a roll of the dice

Crikey yesterday described the APEC security arrangements thus:

For the cops, APEC is a vision of the world as it should be. Expanded powers, new equipment, media support, and maybe a chance to try out new toys like the water cannon.

If the allegations in this article are even close to true, then that sounds pretty accurate:

• cutlery on outdoor tables removed as a security threat
• people told not to look at passing helicopters
• journalists having their notes checked by police

Of course this is all unsubstantiated and we’re reassured by vague statements from Those In Charge about the fact that all of the above would be too much, tut tut, but of course there’s no sign that the claims will be investigated or any action taken if they prove correct.

The politics of APEC and protests aside, when our leaders live in this much fear of the people it’s hard to escape the conclusion that something is fundamentally wrong with the relationship between government and the governed.