The spirit of the radical movements of the 1960-70s was reignited at the Socialist Alliance's "Stand up for your rights" election campaign concert on March 24. Performing classic hits from artists such as Bob Marley and John Lennon, plus original music and songs, a swathe of musicians and five of the Socialist Alliance candidates in the March 24 NSW election called for a united struggle against corporate greed and exploitative governments.
The event was held in the immediate aftermath of protests against the visit of US Vice-President Dick Cheney. "I am a feral terrorist", MC Alex Bainbridge told the concert-goers, satirising comments made by Liberal and Labor politicians alike about the "Chain up Cheney" protesters. "If peacefully standing up for your rights, together with other people, against police violence and intimidation is an act of terrorism, then I'm the biggest terrorist of them all."
Pip Hinman, the alliance's candidate for Marrickville and a Stop the War Coalition activist, explained that the real "ferals" and "terrorists" are the major parties. "At least 800,000 people in NSW live in poverty, yet the Labor state government has offered no serious plan to address this", she said. She called on the government to solve the public housing crisis, and for free health care, education and housing as solutions to poverty and inequality.
Aboriginal activist and rap artist Jakalene X, a Socialist Alliance candidate for the NSW Legislative Assembly, described the extreme oppression of Aboriginal people in a racist Australia. She performed her songs "Advance Australia White" and "Social Justice", and spoke passionately about the need for united, grassroots campaigning for justice for all oppressed people.
Other speakers included upper house candidates Raul Bassi, Susan Price and Rachel Evans. The performers included the newly formed band Connor and the Freedom Fighters, Uncle Arthur Ridgeway, rap artist Munkimuk and singer-songwriter Paul Patton.
Author's note: Originally published by Green Left Weekly issue 701. Originally published in Mr Rev Comrade Rowley's deadname. Reposted here without alteration of the content and without prejudice.
