On Friday night, as I was travelling to the football in a crowded tram of excited people decked out in opposing blue and white, there was talk of a potential terror threat.
Earlier that day, police chief Ken Lay and Prime Minister Tony Abbott discussed the threat level being raised from medium to high.
The first time in 11 years.
So we’re aware of the beheadings of journalists overseas. We’re aware of the potential power of the ISIS terrorist group. And we’re aware that even the most secure site can face destruction.
That includes the MCG, a base that can house 100,000 people.
Those in the ‘know’ have been saying that Australia has been lucky not to have been bombed or shattered by terrorism as yet. America has, England has, so who’s to say this Western section of civilisation is safe?
Is it fair to believe that the more people we send to war, the more likely we’ll become a target?
Opinion becomes the only vocalisation. Tony Abbott believes that there’s no link between what the government does and what terrorists decide to do, but how can that be so black and white?
A report said: ‘In Australia, there are individuals and small groups who believe an attack here is justified. Issues such as Australia’s military deployments over the last decade, the Syrian conflict, or a belief that the ideals of Australia are in direct conflict with their extreme interpretation of Islam, fuel the radical views of this cohort…’
Neil Mitchell said: ‘In my view, we don’t have an option here. The Islamic State is a significant threat to the western world. It is obscenely violent and has pledged to overthrow the west, and it’s radicalising people who come back to their home countries. It is a threat, it is a risk, and we don’t have an option. Christine Milne is calling for negotiation. Seriously. These people are cutting heads off in front of cameras, and she thinks she can negotiate with them?’
We are a multicultural society. We contain many different beliefs and have the freedom of speech. We’re lenient in our provisions and live without restriction.
When there’s a threat of virus, we don’t wear masks. When there’s a terror threat, we don’t abandon our plans and succumb to fear. When a decision doesn’t go our way, we stand up for what we want. Not many other nations can boast such drive.
We let our thoughts dictate what we do. So when the government makes a decision such as sending our people to war, there will be those who are against it, and it can create violent behaviour. There are talks of an uprising in Melbourne. It’s just another rumour in a sea of the unknown.
America don’t shield the correlation between action and consequence. They publicly say ‘be careful’, only too aware of how crippling a response can be.
So I ask you, what would you like to be done in this situation?
Would you prefer we stay out of it and let others stop the terror, or do you believe we should be sent to help our allies and attempt to stop the growing power of the ISIS?
If there were more honest answers by the men and women in the know, then perhaps the decision would be easier to make.
Wars don’t end quickly. They can last months, years or even decades. Casualties pile up, regions are blown to bits and often there is little resolution in conclusion. Does this mean our ‘high’ terror threat will linger?
I listened to the broadcast and was told that there would be more security at the MCG. Yet people weren’t always checked when entering the stadium, and a few even managed to sneak past the guards with large bags. 65,000 people are hard to monitor. A handful of extra police won’t quell a planned attack.
But we will continue to live our lives as stated; without restriction, because we know no other way. No matter what the government says or the troops do. It’s the way we are, and it will never change.
So pay little attention to the rise in threat, because there is nothing the average civilian can do. Thinking about possibilities only fuels the potential. I would rather live a life dangerously and enjoyably than cautiously and concerned.
The ISIS are a force, as unfortunate as that is. What will happen over there will be documented, but once again truth is in opinion.
Perhaps entry is necessary. We aren’t a nation that accepts defeat.
Chris Sutton
