allow our representatives to be able to truthfully
educate the many overseas and Australian visitors to the site. Our
representatives would also be in the ideal place to truthfully
educate the overseas and Australian media.
We explained that this was absolutely necessary to allow us to
truthfully explain to all that for 212+ years the Indigenous Peoples
of this Land, Traditional Land, have suffered the genocidal actions
of our black and white history, and that the current howard
Government was most racist in its actions and nature. We could no
longer accept with equanimity the constant rewriting of our shared
history in a most futile and divisive attempt to deny us our Human
Rights, Culture and Land.
Their reaction was instant. Apoplectic indignation. No way, under no
circumstances would ANY protesters, Indigenous or otherwise, be
permitted to enter the Homebush site. The only Indigenous people
allowed inside would be the Indigenous Olympians, security cleared
Indigenous invited guests, (not too many either, I reckon), and those
Indigenes who have paid their way. (and who have been security
checked, I assume).
Much discussion revolved around the question of numbers,---theirs and
ours and where "we" may be legally(?) able to camp. The sporting
ovals of La Perouse and Blacktown were seen by them to be obviously
suitable sites at which we could camp, if we were allowed to of
course. It became extremely difficult to keep a straight face!
We were informed that they had, roughly, a 25000+ security force,
including police, army, special forces, special security forces,
water police, aerial forces and, perhaps more dangerously, the "legal
empowering" of the hundreds of "volunteers", to be given more powers
than the police have now. These "volunteers" will include lunatic
racist KKK types who will go out of their way to harass those who fit
their warped thinking for special treatment.
These Temporary Enforcement Officers, (TEO`s) will be given sweeping
powers to monitor and keep a tight control over the SOCOG prescribed
areas. Most of Sydney it appears.
Hawkers, street vendors and buskers become persona non grata and will
be moved on. Unless perhaps they agree to subscribe to the Games
with a split of monies earnt. The TEO`s will be given the dubious
right to control entry of people and vehicles to all the prescribed
sites. Penalties range to more than $5,000.
On the spot fines of $200 will be able to be made against pedestrians
and vehicles entering closed roads/footpaths. They will be able to
search people, and to obtain names, and addresses of people entering
the prescribed sites, including bag searches, etc. Those whom are
perceived - proof not required - to be causing an annoyance or
inconvenience to ANYONE can be and will be removed from said sites.
Did I miss the curfew if you happen to be seen as a non-Olympian
person and have no commercial interest in the Huff-n-Puff?
We informed Tisdale that a ratio of 4:1 against his "army" was fair
enough odds, even though our numbers would very much include our
Elders, our Women and our Youth. Hence our attempt for a win-win
outcome for all. If such was possible.
The next bombardment from their trenches was that we may be able to
camp OUTSIDE of the Olympic Site as long as we kept our numbers to
"roughly 200".
These 200 would somehow control the other 99,800 of our Brothers and
Sisters to camp elsewhere and allow the chosen ones to speak for
them. Perhaps they could assist us to obtain "council permits" to
camp at Bressington and Mason Parks outside the Site perimeter.
The Site perimeter as it was explained to us included Homebush Bay
Drive, Western Motorway, Silverwater Road and either or even both the
Parramatta River and Victoria Road.
We salvoed back that we would all March into the Site because it was
our right to do so. It was, after all, Aboriginal Land - Always Was,
Always Will Be Land Never Ceded. They were not too thrilled to hear
that. We then further informed them that under no circumstances could
we, or would be, even attempt to "control" our Peoples. We spoke only
for our own mobs {mine being ISJA] and what the other mobs would do
was up to them. In 1988 we marched in peace, in 2000 we would do the
same. If we are but given the chance.
We explained to them that the parks outside the Perimeter would be
dangerous for our mobs. Apart from the TEO's giving us a hard time,
there was also practically a guarantee that the right wing lunatic
fringe would be out to attack us for daring to stand up for our
rights. Weapons would be used by these fringe groups and in those
parks our People, including our Elders, Women and Children could
possibly be attacked, even to death. The camp inside the Site at
Bicentennial Park is the safest place for our mobs. And we will camp
there.
Now there are perhaps three scenarios by which we can obtain the
camping site inside:
The first scenario, certainly my (our) preferred scenario, is that
the security managers, (those who will best understand the
complexities of the situation), will be able to convince the
politicians that to attempt to stop us marching into the Site would
be both an Australian and International disaster. The world media
will be present in great numbers, whether they are approved or not
approved, and SOCOG security has already accepted that we can all sit
on King Inland in the Bass Strait and the media will come to us.
Access to the media is not the problem.
That is not the aim of the March and the camp. Our right, our
inalienable right to march into the Site and to camp there is really
non-negotiable. What is negotiable is how it is to be done with the
least aggravation to all. I do not want to stop or to get up a
boycott on the Games. Kathy and the others will do our mobs proud.
They will win gold, and even if they don`t---so what? At least they
were a part of the best, and always will be.
The SOCOG gurus, Knight and the other brainwashed and/or braindead
sycophants of the SOCOG Follies, will need to be convinced that when
they mouth the rhetoric of "our games", then we happily accept that
they are in fact "our games." Common sense, logic and a moral
acceptance---a Human Rights acceptance---must be brought to the fore.
We will be doing what we quite simply need to do. We need to make the
people of Australia and the World acutely aware that we have
Survived; we ARE here; it is still Our Land. To highlight the ongoing
racism still being perpetrated against us by the Australian
Society/Culture and its so-called leaders, especially howard
and herron.
To highlight the plethora of problems that still beset our mobs in
the areas of health, housing, education, employment and our absolute
right to access our Traditional Lands. To highlight the racist
justice systems of this Land that perpetuates the genocide and the
smashing of our Families, Law, Lore and Culture. To highlight that
approximately 300+ Families are seeking answers, real and true
answers, as to how their loved one died in custody, dating back only
20 years.
Where is the pride, or whatever, for those who are pushed to the
extremities of Australian Society; who have been robbed of their
birthrights; are alienated and then "blamed" for the nightmare that
our lives have become.
Our joint history is rewritten to better suit the "white-blindfold
view" We need ALL to listen and hear Our Stories, Our Life. It is for
this we are being denied access to the site. They hope to keep us as
hidden as possible, for their systems know no shame. They certainly
do not accept our need for full, open and mutually respectful power
sharing.
It is up to SOCOG Security and their Masters to come to terms with
OUR needs and then allow those needs to come to fruition. That will
bring kudos to us all. A first firm footstep on the road to a real
Justice based Reconciliation.
The second scenario is a Clayton's scenario. That we accept the role
that SOCOG and its political Masters, along with other politicians,
have set for us as artists, dancers, musicians and sports men/women.
Nothing else. We all "hide" from public view AND "do what is right
for the Games." The 200 somehow control the 99800 and the crimes and
moral cowardice of our political leaders (sic) are swept under the
National Carpet. For the good of all of course. The National
Psychosis in all its resplendent glory.
Forget it! It is never going to happen. EVER!
The third scenario, their scenario, is the one I fear most. Violence.
Premeditated violence. Violence with malice aforethought. Civil
violence perpetrated upon us by the misnamed guardians of the law and
order. Their law, their order.
Tisdale, backed up by his silent sentinels at the meeting, is
obdurate. One black foot on to the Olympic site, (white land?), and
we will be stopped.
Whatever the cost. Whatever the pain. Their words, not ours.
In the cross discussion that tends to occur at these events, as they
play their favourite game of splitting the opposing numbers so that
there are three or four discussions at once, it was stated that they,
SOCOG Security, had hired "every black security group in Australia,"
or at least those who could not or would not recognise the pitfalls
inherent in their role.
The day or days, (which we will pick), dawns brightly as they say.
Our mobs are swelled by thousands upon thousands of trade unionists,
Left groups, ethnic groups, Women's groups, gay, lesbian and
transgender groups---all the unsatisfied and vilified masses that
will join us IN SUPPORT of our struggles. It must be clearly
understood and accepted by all non-Indigenous peoples that whilst we
will welcome their support with open arms, the time and timing is
ours. We want you with us in support, in solidarity, in respect of
our current needs.
We ask that you remember our March of 1988. To emulate that March
must be the goal of all. We will lead the march into the Homebush
site. There is basically only one way to get to our camping ground.
We march into the Australia Street entrance, left into Sarah Durack
Avenue, right into the Olympic Boulevard, past the stadiums, right
into Kevin Coombs Avenue and Marjorie Parkway, thence down (aptly)
Bennelong Road to our Bicentennial Park campsite. Which will have
already been set up for us.
Facing us will be thousands of police, army, specials and other well-
trained forces to break us up, to force us back and out. Our Elders
Women and Youth will be with us all the way. I am cynical enough to
expect that the black security groups---Maoris, Pacific Islanders,
Africans and others, perhaps even including our own Indigenous groups-
--will be put in the front line. At the vanguard of their forces. It
has always humoured them immensely to watch blacks belt the shit out
of blacks. It always has done.
It is not in our nature to emulate Ghandi or the Rev. Martin Luther
King Jnr. We have only survived because we have fought, and I
believe, because our strong, proud women have fought---and they and
us will fight again and again. The gaols and police lock-ups will not
hold us. The Courts can do their worst. Such repeated displays of
historical violence against our mobs will only attract more and more
of our people and our supporters until we absolutely choke the filthy
racist system that has denigrated us and denied us Justice for 212
years.
It seems that the Systems have not and will not learn. 1982? or 1988?
There will be violence, but not initiated by us. Innocents will
possibly die. There will be bloodshed. The bottled up frustration and
hate will erupt from both sides in a blind fury. There will indeed be
Sorry Business on both sides.
All this and possibly more will happen. We will march into the
Homebush site and we will sit on Our Land. The choice lies with
SOCOG. I have heard that there is some already talking retaliation
against any violence that is used against us. Using your terrorist
tools against you. I personally, and I know that I speak for many
others, do not want violence under any circumstances, but we do claim
the Human Right of self-defence.
We cannot turn the clock back 212 years, that is an impossibility.
What must be possible is that we accept and recognise our respective
strengths and weaknesses and work together as one. Sharing the power
of power sharing for a true, just and lasting real Reconciliation and
not the ignorance and insult of the howard Government.
Should SOCOG Security go the way of intimidation and violence as an
answer to what in reality is their problem, then the final flimsy
vestiges of the ersatz Reconciliation processes that some are still
attempting to breathe life into will be obliterated for perhaps
another one or two hundred years.
The choice belongs to SOCOG and the politicians.
1982 or 1988. Which? ISJA asks for letters of support for a peaceful
resolution to our rights to march and to camp to be sent to Roland
Tisdale at Sydney 2000 Olympic Headquarters, Level 8, 235 Jones
Street Ultimo 2007. Copies to Knight, Carr and anyone else you care
to and of course, a copy to ISJA. We only have a short time to truly
turn "our games" into Our Games. Let us all work to allow SOCOG to
see reason in our just request for a non-violent Games.
I would assume that SOCOG has their "spies" everywhere but in case
they may have missed it I bring to the notice of all the following
information which is titled WALKING THE LAND---FOR OUR ANCIENT RIGHT.
10 JUNE WALKING TO SYDNEY FOR SEPTEMBER 2000
"This historic walk is a journey for peace, freedom and healing the
land and its peoples. We walk for the sovereign rights of Aboriginal
peoples to our land and our culture. The walk will begin from the
shores of Lake Eyre on 10 June 2000, walking to the Sydney Olympic
Games, arriving September 2000. We are walking in honour and respect
for our ancient rights and law ways, for freedom and our obligation
as carers for our country.
As we walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and the tracks of the
animals and the flight paths of the birds, we will travel from the
old lake, crossing deserts, sandhills, plains, ranges and crossing
the mountains to the sea. WE WILL CELEBRATE AND AFFIRM OUR OBLIGATION
AS CARERS OF COUNTRY. We will carry the peace fire to heal and warm
the hearts of all peoples. All peoplesare welcome to come and join
the walk, to share this experience. Bring your message to the world,
your spiritual symbols, music, songs, dances, poetry, swag,
transport, food, medicines and love for country.
On 19 June we will travel from the shores of Lake Eyre, walking to
Maree, Copley, Nepabunna, Beverley Uranium Mine, Lake Frome, Broken
Hill, Wilcannia, Moree, Dubbo and onto Sydney. At each community we
will be joined by the traditional carers for the country and all
other peoples are welcome to join the walk at any point along the
journey.
The walk will be led by Arabunna Elder, Kevin Buzzacott"
I have a 10 page document which sets out the information on the March
and other information on KOLE, (Keepers of Lake Eyre), and Uncle
Kevin's charges by the Adelaide police for loitering on an Adelaide
street corner! Contact me on 0293180947 and I will send a copy of it
to you. Uncle Kevin is seeking your help to bring this WALKING THE
LAND to fruition. He can be contacted at PO Box 28 Maree 5733. South
Australia. Phone 0417838906.
Roland and Gary. Our respective Dreams have begun.
Don
--
Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html
Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop
Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink
Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
