Well I got fired up enough to write a letter to the Premier of NSW:

Mr. Iemma,

I would like to register my extreme disappointment that you agreed to the Federal Government’s request for special anti-terrorist powers. None of the agreed to powers would have made the slightest bit of difference to either the WTC or London bombings, as in neither case were the terrorists being actively monitored by the security services.

Since 2001, we have been repeatedly exhorted by government to continue our normal, everyday lives, as to do otherwise would mean that “the terrorists have won.” Meanwhile, the very same government has been drawing up plans to further curtail our civil liberties, which apparently does not signify a terrorist victory? Given that you’ve been party to these decisions, perhaps you could enlighten me as to what exactly it is the terrorists are trying to destroy? I always thought that our civil liberties, freedom from government intrusion and right to a fair trial were what made Western civilisation great?

To quote Benjamin Franklin, “They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety.” I think your actions in this regard have been a disgrace and you have been party to an agreement which moves Australia one step closer to the edge of the slippery slope towards a police state.

Regards,

Donncha Redmond

Vaucluse,

NSW 2030.

If I disappear for a while, I’m being held without trial for 14 days ;-)