Click here to view original web page at www.theepochtimes.com
Protesters hold up placards during a rally against new pandemic laws and vaccination mandates in Melbourne on December 4, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) Australians in the state of Victoria took to the streets over the weekend to protest against ongoing vaccine mandates in the state, as well as an incoming law that would give the Victorian government unprecedented pandemic-related powers.
Thousands took to the streets of Melbourne for the fifth Saturday in a row to voice their opposition against the contentious legislation, the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill 2021, which officially passed the upper house of state Parliament on Dec. 2 following lengthy debate and multiple amendments.
Victoria is now the first state in the country to have pandemic-specific legislation, which will come into effect from Dec. 16, a day after the current state of emergency expires. The legislation has been the focus of intense public debate and a series of protest rallies in Melbourne’s central business district over the past month. Protesters hold up placards during a rally against new pandemic laws and vaccination mandates in Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 4, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) A protester attends a rally against new pandemic laws and vaccination mandates in Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 4, 2021. (William West/AFP via Getty Images) One among many controversial provisions in the law gives the Victorian government ultimate power to declare pandemics and issue public health orders. The law also threatens hefty fines for breaching pandemic orders.
Signs protesters were holding changed from “Kill the Bill” in previous demonstrations to “Repeal the Bill” on Saturday, because the legislation has been passed and is now waiting for royal assent.
Videos circulated on multiple social media platforms showed thousands of people gathering in the Treasury Gardens, and later marching through the city peacefully to occupy the Flinders Street station intersection. Demonstrators waved Australian flags, with some among them flown upside down to signal a time of distress. Protesters are seen past flags during a rally against new pandemic laws and vaccination mandates in Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 4, 2021. (William WestT/AFP via Getty […]
Click here to view original web page at www.theepochtimes.com
They’re Trying to Shut Us Down
Over the last several months, I’ve lost count of how many times the powers-that-be have tried to shut us down. They’ve sent hackers at us, forcing us to take extreme measures on web security. They sent attorneys after us, but thankfully we’re not easily intimidated by baseless accusations or threats. They’ve even gone so far as to make physical threats. Those can actually be a bit worrisome but Remington has me covered.
For us to continue to deliver the truth that Americans need to read and hear, we ask you, our amazing audience, for financial assistance. We have a Giving Fuel page to help us pay the bills. It’s brand new so don’t be discouraged by the lack of donations there. It’s a funny reality that the fewer the donations that have been made, the less likely people are willing to donate to it. One would think this is counterintuitive, but sometimes people are skeptical because they think that perhaps there’s a reason others haven’t been donating. In our situation, we’re just getting started so please don’t be shy if you have the means to help.
Thank you and God bless!
JD Rucker