Big Brother Down Under
(not my photo)
As reported at NEWS.com.au, former Black Flag singer, author, and spoken word performer Henry Rollins has been labeled a "Possible Threat" by the Australian government. Rollins' indiscretion? Reading Jihad: The Rise Of Militant Islam In Central Asia.
Rollins wrote on his website that he received a letter from a member of the Australian government informing him that the passenger sitting next to him during the flight reported him to a National Security hotline. Rollins was reading Ahmed Rashid's Jihad: The Rise Of Militant Islam In Central Asia during the flight, prompting the fellow passenger (aka the War On Terror-frightened, tiny-brained, dink Fascist-in-Waiting) to call the hotline. Rashid's book focuses how extreme poverty and religious suppression in the areas surrounding Afghanistan have created a breeding ground for militant Islam.
Rollins told the audience during the tour that he received a letter from a "nice woman" who worked "in one of those government areas that deals with anti-terrorism matters."
Although the official seemed to be siding with him (the individual who contacted Rollins said that they get plenty of letters "submitted by lunatics"), Rollins decided to let loose on the country's government.
"Please tell your government and everyone in your office to go fuck themselves. Tell them twice. If your boss is looking for something to do, you can tell him I suggest he go fuck himself. Baghdad's safer than my hometown and your PM is a sissy," Rollins responded.
The ordeal hasn't slowed down Rollins a bit as he will take his "25 Years of Bullshit" tour to Europe in March. No word on what will be his reading selection for the flight.
(originally posted to State Of The Day)