Just days after Linda Ronstadt was escorted off the premises of a Les Vegas casino for daring to introduce �Desperado� with a recommendation to see Michael Moore�s new film, a group of NSW north coast artists announced a �Rage against Howard� gig in Lismore. This election will be like no other. Apathy rules? You�ve got to be kidding! WebdiaristAndy Gough sent me the details:

 

Musicians and performers from across the Northern Rivers region of NSW have clamoured to be on the bill for a unique �Rage against HoWARd� benefit gig at the Italo Australia Club, North Lismore, on Saturday, July 31. There will be non-stop entertainment from two stages upstairs; in the main auditorium and in the lounge bar.

“The response has been incredible � I wasn’t even promoting the gig yet, but everyone heard about ‘Rage Against HoWARd’ and immediately wanted to be involved,” said organiser, Mr Jimmy Willing. “My phone ran hot and the bill was full very quickly. That’s incredible considering it’s going to be a benefit for the Greens � nobody is even getting paid! If we let everyone play who wanted to, we could have had a week long festival on our hands.”

Confirmed bands include The Re-Mains, Red Eyed Frogs, Proem, teen heroes Brittle Fex, The Box Monsters, The Real Gone Hick-Ups, Willie McEllroy and special guest Tim Freedman of the Whitlams. Local comedians S Sorrensen and Mandy Nolan will share their side-splitting thoughts and feelings about the PM.

�We want everyone who is enraged by John Howard�s policies on refugees, the US Free Trade Agreement, health, education, the arts, the GST and especially his role involving Australia in the United States� unlawful invasion and occupation of Iraq to come along and express themselves. While it�s a benefit for the local Greens party, supporters of all parties are welcome to attend. Page is now a marginal (National Party) seat� ‘Not happy, John’ is absolutely the feeling and sentiment driving this gig.” Jimmy said.

The gig will be smoke free and family friendly with great food available, a separate �kid�s space� and entertainment for all ages. Young people under 18 will be welcome in the company of an adult. “There will also be a kids program and supervision for sleepy children in a quiet space, to allow parents to come and enjoy the night.�

Lots of lawyers are taking a stand too. Barrister Neil Francey will stand as an independent against the appalling Tony Abbott in Warringah, and is hosting a screening of Michael Moore’s FAHRENHEIT 9/11 at the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace, Cremorne, on Monday 26 July 2004 to launch his campaign. He�ll introduce the film at 6.45pm: for tickets call Neil�s Chambers on (02) 9232 4466.

New mystery Webdiarist �JR� recommends jibjab for a piss-take on the narrowness of American�s choices at the presidential election.

To end, Webdiarist Peter Funnell reckons I�ve done the right thing going independent (see On the road again) and Labor staffer Mark Hough reckons that me and everyone else who voted for Howard in 1996 deserve what we�ve got.

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Peter Funnell in Farrer, ACT

Hi Margo. Change and risk is definitely stressful, but this life is no rehearsal. Webdiary is real good and this medium will become (as it has for so many) the preferred means of communication between people. It’s accessible, it is incredibly inclusive, people say what they think and engage with other ideas. That is so difficult to do today.

People need to talk more than ever and when we talk we understand, we get informed and we reach conclusions, form views and participate. People access this medium a home and at work. Webdiary has broken completely new ground over the last few years and it’s only the start in this medium. Good decision Margo.

I have just read the report �Internet under surveillance� by Reporters without Borders – fascinating! The thing that strikes me is how hard it will be to stop people communicating, and how hard it will be to conceal truth. The internet, exploited by a determination to inform and engage people is unstoppable – and as a number of countries are trying desperately to close it down or control it.

People are incredible – they find a way.

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(July 30: Email by Mark Hough removed at his request)