Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day

Today is the 10th of December 2008 which is the 60th Anniversary of the acceptance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by 48 nations of the United Nations. Many more nations have signed since although the Islamic hardliners are still not involved. Here in Australia we have various pieces of legislation which come perilously close to contravention of the Declaration. John Howard's anti sedition laws do not sit well with the clause allowing freedom of opinion and the right to express that opinion. Many of the anti terrorist laws come dangerously close to contravening clauses relating to the right to a fair hearing and representation. The Rudd Government banking on our fear has no intention of repealing these atrocious pieces of legislation and now Stephen Conroy and Kevin Rudd are going to use the lessons they learned from Kevin's mates in China and censor the internet. I suspect that this site will often not make it through the filters they intend to set up. But we're only theatre people why should we care? I hear you cry. It will not be long before we will only be allowed to do those old british farces because everything else will be too political. My favourite argument "You have nothing to fear if you don't break the law." But what happens when who you are becomes illegal. If it happens to your neighbour will you simply walk past with your eyes averted? Freedom is a precious jewel that must be polished regularly. Don't give up your freedoms in order to get a little illusory safety.