I have no proof at all I'm sorry to say. The only thing I have is a set of coincidences and an instinctual suspicion that something is not right. I don't want to sound paranoid, and I don't wish to spread any panic expressions.

I am, however, a strategist and if this was a chess game, the pieces are moving in perfect timing.

It is probably stupidity more than conspiracy, but if something stupid happens, wouldn't the outcome be the same?

It is no secret the Morris Eimma does not want this conference in Sydney.

If you think I'm paranoid, how do you think the people running the country feel at the moment?

And yes, the trains are a mess.

I think the bottom line is to stay away.

A BBQ in the Blue Mountains sounds better than fear in the city for any Aussie.

Communicate

One sensible voice. Thank you. Of course we have always been a target because we are the west. We have managed to break up many of their groups and plans yet they still complain.
of course its better to fight them over there than here.
If you have cancer you seek something to fight the disease early rather than allow it to spread.
Same thing with terrorism and if they are too stupid to see that then dont bother yourself trying to explain it.
Remember we all did nothing about Hitler.
You would have thought they may have learned from that.

"a positive economic outcome for Australia or some genuine Australian assistance for some of the Pacific region."

That would only help Howard if it miraculously translated into cheaper milk, bread, housing, petrol and the withdrawal of Workchoices before the election, and even then people would say it was just a stunt.

"and has welcomed Muslims into their midst."

You may be right, in which case you should be cross at Howard for introducing the highest immigration rate the country has ever seen.

"And don't please don't give us the nonsense about being "less" of a terrorist target or "more""

Tell that to the electorate.

"It is dishonest to suggest that going into Iraq was the sole cause of us being a terrorist target or that pulling out will solve our problems with terrorists."

I never suggested that Iraq is the sole cause or that us pulling out would solve our problems. I put it to you that it is dishonest to suggest that Iraq has nothing to do with the level of risk Australia faces, acknowledging of course, that you never said that either.

The topic is APEC and the likely effect an attack would have on the election. Since the election outcome will reflect what most people believe to be true, regardless of what's actually true, I wrote my comment on that basis.

Of course APEC wsill work for Howard - whichever way it goes.
If there's no trouble - or even if there are only peaceful protests - Howard will claim it as a victory.

If there is trouble - great! Howard will piously emphasise the need to increase security. It will help him electorally - he's not doing too well on the GREED motive - but the FEAR one has always been a winner for Howard.

I guess, above all - for Howard - it gives him his top goal - to strut upon the world stage - which is where he fancies himself. He'd better savour it. He'll be a forgotten man after the next election

Howard also has a genius for getting essential agenda items quietly submerged in the public brouhaha. He has done it with the "aboriginal emergency" - discrediting all aborigines, while paving the way for uranium mining and international nuclear waste dumping.

At APEC - Howard will quietly get Australia joined up to the Grandiose Nonsensical Exaggeration and Propaganda. Sorry - did I misspell that? - the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership.

The mainstream media will no doubt sleep their way through this next bit of Howard sleight of hand.
Christina Macpherson www.antinuclearaustralia.com

No thread creator I disagree.
It is good that all citizens join the protest on the attrocities that have come from Blair, Bush and Howard these Western Leaders have created extreme problems on their own subjects. The Soviet Union was the Scapegoat so they then turned upon the next anti capitalist economy Islam. These are ruthless Christian Leaders that drop cluster bombs upon innocent people. Depleted uranium and agent orange upon their own soldiers whoops friendly fire. Missiles surgically impacted my bottom. We all do need to demonstrate in as many numbers as possible because we can all see Kevin Rudd making the same mistake expansion of uranium mining is a prime example. Peace be with you brothers and sisters.

Tut tut Chainsmoker I think the venue for the APEC meeting was decided years ago. Now a nice letter or two to the Prime Minister asking him to 'resign'(ie go to the polls before the meeting) and how would you feel about the APEC meeting then? It would be a 'good thing' yes? It would give Rudd the world stage for a day or two. Would it do any more than that? I rather doubt it. Rudd's Shadow Ministry is shadowy indeed. He is scared to let them loose on the electorate in case they put a foot out of line - and people are reminded of their union past.
APEC should probably be ditched as an organisation anyway - it's good for a laugh over the shirts but little more. Labor will not be able to change that and will, in the end, have even less influence in regional affairs.