o sung wu,

"But what are we to do ? There's no doubt whatsoever, there's a real threat in our community, not only from our declared and identifiable antagonists, but that idiot group who emerge from under their respective rocks, wanting to create chaos and pandemonium."

That's where you and I differ.

I maintain that the Govt (and Labor) have blown the "threat" out of all proportion. The govt, because it's performance has been lacklustre - and Labor because it didn't want to be painted as "unpatriotic" by the govt, etc

Tell me the charges that were laid after that massive police swoop/media event recently? Two blokes - and neither particularly tied to terrorism...one bloke got off on a good behaviour bond for a non-terrorism-related charge.

This morning's raid - again orchestrated in tandem with the media was accompanied by a message tweeted from Victoria Police:

"The AFP and Victoria Police confirms a number of search warrants are being conducted. It is not in response to a threat to public safety."

That's "...it is "not" in response to a threat to public safety."

Now they've supposedly nabbed someone who was going to transfer $12,000 to someone. It may be related to the insurgency in the ME...but do we need a massive media coverage and blanket police raids poured all over the airwaves and slopped liberally into the public's collective psyche.

Hysteria...

Hello again POIROT...

You're spot on there, media inspired hysteria ! There's no accounting for the behaviour or moral turpitude of the media ? Apart from some of the former Iron Curtain countries, the media can get away with almost anything and they do. Without labouring on the point, some years ago I attended a talk given by the former Commissioner for the AFP, Maj. Gen Ronald GREY, a former decorated Vietnam Veteran, of some note.

He said, of his time as Commissioner of the AFP, he'd rather face a Coy. of NVA soldiers, than participate in media interviews, such was the recognised and perceived power of the media, by this very tough former decorated soldier.

I'm sure you know as well as anyone POIROT, the media can place any spin they wish on any story, particularly to do with politics. And you're absolutely correct when you assert what happened down there in Melbourne this morning. Why they did it, who knows ? Is the LNP or the Labor Party responsible for manipulating the media for their own dastardly ends ? I don't think so. They (media) grab a story, any story, and make of it what they believe will sell. If necessary, they'll add a little, subtract a little, until it fills the mould they think it deserves.

The AM arrest of this bloke in Melbourne, was the real deal by all accounts. It's a serious matter to furnish financial support and succour to any of these prescribed groups, and that was the whole purpose of the pinch ? And you can bet your socks the 'jacks' were packing real heat, despite muttering something to the contrary ? Or so we're told ? Who know eh POIROT, who really knows eh ?

It seems that police don't win either way. Where they do not announce an action that could affect the public they are criticised for being secretive and holding information back. Where they do, they are publicity-seeking hounds!

Regarding the number of police for a raid, ensuring the safety of all involved, alleged offenders too, and the public would likely require a fair number on the ground.

I wonder how much explosive $12000 could buy. Shall we measure it in the number of people with horrific burns, for instance. If so, thousands if crowded centres were targeted. Add to that the effects of crowd panic, trampling and crushing, and there are many more.

OTB,

Don't worry too much about it, when people get paranoid, this is how their minds work: suspecting authorities of both (a) and (b), as you say, getting hysterical about little things.

You're right though, that when the police go to arrest someone, they don't know (until afterwards) whether the bloke's armed or not, whether his place is booby-trapped, etc. Their duty is to protect the public, so why shouldn't they be well-armed ?

But I'm glad they got another computer, and all its drives, and who knows what other techno gear, phones etc. Supporters of terrorism must unintentionally be gold-mines of information, hey ?

Cheers,

Joe

Joe,

"Don't worry too much about it, when people get paranoid, this is how their minds work: suspecting authorities of both (a) and (b), as you say, getting hysterical about little things."

Bloody Lol!...

You fellas buy the Govt's confected hysteria lock, stock and barrel.

...and then label those of us who question the "degree of threat" and the implications of the new laws as "paranoid".

You've all gone and swallowed the big paranoia pill currently being doled out by the govt. No questions asked. No serious debate.

Tones says jump and everyone says "how high?"

Wounded Goose,

Not really, I'm confident that our government has got a handle on any terrorist threat. I feel rather insouciant about it all, really.

But if you think that any action, is either (a) over the top, or (b) not sufficient in the face of danger, please feel to get hysterical, it's a free country :)

Just trying to help.

Joe