As long as it goes ahead

"I was just thinking about the group who are opposing the event.  I once read a quote that went something like "if you argue with idiots all you get is two idiots arguing".  Lets respect their right to oppose us.  After all we more than anyone can see that their opposition is based on fear and misinformation.  I for one, am really trying to be tolerant and respectful towards them - in a sense they are unwittingly providing us with much valuable publicity."

Another one is "Never get into arguments with pigs.  You get all dirty and they'll love it." The problem is: how many other members of the public will be siding with them?  I was debating this issue with Rebecca yesterday.  If we compromise our principles or back down, then we end up playing the bike ride into their hands and giving them, not us or the media, what they want. If they disrupt the event in any way, they will be staring into a pit of trouble which will be of their own doing - not ours.

"Many of us are parents and grandparents - in fact we are so ordinary that just our mere presence on Saturday will be enough to convince many of our authenticity.  I feel sorry that in the process of us trying to assert ourselves that such fear and negativity has been generated - sorry but it just makes me more determined to educate and to do all that I personally can to ease any concerns."

Yes.  You can try typing in 205 Arguments For Naturism into Google, or any other search engine and it will direct you to this excellent article that has been reproduced on many naturist web pages on the internet.  This article looks at the issues like economy, religion & spirituality, politics, sexuality, and feminism and how nudism/naturism impacts these facets of life and vice versa.  You're most welcome to download a copy of it and distribute it to others.

"In relation to the Police, lets bear in mind that they are not the enemy either.  Police present will be following the directions of their Senior Officers who in turn are following the directions of the Government.  They still do not have the freedom to enforce the law according to their own standards of discretion.  By the same token I would urge the Police to be open minded and appreciate that we are a peaceful protest,  and to look past the vehemence of a minority lobby group."

I'd agree with that too.  I think a lot of the riders would be very upset if their opportunity to do something radically different for society is quashed.  After having spoken with a sergeant from Indooroopilly police, he concluded that body acceptance and appreciation is a subjective thing. Whilst he was saying that the Indooroopilly police did not object to the ride and what it stands for, he said that not all officers are easily convinced.  I'm hoping that the police escort that we have on the day will take an empathetic view to this group and show a sense of clemency.

"Important that we do what we can personally.  I would be interested in distributing flyers (perhaps more generally aimed) in the city calling for support.  Lets really tap into the discontent and the concern of our average person on the street. Its time to  realize that  anything we  can do personally  adds  to  momentum.  By following our own beliefs we are aligning ourselves with our purpose - and the full abundance of life must flow in."

I would urge you to do so.  The more people we can reach with it the better. I stuck up a few posters in the Valley, the City and West End yesterday as well as handing out a few to 'MX' paper vendors and a few passer-bys on bikes.  There were no raised eyebrows or objections.  Everyone was like 'Hey wow, this looks like a cool event, I'll try to get along'!

Regards,

Dario Western

"There are plenty of good things happening in the world, but it's always the bad things that people are going to find more interesting" - Johnny Marr