The East is Red – or any other colour you like

Despite the “confusion” over the role of the Chinese “flame attendents”, the Olympic Torch Relay passed through Canberra without major incident. As predicted, pro-China demonstrators were out in droves. The irony of them showing support for their country by means of a public demonstration was obviously completely lost on them.

I noticed that these demonstrators live in almost childlike awe of their country. They are oblivious to their Government’s oppressive policies and hypersensitive to any criticism of them, which they seem to regard as a personal attack on the Chinese people.

Any media report that portrays the regime in a negative light is systematically denounced as “biased”.

The irony is blinding.

An open plea to WA motorists

Judging by the behaviour of certain drivers, the following regulations are probably going to come as a revelation to some.

Now listen carefully.

Under the Road Traffic Code 2000 – Regs 57 & 58:

A pedestrian on a footpath, or any other land abutting a carriageway (yes, this includes driveways) that a driver needs to cross in order to enter or leave the carriageway, has right of way over the driver.

Having come close to being flattened by a van earlier today, I’m a tad touchy on the subject.

While we’re at it, another regulation that is seemingly alien to local motorists.

Under the Road Traffic Code 2000 – Reg 45:

A driver turning left or right at a traffic signal controlled intersection must give way to any pedestrian on the carriageway they are entering.

No matter how much of a hurry you are in, it is not worth risking the safety of pedestrians in order to reach your destination a few seconds earlier.

Won’t somebody please think of the children?