"It is not 'terrorists' who are attacking democracy in New Zealand - but our own 'democratically elected representatives'!" stated Water Pressure Group Media Spokesperson Penny Bright.

"It is an outrage that this Government is trying to railroad through secret, draconian Terrorism Bill amendments, without allowing the general public a chance to consider the proposed legislation and make submissions on it.

What is this 'terrorism' that citizens' have to lose their democratic rights to combat?

The Water Pressure Group notes that prior to the 1999 General Election, the Labour and Alliance parties and MPs agreed that water is a basic human right, since no one can live without it, and that no person should be deprived of it.

Since then, the Water Pressure Group's - non-paid and community-oriented "Turn On" squads have been called 'urban terrorists' for reconnecting households. What can be more 'neighbourly' than making sure that families have water?

Under these amendments - would we be classified as 'terrorists'??? The answer is a secret - it can't stand the light of day!

What sort of democracy are we left with once democratic rights are stripped away? A shallow facade which, in the name of "anti- terrorism", serves big business, the very wealthy, and those who carry out an agenda which serves their interests..

A further degradation of the same 'democracy' which allows politicians to lie with impunity about pushing a pro-corporate agenda, but takes citizens to Court for telling the truth about politicians telling lies.

Democracy for whom?

Who will benefit from this crackdown on civil liberties? Just whose interests is this Government serving? How can we have 'democracy' without democratic rights?

It is our right to make submissions on these amendments to the Terrorism (Bombing and Financing) Bill, and to exercise our freedom of expression to oppose them.

We demand that the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee makes public, copies of these amendments to the Terrorism (Bombing and Financing) Bill, and provides reasonable time for the people to make submissions, and to openly raise concerns.

We demand that Parliament instruct the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee to carry this out. Any MP who does not oppose this assault on democratic rights is part of that attack.

It is totally unacceptable that Government dictates which groups may view or comment on this Bill. The degree to which government is stooping, indicates the severity of their intentions. We urge all people to stand up against this outrage." Ms Bright continued.

"Dark clouds are gathering, reminiscent of late-1930s Germany. If we don't learn from history, history will be repeated. If we don't organise and fightback to protect our hardwon democratic rights we will lose them, with potentially horrific consequences," Penny Bright concluded.

Penny Bright
Media Spokesperson
Water Pressure Group (Auckland)
Ph: 846 9825

(Any group or individual who wants to do more about this issue than just write letters or send faxes - please make contact.)

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