The Sydney No To The Voice rally held last Saturday saw the controversial figure “Guru” Dave Graham making quite a splash. Guru Dave, known for his outspoken activism in the Australian freedom movement, and some of his supporters took the rally by storm, turning it into a protest within a protest.
However, amidst the chaos, it is important for individuals to consider the consequences of lashing out and attacking their own side. In this case, a group of Guru’s supporters was offended when he was denied a place on the speaker’s platform. Guru himself claimed that September 23 was meant to be a World Wide Freedom Day Rally, but it had been hijacked by politicians who spent $100,000 on the event.
Interestingly, Guru accepted the news that he couldn’t speak at the rally, even though he had initially been invited. However, Craig Kelly, one of the organizers, intervened and invited him to speak anyway. Unfortunately, things spiraled out of control when Guru clashed with one of the security team members, who happened to be an ex-cop. The police had to be called to restore order.
Adding to the confusion, one of Guru’s supporters named Bec Walker started a chant demanding that the people be allowed to speak. Later, she went on her social media channel and launched a scathing attack on the entire event, claiming it was a sell-out to politicians.
Furthermore, Guru’s loyal supporters engaged in shouting matches, accusing the organizers and one of the sponsors, TNT Radio, of participating in a conspiracy against the people. It is crucial to remember the saying: “he who slings mud loses ground.”
In a later interview away from the crowd, Guru revealed that he initially supported having “a couple of politicians” at the rally, such as Craig Kelly and NSW Liberal Democrat John Ruddick MLC, who organized and raised funds for the event. However, when two more politicians, presumed to be former MP Ross Cameron and One Nation’s Tania Mihailuk MLC, were added, Guru deemed it a great sellout.
Guru shared how he communicated with Cameron, Ruddick, and another individual known as the Cossack, accusing them of trying to control him because of his provocative speech. Although Guru possesses a strong voice, a bit of self-discipline and humility would have gone a long way in the situation.
Unfortunately, all of the internal conflicts sparked by Guru and his supporters were captured on video by the Labor Party’s propaganda machine and shared on social media platforms, further fueling the ongoing campaign to mock freedom fighters as “cookers.”
It is important to acknowledge that despite the well-organized rallies and extensive funding from the corporate sector and celebrity support, the Yes campaign is becoming increasingly rattled by the widespread opposition movement. Additionally, the presence of grassroots Aboriginal voices speaking against the Voice and participating in no-vote rallies in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne is posing a challenge to the Yes campaign.
The disruption at the Sydney rally was exactly what the Yes campaign was hoping for, and they capitalized on it. However, it is crucial to note that the exposure of this debacle by Cairns News should not be perceived as a sinister “conspiracy against the people” by “controlled opposition.” Rather, it serves as a lesson for the entire freedom movement.
In conclusion, while the Sydney No To The Voice rally should have been a united front against a common cause, internal conflicts led by Guru and his supporters have tarnished the event’s reputation. It is essential for activists to prioritize unity and constructive dialogue, rather than succumbing to infighting and accusations. True progress can only be achieved when different voices within a movement work together towards a shared goal.
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