Cheney safe but Sydney unprotected
Feb. 23rd, 2007 06:12 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
n2kajaNews from my home page this morning.
MORE than 1200 police are being pulled off the streets to protect visiting US Vice-President Dick Cheney, causing shortages at almost every Sydney police station and costing taxpayers up to $2 million.
Even before his arrival aboard Air Force 2 at 10.50pm (AEDT) last night, motorists learned of his presence with delayed journeys home.
Southern Cross Drive, South Dowling St and the Eastern Distributor, between Woolloomooloo and Moore Park, were shut down in both directions as a motorcade took Mr Cheney into the city.
Earlier 10 people were arrested in violent clashes between police and protesters outside Sydney's Town Hall.
The protest, organised by St Clair-based Stop the War Coalition, turned into a confrontation when about 200 protesters attempted to break a police line and march on the US Consulate in Martin Place.
After the scuffle and arrests, police negotiated with organisers to allow the group to keep to the footpath to prevent traffic chaos in the evening peak.
About 1000 rank-and-file officers are off normal duties across the metropolitan area and a further 230 will be drawn from country stations for Mr Cheney's visit.
That number does not include special forces officers from the counter-terrorism unit and state protection group.
Nor does it include Mr Cheney's contingent of armed bodyguards who, controversially, were allowed into the country with firearms.
The massive security detail dwarfs the 450 police rostered for the Harbour Bridge's 75th anniversary next month or the 250 used for Mardi Gras.
It is understood the visit will cost NSW taxpayers between $1.6 million and $2 million in police costs alone.
The Police Association has warned officers will struggle to deal with crime during the visit.
"Dick Cheney's visit means police commands will struggle to carry out first-response policing," secretary Peter Remfrey said.
A further protest is being held this morning at The Rocks, where Mr Cheney is staying.
Adding to the potential traffic woes, the area bounded by Cumberland, Gloucester and Essex Sts in The Rocks will be closed as it contains venues where Mr Cheney is making appearances.
Is cheney the anti-christ?
we didn't ask for this visit.
MORE than 1200 police are being pulled off the streets to protect visiting US Vice-President Dick Cheney, causing shortages at almost every Sydney police station and costing taxpayers up to $2 million.
Even before his arrival aboard Air Force 2 at 10.50pm (AEDT) last night, motorists learned of his presence with delayed journeys home.
Southern Cross Drive, South Dowling St and the Eastern Distributor, between Woolloomooloo and Moore Park, were shut down in both directions as a motorcade took Mr Cheney into the city.
Earlier 10 people were arrested in violent clashes between police and protesters outside Sydney's Town Hall.
The protest, organised by St Clair-based Stop the War Coalition, turned into a confrontation when about 200 protesters attempted to break a police line and march on the US Consulate in Martin Place.
After the scuffle and arrests, police negotiated with organisers to allow the group to keep to the footpath to prevent traffic chaos in the evening peak.
About 1000 rank-and-file officers are off normal duties across the metropolitan area and a further 230 will be drawn from country stations for Mr Cheney's visit.
That number does not include special forces officers from the counter-terrorism unit and state protection group.
Nor does it include Mr Cheney's contingent of armed bodyguards who, controversially, were allowed into the country with firearms.
The massive security detail dwarfs the 450 police rostered for the Harbour Bridge's 75th anniversary next month or the 250 used for Mardi Gras.
It is understood the visit will cost NSW taxpayers between $1.6 million and $2 million in police costs alone.
The Police Association has warned officers will struggle to deal with crime during the visit.
"Dick Cheney's visit means police commands will struggle to carry out first-response policing," secretary Peter Remfrey said.
A further protest is being held this morning at The Rocks, where Mr Cheney is staying.
Adding to the potential traffic woes, the area bounded by Cumberland, Gloucester and Essex Sts in The Rocks will be closed as it contains venues where Mr Cheney is making appearances.
Is cheney the anti-christ?
we didn't ask for this visit.
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no subject
Date: 2007-02-22 08:43 pm (UTC)We had the same shit when Clinton visited. But at least he didn't stay around for 3 whole days.
The people were arrested for trying to stage a legal demonstration.
no subject
Date: 2007-02-22 09:33 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-23 04:46 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-23 05:41 am (UTC)I have strong feelings towards Dick Cheney as I feel there is much more to him then meets the eye. He has became Wealthy beyond what we can imagine through this war.