[LINK] Fwd: An open letter to the PM re Julian Assange

[Jon Seymour]

On Tue, Dec 7, 2010 at 8:53 PM, Rick Welykochy <rick at praxis.com.au> wrote:
> Jon Seymour wrote:
>
>
> http://www.smh.com.au/news/technology/aussie-software-pirate-extradited/2007/05/06/1178390182639.html
>
> Oops ... that was the Libs. But your examples of Haneef, Hicks
> and Gitmo occurred under Howard's regime.
>
> Labour?

That's my point. Even when they were in opposition, they couldn't
bring themselves to stand up for the rule of law, for fear of being
wedged.  Rudd's handling of the Haneef affair was disgraceful.

I have seen no evidence that they have gained any spine since.

>
> Julia Irwin:
> http://antonyloewenstein.com/2010/03/18/adhere-to-the-rule-of-law-says-labor-mp-to-israel-and-her-backers/
>

> But that was about all google could find for me :(

Yep, if the best you can do is point to Julia Irwin (who??), who is no
longer even in the Parliament, the evidence the ALP gives a rats
about such principles still looks pretty bare on the ground.

jon.

>
> Aside: I was reading up on the lack of a Bill of Rights in Australia
> just now (classic web diversion while looking for WikiLeaks news)
> and from the political overtones of the current situation, I think it
> is exactly a fear of the rule of law in this regard that stops politicians
> from taking any action in this area. We are the only western democracy
> without such protections in our constitution or at least in charter.
>
>
> cheers
> rickw
>
> --
> _________________________________
> Rick Welykochy || Praxis Services
>
> When the government fears the people, there is liberty.
> When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
>     -- Thomas Jefferson
>