The APEC Holiday

Australia is currently playing host to one of those international junkets, this one known as APEC. This has lead to the supposed 'leader of the free world' George Bush coming to visit. Which has led to possibly the most rediculous dispaly of government stupidity I have ever seen.

Security has gone mad. Half the city of Sydney is surrounded by a 3 meter wall and 'normal' people are no longer allowed in. There are helicopters with snipers hanging out the windows circling the city constantly, there are 2 police on every street corner and there is even an FA18 Hornet fighter jet flying around. As if that that isn't enough overkill, they then went and gave everyone the Friday off. WHAT THE FUCK!!!!

Someone better blow something up or shoot someone or this whole thing has just become the biggest joke in the history of the country.

Now I am happy to admit that some small amount of security is required for something like this. But they have gone way way way WAY! beyond sensible.

Total cost to the Australian economy of elected representatives thinking they are pop starts, approximately $1b. Plus the $300m straight out of the governments pockets for security and other supercilious pursuits. Hell they even outfitted a special room for the damn event (that pretty logo wasn't free either).

I think it is about time that democratically elected leaders realise they are there to serve their nation, they aren't pop stars or tv celebrities. Anyone who thinks that the people of Australia are best served by all this hullabaloo is insane.

The event might be necessary though I wonder what is wrong with teleconferences. Even if they all have to meet in person, why put something requiring all this security in the middle of a city. There are plenty of isolated military bases in Australia with barracks plenty big enough to house everyone.

I live in vain hope that one day we will have a prime minister who cares about the Country and has enough common sense to do what is right for it.

Peace

DTN.