Everyone has a right to an opinion and in March last year many students showed their views in a rally. These students believed the war in Iraq was not a good idea and wished to have it stopped. They believed that the war would have a severe impact on the civilians of Iraq; they questioned America's motives, and hoped there could be an alternative to the conflict. They may only be students but their views are still valid, they have to live with the government's choices and they are taught democracy in school so why are they not allowed to use it. Many people, who are, in some cases, against the rallies, believe that the students just want to get out of school for a day, and for the possible few who did, all the students get placed as 'waggers', which is incorrect and unfairly stereotypes the students. Students have a right to strike.
             Somewhere in all of the Federal laws there is a law that gives every Australian citizen freedom of speech. By this we are allowed to express our views in peaceful rallies, which is what these students were doing. They were not marching the streets firing guns in the air; they were just walking with placards and signs. Jessica Healy wrote to 'The Age' (March 7th 2003) and said " I find it perfectly reasonable that young people who are unable to participate in democracy through the vote should be able to participate in other ways, such as protesting." One day these students will be adults and if they are not allowed to express their views now, how will they when they are older? Is it right to dismiss someone's view because of age? Does someone who is 80 have a better view of the world then someone who is 16? The world changes everyday, everyone in this changing world is different, some like to be up to date with news and current affairs, and of that few many are students who's rights, views and opinions are just as valid as any other citizen. They know and...