Statements of support for Sam Watson campaign

These are some statements of support received for the Sam Watson Socialist Alliance campaign in Brisbane Central, Premier Peter Beattie’s seat:

"The National Indigenous Human Rights Congress Australia supports Socialist Alliance Activist, Sam Watson. Human rights and social justice must be addressed in this country. Australia was not built on these premises and that is what Australia lacks. There has not been human rights and justice in this country since the invasion of British colonialism. 1946 Treaty of Versaille and the Atlantic charter invalidates colonial rule. This current government is operating illegally. we need a legal representative by the peoples for the peoples." - Lee Anne Nangala Daylight-Lacey

“I support Sam's campaign because of his commitment to stopping war, because of his commitment to the Murri people and because of his commitment to social justice, and putting the interests of people over profit.” - Tristan Peach

“I'm totally disillusioned with the two major parties. Although I don't live in Sam's electorate, I would like to help.” - Anne Glaum ($200 donation)

"Yes with all my heart and soul I support Sam Watson -- we need a change and now is the time. It’s for humanity and to build a better Queensland without the propaganda and lies that the Libs and Labor party manufacture. I believe in the Socialist Alliance for providing a better alternative. I will be joining the Alliance shortly." - Anthony Plakias

"I support the campaign because Sam and the Socialist Alliance are apparently the last and only hope we have!" -- Ahmed Kadhem

"I strongly support brother Sam having known him and his family for several years. Sam is also patron of Songlines (choir) of which I am a member. I strongly support Sam's principals. We are long overdue for a great change in the way in which our indigenous brothers and sisters are treated, accepted, exploited, abused etc." -- Lana Calnan ($20 donation)

"Sam Watson should have been elected to parliament years ago! He is already a true tribune of the people... and especially the Murri people. To see Sam stand head to head with Beattie (again!) makes me proud to be his comrade. Go Sam!" - Karen Fletcher, former Coordinator of Prisoners Legal Service (QLD) and big Sam Watson fan.

"I would like to offer my strong support to Socialist Alliance candidate Sam Watson in his campaign for a more socially just society. I find his political ethos to be ethical, and his personal attributes of dignity, honesty and his personal sense of humanity imperative in making a positive difference in this bureaucratic world." - Jakalene Extreme, Indigenous political rap artist, Sydney

"Sam has the experience and skills to draw Beattie's strategy away from spin doctoring towards the issues that concern all Queenslanders, indeed all Australians. Sam has my heartfelt support." - Humphrey McQueen, writer & historian

"I would like to offer my support for Sam Watson in this election campaign. I would also like to commend the Brisbane branch of the Socialist Alliance for running such a strong campaign against Peter Beattie’s Labor team and the so-called Coalition. I think that it is very important for smaller partes to make their voices heard - and to prove that it doesn’t take thousands of dollars to run in an election. Workers can do it too! Not just those who already hold immense power. Sam has always been an inspiration to so many people, myself included, in his struggle for the rights of his Aboriginal comrades. I hope that this campaign can further broaden the awareness of these issues in the community, and help to bring about some real changes in both perceptions and in the everyday situations of Indigenous peoples, workers, students and all of those who have just had enough of racism, government lies and the corporatisation of state health and welfare services. I hope that you will be able to get Peter Beattie in a sweat come election night!!" - Amelia Taylor, United Casual Workers Alliance

"It would be an honour if you put my name down as someone who supports Sam unreservedly. Every time I've heard him speak he has impressed me with his logic and good sense. The best way to support him is to emulate his clear sightedness, his commitment, his humanity and his passion." - Ted Reithmuller

"I'm for SAM WATSON because he does what he does for all the right reasons... he has integrity and is respectful of everyone and where we are coming from, ie: he is INCLUSIVE. SAM is a strong courageous voice for all of us, not just his own people. As a result he has great leadership qualities without making a big song and dance about it or wanting big pats on the back, fame or fortune. In a nutshell he talks the talk and walks the walk, all seemingly effortlessly. I respect him so much. Finally, and importantly, we Queenslanders deserve a representative like SAM WATSON. I've had it with the major parties and I'm not alone." - Karen Thorp

"We strongly endorse Sam Watson´s campaign for the Socialist Alliance for the seat of Brisbane. We believe Sam can effectively challenge Premier Peter Beattie over the issue of Black deaths in custody, the stolen wages and many other issues of Aboriginal rights. In addition, Sam, as a long-time socialist, can put forward the demands that the community and working people in Queensland urgently need addressed. As a former candidate for SA in the seat of Brisbane against Premier Beattie, Coral particularly urges support for Sam from all those who want to see social justice and radical change in our country. Greetings from revolutionary Venezuela, Venceremos!" - Jim McIlroy & Coral Wynter, Green Left Weekly bureau in Caracas, Venezuela

"Sam Watson is a living example of resistance to injustice and oppression in this Lucky-for-some Country. His activism and leadership inspire others to join in the struggle for a better world for all. It is an honour to have Sam as a comrade in the Socialist Alliance. All power to the campaign!" - Peter Boyle, national secretary Democratic Socialist Perspective, a proud affiliate of the Socialist Alliance

"I am especially proud to be a part of the Socialist Alliance when Sam Watson is on the campaign trail. His courage and commitment to fight, on every front and against every injustice created by this rotten capitalist system, is an inspiration and an example to me, and many others.

"With "working-class heroes" like Sam, I am confident that we will one day create a just, peaceful and sustainable society. Give Beattie hell Sam!" - Lisa Macdonald, national coordinator Socialist Alliance.

"A strong Murri voice is needed in Australian politics and Sam Watson has proved himself to be a staunch advocate and supporter of Aboriginal rights, workers rights and human rights in general. I find his views and speeches to be inspiring and more in line with what the average Australian thinks and needs than anything offered by the more major and corporate sponsored candidates. I believe that Socialist Alliance is now the true workers' party and I will be traveling from the Gold Coast on Saturday to support Sam Watson and the Socialist Alliance because a better world is possible and it is now time to start making it real. Need before Greed, People before Profit! Vote with your heart, not with your wallet!" - SCART (lead vocalist & guitarist for rap/rock band The Molotov)

"Greetings from the West Australian branch of the Maritime Union. Sam Watson is a staunch trade unionist and one of the major leaders for Aboriginal rights. We in the WA MUA wish Sam well in the Queensland election campaign." - Chris Cain,WA Secretary MUA.

"It's good to see progressive candidates with a long history of activism and people's interests standing in elections. There aren't enough activists' voices breaking through in the electioneering spin of the major parties in elections.

"Sam Watson is someone who doesn't mince his words and whose heart always lies with the people. I wish him the best of luck and keep up the struggle." - Tim Gooden, Secretary Geelong Regional Trades & Labour Council

"Having grown up in western Queensland and seen first-hand some of the racism towards Aborigines, I understand that the struggle for Aboriginal rights and against racism in any form, is absolutely essential in Australia. It is always the weapon of first resort for the capitalists whenever they think there is a chance of working class people uniting for their rights.

"One of the things that makes Sam Watson such an outstanding leader is that he understands the need to unite the struggles and act in solidarity. We need many more Sam Watsons. All the best for the campaign." - Sue Bolton, convenor Socialist Alliance national trade union committee.

"Cuban doctors? What a wonderful idea. I support Sam Watson because he demonstrates the political imagination that will shape a better world; one without capitalist dinosaurs!" - Niko Leka, M.Med.Sc., B.A., EN.

"Congratulations to Sam for standing up for the rights of all working class people, and especially Aborigines in the Queensland elections. All the best for the campaign." - Craig Johnston, former Victorian Secretary AMWU.

"Great to see a candidate standing up for the rights of working people. Wish I was able to vote for a candidate of Sam's calibre. Ki kaha." - Mike Treen, Secretary Unite Union Auckland NZ.

"I am extremely pleased to extend our solidarity to Sam Watson, Socialist Alliance candidate for Queensland. As we struggle to break and ultimately end the hold of elite rule in the Philippines, we say that anyone who stands for the 'excluded and ignored', is a comrade of ours. We also note the role played by indigenous leaders such as Evo Morales in Bolivia - a proud and honorable example of a leader who is of the working and poor masses. We wish you the very best. Mabuhay Sam Watson! Mabuhay Socialist Alliance!" - Reihana Mohideen, Laban ng Masa Philippines

"Though my ancestors are Gundungurra NSW, and colonial Irish, I was born in Brisbane not too long ago, and have family living in and around the area, and was thrilled to hear of the candidature of Sam Watson.

"I wholeheartedly urge the fullest support for Sam Watson as the Socialist Alliance candidate standing against the incumbent Premier Beattie. Sam represents the best example of a serious and competent voice for people power. Sam is a compassionate and passionate campaigner for indigenous justice and sovereignty, which are the same demands and the same values we base a socialist vision of the future on.

"In all the campaigns – especially in QLD where there are clearly racist deaths from the violent attacks or from state neglect and ignorance, from Palm Island or Cherbourg to Lake Cowal’s or Eyre, or Redfern or the Tent Embassy on Nugunnawal Land – Sam is there tireless campaigning and uniting us, ensuring that this first injustice be corrected. And ever inspirational, Sam also connects with indigenous campaigns internationally – because we all live on one planet, and it the future of this planet that we need to guarantee.

"Sam knows that we cannot win equality, land justice, an end to discrimination – or realise many of the other positive aspirations our communities have - by traditional two party passing the buck politics – and there is nothing more offensive than seeing the way indigenous issues are trivialised and marginalised in the political arena. Put Sam Watson in the QLD parliament as a voice for those who have no voice! I can’t imagine anyone better placed or more creative, and able to lead the struggles to break out of the old political representative forms and dream a new future together of peoples power – a 21st century vision which respects and advances the interests of all sectors of society and not just the wealthy elites and politicians mates, at the expense of the rest of us.Go Sam!" - Lara Pullin

"I am happy to endorse Socialist Alliance candidate Sam Watson in his electoral stand against Peter Beattie in the Queensland elections. Sam is running for all the right reasons - to raise the issues of social justice for Murris, for workers, for the unemployed and to further the many other progressive causes he has stood for over the years." - Ray Jackson, Redfern President, Indigenous Social Justice Association.

"The Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) supports Sam Watson, candidate of Socialist Alliance, in contesting in Queensland's election. Sam has shown his commitment in struggle together with the working class in Australia - including aboriginal people, students, the unemplyoyed, pensioners - for a better future with a people's alternative.

"PSM believes that only through the solidarity of working class, we can build a better society, free from oppression and exploitation. PSM will always stands together with the working people and the oppressed and socialists who committed to fight on. We also wish Socialist Alliance all the best in Queensland election campaign." - Choo Chon Kai, International Bureau Socialist Party of Malaysia.

"I fully support Sam Watson and the Socialist Alliance. All over the world people are fighting back against the multinationals and their political hirelings, and it is good to know that this is happening in Queensland too. Watson and the Alliance represent the best choice for ordinary working people: give them your vote and full support. Even better, join the Socialist Alliance and take part in the fightback!" - Alex Miller

"The Editorial Board of Seeing Red, the forum of social, political and cultural dissent initiated by Socialist Alliance, expresses heartfelt support for Sam Watson's campaign. Sam speaks against the establishmentparties that put profit before people with a powerful and compassionate voice. He is a true tribune for the struggles of Indigenous and working people, All power to his campaign!" - Dick Nichols on behalf of the Seeing Red editorial board.

"I'm a Norwegian socialist which for the moment is studying in Brisbane. I have tried to follow the Queensland election, and have not surprisingly found out that the conflict of interests in Australian politics are just the same as in Norway, although some of the political issues are a bit different.

"I'm glad to see that there is one party standing up for the worker's rights, for the environment, for the rights of the indigenous people and against oppression and racism. I'm especially glad to see a representative of the aboriginal community as the top candidate on SA's list in Brisbane. Best of luck with the election, and even more important, my best wishes for the even more important work you do between elections!" - Bengt Olav Olsen (Member of Socialist Left Party and Socialist Youth in Norway)

Campaign also endorsed by: Lionel Fogarty, Rev Alex Gater, Les Malezer, Paul Hoesley, Nicole Clevens,Karen Thorp, Richard Neehouse, Rosa Neehouse, Louay Alhazer, Neil & Irene Philipson, Ray Bergman, Joan Collins, Adrian McEvoy, Mark Gillespie, Shakina Burdo, James Pyke, Elizabeth Cowie, Michael Mcdonald, Paul Benedek, Barry Baird, Bette Boreham, JP Graham Hutton, Gonzalo V, Joan Collins, Ian Curr, Adrian Burragabba, Jeff Gater, Juanita Hall, Noel Doyle, Bruce Lillis, Sabrina Hambel, Joseph Blair, Bob Culerbiloon, William Mathieson, Julia Hopkins, Alice Saunders, Scott Anderson, Kathy Newnam, Anthony Murray, Robert Austin, Adam Baker, Aznur Canoglu, Feargal Mcgovern, Michael Vincent, Fay Waddington, Tino Watson, Stella Reithmuller, Josa R, Jon Picollo, Mike Byrne.

Authorised by P.Benedek, 74b Wickham St, Fortitude Valley.

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