Critical Times

Two years ago I was on a bus that was blown up by terrorists. Three months in traction and six operations later, I’m asking for your help to prevent this from happening to any more Australians.

These recent attacks in the UK have not only brought back some really painful memories, they’ve prompted me to make a television ad – and we need your help to show it. Please watch my urgent plea here:

www.getup.org.au/campaign/PleaseMrHoward

I thought going to war in Iraq was supposed to make us safer, not put us in more danger. And now we’re hearing it was for their oil. Some of you may have seen me ask John Howard from my hospital bed whether he thought what happened to me was a result of the war in Iraq.

I did not think then that two years later we would be still be in this position, where I feel compelled to ask Mr Howard the same question. Yet here we are – our military presence is not making the Iraqis any safer; it is not making Australians any safer. Why, exactly, are we there then?

I want to help the Iraqi people, but not at the end of a gun. Our involvement in the violence in Iraq will only lead to more violence. Why can’t we instead spend the money on reconstruction programs?

I’m no expert, but I do know something about the real cost of terrorism. Please, help me tell this to the Prime Minister.

Thank you,

Louise Barry
Survivor, 2005 London Bombings
GetUp member