I know protests are not what one would call "Politically Correct" but they are the only way to go ! I have seen many a politician receive bucket loads of petitions all neatly signed, a few smiles during the handover a photo or two, the politician then proceeds to his office dropping them in the first waste bin he can find ! Its a shame but one thing the 60s and 70s can tell you is that if your upset enough, to go to all the trouble to go out into the streets, with placards in hand ! They will listen ! Otherwise its just all smiles,handshakes,kisses and bye bye to all your hopes and dreams ! As long as they are not violent, word of wisdom "let it be"
:)

The question isn't whether or not public protests work. The "real" question is whether or not people have the right to protest in the first place.

In a free society, I say they do have that right.

Whether or not the protest gets out of hand is an irrelevancy in relation to the right to protest.

If any of the handful of crazy righties here want to stop protest, or place restrictions on when, where, how or why people protest ..... MOVE TO NORTH KOREA ... you'd be happy there.

Tens of thousands of people have been protesting against this govt, since it became clear they are wholesale liars...and not just students. In fact if one looks at the demographic of the widespread and peaceful street marches we find that many middle-aged and mature people have fronted up to show their disgust at a deceptive regime.

Frankly, when a govt like this (which appears intent on stripping away our widely held and precious social mores) comes to power through deceptive means, then yes, protest is inevitable if we value our democracy.

I'll just mention that the minute those protesters started on QandA, everyone in our house started dancing in front of the telly.

That particular jolly was only just trumped by Tony Jones looking absolutely flummoxed because he couldn't shut them down like he regularly does with the panelists on his programme.

And let's not get too precious about it. It was over (with the help of cutting away to old vision of a singer)in around 4 or 5 minutes. No violence, no obscenity...just a few chants by people who were duped by Christopher "Unity Ticket" Pyne.

hopefully the atrocious left wing propaganda Q&A will get the Abbott axe. I amazed that Poirot's hatred of Abbott could continue to grow. Amazing considering that she insisted he was unelectable. Terrible when people prove you wrong.

Dear Nhoj,

<<The "real" question is whether or not people have the right to protest in the first place.>>

Such a right, if it exists, is an insult.

'Rights' are something given by others, like they do you a favour: they may give you some rights if they please and just the same they may then take them away if they please.

So do you actually need others to tell you that you may protest?

<<In a free society, I say they do have that right.>>

In a free society you are free - you don't need to get anyone's permission to do anything.

But then others are free too - they could beat you down if they wish, or just scream into your ear - why not?

<<If any of the handful of crazy righties here want to stop protest, or place restrictions on when, where, how or why people protest .....>>

So you believe there should be no restrictions?

When - at 2am.
Where - in your bedroom.
How - by torching your bed.
Why - because they don't find your sexual preference acceptable by their book.

No problem?

Yuyu .... nice try. FAIL.

Let me educate you. A "right" does NOT require "permission".

Learn to read Yuyu, as I did NOT say "no restrictions" as you falsely claim. People don't have the right to do MANY things in a free society, like murder, rape, rob banks etc etc etc etc. Duh!! Apart from these types of overtly *OBVIOUS* restrictions, protests should be allowed in any free society. Obviously I have to spell this out word for word in order that you comprehend.

I do ever so hope you now comprehend my original post. Education is good for you Yuyu. No need to thank me.