On Saturday 20th November the people of the Australia (and the world) gathered in peaceful protest for their freedom, for their ability to live life how they choose and to make choices based on what is right for them. The individual over the collective. They marched for their freedom, against the march of coercion thrust on them by the rhetoric of those that define themselves “far superior” and all knowing sages rather than the equals of the people. The freedom fighters are the Sun hidden behind the stormy clouds, who bring love, kindness and compassion to this man-made storm. We are all gifted with life on this planet, a rock flying through infinite space, we are all entitled to live our best, most free, most happiest life through the choices we make, not to be manipulated, controlled, divided based on privileges we can keep if we comply to those that see themselves deities.
The peoples of Australia amalgamated by the hundreds of thousands, showing love and support for each other whilst standing strong and hubris for their cause. There were speeches outlining the duplicitous nature of what mandates are doing to people’s wellbeing and health. Speakers expressed their indigence towards current authoritarian and nefarious decisions made, the people are nothing less than dubious of these leaders. Yet speeches showing altruism and perennial hope for a brighter future rippled through the masses of Adelaide’s Rundle Park.
After a peaceful march along the sublime Adelaide CBD North Terrace and through the heart of the city down King William St and back to Rundle Park via Grenfell St where more galvanising and spirit lifting speeches took place, it was time for everyone to recharge, relax, eat, drink, spend time with family and friends or succumb to the couch and TV. One popular hostelry for food and drink assembly is the Belgium Beer Café – the finest European alcoholic beverages in South Australia, a subjective opinion, of course. As most premises in this new world, QR codes scanning, mask wearing whilst standing is the entry requisite. Families and friends were gathered with their children indulging in spreads of ordered food, a decorated military man sat outside on the terrace with the joy of the company he had at his table and the beer in his hand, when 5-6 police officers paced into the bar.
The military gentleman and his friends were approached by a few of the police officers whilst some remained and watched other patrons in the bar. After ten minutes of an unheard conversation, he was asked to leave, to which the patrons were left confused and worried yet still applauded the man benevolently for his service to the country, nonetheless. The police were not yet done. A large group of friends and family and their children were now unnervingly surrounded by the officer. Respectfully and peacefully the police and patrons conversed, but it was clear tumult was in the air throughout the establishment. As time passed, and back-and-forth discussions were ongoing, it was eventually concluded that the reason the group were asked to leave was due to the bar staff reporting that upon ordering food and drinks the patrons didn’t want to wear their masks. Over $300 worth of consumables was left unfinished as the group was shown the door. Before leaving, a refund was requested, yet police advised this will have to be done over the phone or via email. If this was going to be entertained at all, one may wonder. As the group left the bar, Police benignly shook some hands, A bar staff member rudely rang the bar bell, and a couple cheered whilst a barmaid collected glasses with her masked hooked under her chin in contradicting manner. Consciously? Maybe not, yet other patrons were quick to remind her to put it over her face, otherwise she should be treated as equally as those ushered to the door.
The manager of the Belgium Beer Café was contacted and asked to comment on what took place that day. He stated that due to the nature of the high police presence with the freedom protests in wake and the utter fear around the unreasonable large fines that come with failing to comply with the government forced mandates, they felt they had no choice but to enforce the mandates and risk a confrontation with their customers, regardless of whether it was accidental or on purpose by someone who deplores “the rules”. Events such as this will become commonplace in Australia as it is crystal clear that the governments fear mongering around fines and imprisonment for rules, that make little sense (if I sit down, I’m immune to viruses), are causing a tension and division in the communities and a loss of custom for local businesses due to how customers are being told to be treated. The people of Australia want to support their local businesses, the local businesses want to serve food, they want to provide a service, they want to employ staff and they want to make a profit to pay their staff and feed their families, they don’t want to enforce and police often ridiculous rules dreamed up by overpaid health bureaucrats under the veil of “keeping us safe”- however events like this project a future that can only get worse if discriminatory vaccine passports and continued government interference are employed in our great country, excluding masses of citizens from society.
And No, “just get the vax” is not a solution.
