APEC...Mayhem!

Well, we've got U.S. Mr Bush's arrival at Sydney Airport about 10pm (AEST) tonight ahead of other summit members, for the week-long APEC meeting. Roads and expressways closures so far has only caused disruptions in the centre of the city. And it's going to get worse!

Road closures have already taken effect and will cause severe delays for people attempting to enter the city by car...With advanced warning of this summit, most people are taking the week off or working from home.

What fun!(?) Sydney has never been closed down like this before...so weird.

Try to paste the website below to view "Postcards from Sydney" ...gives you a taste of what's going on now...surrounding suburbs/areas have also been affected.

http://www.smh.com.au/multimedia/2007/national/fortress-sydney-apec/index.html

Do the American States or any other countries get affected like this with such visitors?

 

I was living in Savannah, GA a few years back when the G-8 Summit was held there.
Savannah relies heavily Tourist $$$. They seemed to work it all out pretty well. The Big Shots are not out and about much so the complete shutdown of roads was not frequent. And didn't last long.

The strangest thing that happened to me was having a police caravan, 10-12 cars a few motorcycles and 3 SUVs with flags on the front, come screaming past me on the highway.
I still wonder which World Leader(s) it was that left me in their dust that day.

 

Well, our lovely central business district (downtown Sydney), has these ghastly steel barricades up all over the streets...place looks like some huge metal cage has been dropped onto the city.

Really feel for the tourists just hitting Sydney who are not allowed around many of our lovely areas and tourist attractions. Even our Opera House is off limits. City looks like a ghost town inside a metal cage. Lots of barricade workers still setting up tall steel fencing, cops walking and on bicycles (because police horses quarantined due to recent horse flu virus) and security people around, but hardly anyone else due to street and motorway/expressway closures. Ughhh! Be glad when APEC's summit is over and we can have our Sydney back!

 

I watched it on the news over here last night(Monday) it looks to be a real inconvenience for those who need to get in and out of the city every day.

here in Brussels you can see world leaders walking into the EEC building every day,the streets are always open except when Bush is in the vicinity.

all the major embassies have 1 or 2 guards outside just to check your I.D.
the US embassy has 12 including riot police with machine guns.

i had to get a visa renewed there and it took me 40 min just to get in the door.

 

@BILLMCC66 roflmao

Loved your picture of Bush. Hmmmm...don't think our security precautions have thought about that type of assaultLOL

But then, with the barricades up the way we have here, no one would be able to get that close anyway...!

 

What is really interesting is how much this trip is going to cost! Yikes! I don't know if the actual figure is as high as the page states, but I am sure, its very very costly!

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/3949/bushentouragegraphicup6.gif

 

Nah, we don't care that much what happens to him

 

LMAO.:major Agree with legal suit, it really affects Sydney city, tourists, et al. :cry

Little Johnny Howard, our Prime Minister, sometimes called Bonzai Bush (ie Little Bush ) thought APEC was going to help his re-election chances when APEC planning starting 2 years ago. Johnny is so far behind in the polls, at present, that APEC, and the city closure, will probably work further against him.

Bazza

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Seriously, no I have not seen that much precaution taken in the US for any visiting dignitary. I believe it reflects his popularity or lack of it.

 

Whoa! OverCooked...your brief on Bush's entourage was on the news - which staggered us upon hearing it...and seeing his imported cars outside his plane upon landing.

At least Mr Bush apologised for the inconvenience of the security measures effecting Sydney...so I guess given that courtesy, we can hang out with this Goddamn awful steel and concrete barricades marring our lovely city.

@Darlene! Guess we want to ensure nothing happens to your President while he's in our backyard...keeping up relations, huh?

@BigBazza...yep, pretty much a ghost town downtown Sydney presently with the maze of steel and concrete barriers with security at each turn.

Guess we can hold our breath for a week until this is all over (sigh)....

 

That entourage diagram from OverCooked is awesome. :cool :cool Bazza

 

Yeah...apparently Mr Bush went for a bicycle ride in our bush...wonder what type of entourage went on that hike and if they had snipers hiding in the tree tops the way they have snipers atop our city buildings

 

My university got a visit from Mr. Vice President one weekend a few years ago. The interstate highway was backed up or closed, about 25% of our campus was shutdown for about a day or more, and if you decided to go to this event, you had a line of cars ahead of you that was worse than what we have for the (American) football game that is played right next door to where he was. (Of course, no game this day). Plus you probably got a free trip through at least one metal detector. Tough luck if you had a gym class in the school's main gymnasium, I guess you got a day off...

 

As Aussies, we've never experienced anything like this before...we're feeling a little stunned by so much security, overhead choppers and his planes whenever Mr Bush is about. Snipers are stationed atop office buildings (which office workers can sight from windows)...as for traffic(!!!!) and access to roads/motorways/expressways, one is never sure when full closures occur, so some poor sods can be trapped in cars for an hour or more.

It's been 7 days with closures/restrictions so far and we have until next week before things start to go back to normal. Amazing!

Most of us (that can) are working from home to avoid all this drama. Although this APEC meeting is important, can't wait until we can get out city back.

 

Gotta laugh at an oopsy! breach of security with some Aussie pranksters setting up a car convoy flying a Canadian flag into the restricted zone...I know many in the States couldn't give a darn about your Mr Bush, but for us down here, this prank (which ended with @ 11 people awaiting charges in gaol) given such an incredible shutdown of Sydney, has provided a relief of laughter (though somewhat at the security breach).

Here's a video if you're interested

http://media.smh.com.au/?rid=31423

 

Wonder what that will get them

 

more ratings probably
http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/

Welcome to Australia, foreign dignitaries.
Although you may take yourselves seriously - we don't.

If it moves, it can be laughed at


This one is more consistent with the usual australian security
http://youtube.com/watch?v=MeSJ6OR9tx8

 

He came to Bakersfield, Ca (armpit of Ca. is it's nickname) a couple years ago. He actually lived here as a child. He visited the house where him and his family lived. They had the airport closed but people were going to an area that dead ended at the end of the field hoping to see him. The thunder of military planes coming in prior to his landing was scary, other then that I believe he was in a regular motorcade.
Same with Governor Schwarzenegger, there was a couple of police in the middle of the street a while back waiting for his arrival. Thought it was an accident at first until Dan mentioned he was coming. He comes here quite a bit for some reason. Someone needs to direct him to Sacramento where he's supposed to be rolleyes

 

Unfortunately most of the world do not understand Aussie humour and the ability to poke fun at themselves, and others. The pollies and police have been severely embarrassed by the Chaser's stunt.

Getting through 2 roadblocks with one of the passengers in the car dressed as Osama Bin Laden (referred to as Osama Bin Liner , in How Green was my Cactus (Comic radio sketches)) and getting to within yards of the Presidents Hotel was an achievement no matter whether you think it was funny, or not.

Only getting caught when "Osama" got out of the car. Pathetic security, really, IMO.

How Green was my Cactus link. :major
http://www.cactus.com.au/

Bazza

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Yeah, I'd say it's very embarrassing for the police, but a great way to get publicity for your cause...

I realize the security is necessary, but to totally shutdown a major city like this is ridiculous (ok, not a capital city that is used to this kind of thing). Here, we'd probably have gun fights break out if they did this in NYC, etc.

 

They say it was stupid and dangerous (snipers on the roof), but I have to agree with you, it was a pathetically embarrassing lack of security.
If anything it will make the organisers take a good hard look at their procedures, and reduce the risk of a real terrorist attack being successful.

The 'chasers' do like to push the limit. I'm not sure if anyone else dubs humourous voice-overs onto Osama Bin Liner's videos

Forgot all about 'How green was my cactus' it was very funny

 

Still going, and being broadcast (up-to-date) here on Cairns radio at around 7.20am daily. I try not to miss it. Bazza

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The only thing I've seen here is the imbosile couldn't find his way off stage rolleyes

 

Typical Bush, he thanked his "Austrian" hosts for inviting him to this year's "OPEC" summit.... You would think he would remember what country he is in and what he was there for....

 

Also thanked the Austrian troops in Iraq as well - apparently

The OPEC/APEC slip-up seemed to have been received without too much scrutiny.

What's really on your mind George ?
APEC = Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
OPEC = Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries


@Bazza - I don't listen to commercial radio anymore, can't believe it is still going. Must be 20 years or so by now ?

 

No, no, it's necessary, and it is as we have all seen very effective. The President really is safer if you shut the city down like this. Trust me, the security detail really know what they're doing.

 

It's difficult to understand how this man got to be president of one of the most powerful nations on earth although Ronny Reagan did it(mind you he had charisma if no intelligence) George just jumps from one:crappile to another.http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/7456/101136qy8.gif

 

MIMSY I hope you said that a bit tongue in cheek.

how on earth can anyone justify so much disruption and cost for One man???????

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/1959/18135az4.gif

 

I'm sure his ego is big enough already

The security is not just for twit-child
it is for all of the other delegates as well

Ok, mainly for him (because he is so popular), but not just him.

 

@SHANE i understand the point you are making and fully agree there are others to consider but the point is i live not far from Brussels and NATO HQ is also very close they have strict security at both establishments for obvious reasons but every day you see top diplomats and politicians walking in the street without all the other members of society being disrupted, it's only when George is in town that the place comes to a standstill.

all the top embassies are here and most have just 2 guards on the door to check I.D at the US there is a whole squad of Police and riot Police you can not get within 100 yards before you are being checked,if you need to go inside it takes forever.

http://bestsmileys.com/army/2.gifhttp://bestsmileys.com/army/4.gif

 

Twice no less, although I have yet to meet anyony who voted for him

 

No, of course not. The smiley went there by accident.

 

Not sure how long it has been going, but don't think it is 20 years.
Ooops, then again it could be as I remember them taking the mickey out of Bob Hawke. Still great listening. You can buy their CD's but they are a bit expensive, IMO. Although I have 3 dating back a bit. Bazza

 

Didn't the loose "chads" and dodgy electoral practice in Florida get him elected?
Yanks have only themselves to blame. If Al had been elected you probably wouldn'd have invaded Iraq. Al didn't have a father president to try and out-do.

Only a small percentage of (population) voters voted (non-compulsory) and only a small percentage of those that bothered to vote, voted for him. As I understand it. :confused Bazza

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Good points LaurR...however from reports, I believe years back we had a US president here (LBJ?) and believe me, Sydney hadn't been shut down then. But I guess it's a taste of current times and what is happening in the world now and risks presented to world leaders (whether or not they are well liked).

 

roflmaoI know we're not supposed to laugh at this incident...but believe me, in Sydney it was a great comic relief given this place currently looks like some adventurous "Bruce Willis" movie setup with the steel and concrete barriers, snipers, police and security everywhere.

Gotta admit though, Mr Bush's bike trek on our side of the Bridge in our bushland was not known about until after the event...still wondering how he got out of the Hotel...disguised I imagine probably as a Canadian diplomat?

 

We have had enough Presidents shot, shot at and killed to warrant security concerns. Especially with the war there is extra concern. Protesters alone can be overly aggressive and even violent when displaying their views.

I'm sure no country would want danger to come to any high profile visitor.

 

Valid point.

And like BigBazza stated, we do have our own sense of humour, (even if a little black or sick at times). Our reaction of laughing at the incident was more as a relief (IMO), not as an acceptance. Humour aside, there is zero tolerance for aggressive or violent protesters, regardless of any given situation.

The security is a necessity, point taken. However, although we had been given advance warning (to a point of being told to take the week off from work and Sydney), the security level is still a shock to us as we're not familiar with it. Consequently, Sydneysiders in general have avoided the CBD rather well and where/when possible.

 

Blah.....Australians have every right to feel put out over the visit. Politics should never interfere with peoples daily life. Who is going to pay taxes if nobody can get to work?

The irony is Bush is one of the goofiest people in the world. He should fit right in with the off beat humor. He can hardly put two intelligent or intelligible sentences together. His speech writers must go through hell trying to write stuff he can actually pronounce.
"Austrians" "OPEC" He does the same thing at home.

 

I would like him drug tested. There is definitely something wrong with that man. Drug test and mental capacity test. They require that from people who pass out burgers, this nut job runs a whole country,( kinda )
How do you go about requesting the president take a drug test? LOL He just said recently he quit drinking, good grief is nothing private with this fool.
If you don't hear from me for a while you'll know agents came and drug my a$$ away.rolleyes

 

Well, US President George Bush has now left Australia in the middle of the APEC leaders' summit to return to Washington to prepare a crucial White House report on the war in Iraq. He left from the cultural show at our Opera House (Circular Quay) and headed straight to the airport where he boarded his Air Force One jet for the trip back to the United States.

Mr Bush's departure was ahead of schedule, but at least things should now slowly start getting back to normal with the rest of the leaders heading off in the next few days and the final statement from the summit will be issued tomorrow afternoon.

Whew! Glad that's over. It was getting unneasy around here after that Chaser security breach fiasco with even tighter security where some poor dad was arrested in front of his young son and ended up spending a worrying 22 hours in jail because he crossed the road ahead of an APEC motorcade. The chap was arrested under sweeping powers given to police for the APEC period that allows officers to arrest and hold people without bail until APEC ends.

Aaah! We'll soon be getting our lovely city back:celebrate...and we'll be back to the normal :foolish(?) rat race of a city we're used to!

 

I wonder if he will thank you kind Astronauts errr Austrians..... I mean Australians for your hospitality in his State Of The Union address.

 

roflmao

Fair suck of the sav! I noted that we get called Austrians in Europe!

 

I hope it all gets back to the status quo as quick as possible for you Austrians and life can regain some normality

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/3580/oaamaaabarb1.th.jpg

 

@ BILLMCC66 Awww...

 

Funny thing, about a year and half ago to two years ago, I got chewed out on this forum for saying things like this about Bush. Interesting how opinion can change so dramatically.

 

Guess the world has dramatically changed since then...concerns of its current affairs being voiced now, may have effected general opinions to be more outspoken...

 

Think it's different people on here? Sounds like the poor Dixie Chicks, think they still get death threats for saying something not as bad as others do, or did.

 

Poor Dixie Chicks? Please lets not go that direction.

This has been a light hearted conversation. What they did (or she) was something completely different. More so how she did it.