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The Forum > Article Comments > Will Australia truly commit to the eradication of cluster munitions? > Comments

Will Australia truly commit to the eradication of cluster munitions? : Comments

By Matthew Zagor, published 1/3/2011

While Australia has forsworn cluster munitions it allows allied troops to store and use them on Australian soil.

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So long as we bow to the US for "defence" we will continue to play these word games with the law.
US military strategy is an important part of their economic strategy and partly relies on the "mad dog" factor: Unrestrained, sometimes illogical and unlawful terror. Other nations know that the CIA can do what it likes, rendition is the tip of the iceberg. Individuals can be made to pay "off the books" for any anti-US policy while US politicians can claim deniability. For highly illegal operations they also use mercenaries which can also "belong" to any nation. Their use to terrorise is more flexible than a proper national army which is why "contractors" played such a big part of the recent oil wars. Once again, power to terrorise plus deniability.
The US has also long used illegal weapons to it's advantage such as during the Iran/Iraq war where chemical weapons were tested and refined...however never "officially" used by US forces.
In South America the use drugs, drug crime, "freedom fighters" and gun running is rampant.
To the military mind there are no rules that cannot be broken: "Alls fair in love and war". Trouble is "war" is a constant necessity to the US oligarchs: When you are a bully that has pushed others beyond endurance the war never ends, and will not be allowed to while war is *so* profitable!
We need the out clauses because we have bought into this strategy. Since Howard we are faithful little deputies nodding to everything the US war machine says. Suckers, fools and bastards is what we are for falling into this ethical nightmare.
Posted by Ozandy, Tuesday, 1 March 2011 9:50:44 AM
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Legislation without the loopholes should be implemented. Banning of the manufacture, use and cooperation with other political entities using cluster munitions should be accompanied by similar legislation banning land mines and depleted uranium.
Posted by david f, Tuesday, 1 March 2011 12:13:02 PM
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Mattew Zagor,

Your posting has succeeded in getting two comments plus mine out of about, say 40,000 readers.

Probably it doesn’t matter how and by whom we get maimed or killed.
Posted by skeptic, Tuesday, 1 March 2011 9:02:46 PM
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I will add my thoughts.
As a citizen of Australia, I feel that I don't belong here.
Although I vote, my government doesn't listen to me.
If we have so much mineral wealth in this country with such a small population, why aren't we all rich? Or at least have a decent standard of living?

The reason that my Government does not listen to me is because it is run by the Corporates, the Overseas Interests, the Military.

To do away with the maufacture of cluster bombs would be counter to our pact with the USA and other overseas munitions buyers. They would have to be consulted first before us Australian Citizens. We are only the little people. When our politicians travel overseas, do we get a detailed report, published for all to read, of their overseas dealings? No. Thank God for Wikileaks, opening up a small chink in their armor.
Posted by Raise the Dust, Tuesday, 1 March 2011 9:23:52 PM
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Skeptic and Raise the Dust

To me, the discouraging thing about this issue is that its crucial aspects are removed from the everyday stream of publicity and advertorials that passes for news.

Discouragement is disempowering if you succumb. The countermessages must often be read between the lines, must be actively sought. I don't know of Online Opinion making it onto the evening TV news, but you are here reading, instead of waiting for the sun to go down.

Many groups are working on this issue, and many individuals have contributed. Although only a few of the many are represented by submissions to the Senate Committee reviewing our ratifying legislation, you can read their views, both expert and lay, at
http://bit.ly/fpwojY

The one point M. Zagor did not cover is disinvestment. Investing in cluster munitions assists in killing civilians, during and after wars. Where is your Super money being invested, on your behalf? Does it help pay for the production of cluster munitions? The submission by the Australian Council of Super Investors raises that concern.
See
http://bit.ly/hG2UdA

If you're interested in the issue, read up. If you're concerned about the issue, phone or write your parliamentarians. Silence is as good as consent. If you don't like cluster munitions, add your voice to the protest.

A quote from Margaret Mead is worth re-reading:

"Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Skeptic, & Raise the Dust,
This issue comes before the Senate on 24 March. Can you commit to writing a letter, or will you remain disaffected?
Posted by Sir Vivor, Wednesday, 2 March 2011 11:33:42 AM
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I think this is a wonderful idea, & will go along with it on just one condition.

That is that those who propose this reduction in our armed forces ability to defend themselves, will guarantee to be in the forefront of our forces, wherever our government send them.

If they will not give this guarantee they expose themselves to being categorised as the useless chattering class, for whom the lives of our own forces mean nothing.

Have a nice safe day, at some young army privates expense.
Posted by Hasbeen, Wednesday, 2 March 2011 11:54:46 AM
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