Perth high school and university students explain why they are joining the September 5 national student walkout against the visit of US President George Bush.
"George Bush is responsible for the deaths of more than 650,000 Iraqis and his government continues to devastate Iraq and Afghanistan under the guise of fighting the 'war on terror'. Young people aren't stupid; we know the real reason he went to Iraq was to secure more profits for his pals in big business, and more oil to feed their insatiable energy appetite. Now he is coming to APEC to drum up more support for this increasingly unpopular war. If people can be kicked out of the country for leaving a sim card overseas, why are we happily accommodating this war criminal?" — Malia Douglas, Resistance member and Edith Cowan University student.
"George Bush reckons he has a solution for climate change, but we all know he and his government continue to be part of the problem. We have to speak out against this hypocrite with our mouths and our feet. Every young person concerned about Bush and his conservative agenda should walk out of classes and their workplaces to send a clear message that Bush's agenda is not welcome here!" — Max, Resistance member and private school student.
"Our politicians can't just bid goodbye to the future of the world by pretending things don't need to change. They're constantly creating excuses to put off making positive changes regarding global warming and fighting poverty, and continuing to do nothing simply isn't an option. The world can't wait for anyone else to bring about those changes, the youth of today must take the lead." — Catherina Pagina, Shenton College student.