This whole topic is shrouded in cloak-and-dagger type language:  “a secure Government spy base” for instance, whatever that might be! The whole concept of slashing holes in the cover of a satellite dish “to save lives” is somewhat infantile as well as being hopelessly vague.

As a gesture to mobilize public opinion it is surely a failure. Most people regard willfully damaging public property as wrong – we teach respect towards others’ property. The fact that one disagrees with others on such a complex question as that of war does not justify damaging their property.

As far as wanting “public accountability” goes, surely it is absurd to expect that a Government will disclose details of it’s undercover surveillance branch. We can’t have it both ways – if we want our government to be responsible for our protection from external aggression, we must acknowledge it’s right to set up agencies whose activities are not open to scrutiny by all. This is not to say that the agency has carte blanche – it’s activities must be reported in sufficient detail to a responsible overseeing body set up by the Minister of Defense.

The idea that being an anti-war activist entitles one to damage public property in the name of morality, without any obvious connection between what is being damaged and the motive behind the damaging will simply not stand up.

This week’s reflections

• NZ Protestors saving overseas lives (News item)
• Solidarity with my brothers whom I’ve never met
• Infantile protest, serious consequences
• Give them “VC’s” not punishment