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Wide awake and smilin'
Ross, my question about Howard's sleepiness was largely rhetorical, and in jest. The dog whistle is still out there and he has to tread really carefully with the ex-Hansonites though. He was particularly snakey with that reporter though wasnt he? I'll bet she doesnt get to ask any questions for a while!
The Aboriginal question of course is, and looks like remaining a shameful stain on our history.
Rhetorical, yes
Hey Michael, yeah, I know mate. Just couldn't pass on the opening though. That chat on the tele was classic wasn't it? I thought his acting was first class but then again he's been practicing his whole life hasn't he? He had to become good at something and I think acting is it. Wonder when Harold will leave "Neighbours" Perhaps...
He really did sound like he was shocked someone could suggest such of thing of HIS government.
Seriously though, too many Australians today are happy to say they are non racist but seem to make an exception for our hosts don't they? It seems that if one can accept the latest immigrants then racism is conquered. I beg to differ and know most here do too.
For Bai, I don't know how much Australian history you know. Forgive me if I'm assuming you haven't got this info. I assume that educators miss most of our history with Aboriginals. Here's a link to what I consider the most blatant of White Australia's deeds.
Best, in jest.
RESPONSE TO RACISM
Bai, I agree, there is racism in every society and Australia's is quite mild by international standards. Which makes John Howard's behaviour in resonse to the recent troubles even more laughable and ridiculous. Has he fallen asleep at the wheel?
In fact, the entire political response to this has been one of the more interesting facets of the whole affair. The PM and Kim Beazley are largely AWOL, while all Morris Iemma and Peter Debenam can do is indulge in knee jerk "Law and Order" responses, bleating on about the need for more police and "getting tough on crime".
Where is any attempt by our elected officials, Federal or State, to unite the fractured community and deal with the root causes of this problem? There has been none - all of them have abdicated any responsibility for this. That has been left to the young protagonists themselves, who have sat down together, settled their differences and apologised to the rest of us. I must say it has been impressive to see, and after the shame and revulsion of Sunday, it has made me proud.
Yet again, when our politicians fail us, people of good faith and wisdom still emerge. Howard, Beazley, Iemma and the like - take a leaf out of these peoples' book.
Asleep at the wheel? Not our John!
Hey Michael, Howard isn't asleep mate, sorry. He's wide awake and fully aware of what he does, every second of the day.
You're exactly right though about the sudden absence of those who call themselves leaders. Looks like they have just led the charge overseas. But only till the end of January when their allowances expire.
I'm actually quite thrilled by the response from people who may really help. Those that have stood up are the ones people (I suppose I should include pollies in that too) usually point AT. For them to take over is exactly what our country needs, grass roots action.
The day Howard went overseas and was asked about the race riots at Cronulla he actually couldn't keep the smirk off his face. Later footage that day removed those frames. True. Did anyone catch the question he got from a reporter who asked something like " What do you think about people saying it's the government that is responsible for this?"
He was very quick as he managed an innocent face to reply, "Whose government?" and an angry face for his next response "My government?????". Yes John, your government as it is certainly not ours, the people's government.
Bai though is right about what he says. Racism does seem mild to many. I think Aboriginals would disagree though. They've had it for over two hundred years so far. It's just that this country hasn't seen much like these incidents but most countries see it regularly and more. We don't want to Bai.
Welcome Gus, missed your daily digs mate
Hey Gus, saw a lot of your 'toons at YD, will be a great addition here. Look forward to that daily shot.
re: Overlying racism?
Michael de Angelos, how would you reconcile the gist of this cartoon with your statement on the 'Show us your true colours' thread where you state, 'The great multi-culture experiment of Australia has been a huge success'?
Gus Leonisky's View
re: Overlying racism?
Of course there is racism in Australia.
There is racism and ethnocentrism in every society, it's just a matter of degree.
We're not perfect, but racism in Australia is very much on the mild side compared with most societies in the world.
When anyone throws up the long-dead White Australia Policy, I reply that "those who are without sin can cast the first stone". I know enough about history and current affairs to find something shameful in every country's past or present.
re: Overlying racism?
Terrific. I hope we get more cartoons on the new site. Says so much so quickly. Who is the cartoonist ?
David: it's Gus Leonisky
re: Overlying racism?
Great cartoon. I would have added .... and cut-throats .... to emphasise the sword of cuts, punishment and financial deprivation as practiced by this despicable regime.
multi-culturalism
I thought the cartoon said it all. Multi-culturalism works in Australia but anything can be derailed if someone is determined to do it. These riots are still just a small minority of people. If you ever visited Gunnamatta Bay in Cronulla on a Sunday you could see dozens of Muslim families settled in with barbeques, a happy atmosphere with plenty of anglo-Aussies joining in. I hope they still go there after all this.
I say Howard panders to this small bunch of voters who were former Hansonites. Remember also Hanson's attacks were directed at Asians and the "Aboriginal Industry" and came before 9/11, Tampa. So choose a victim, devide and conquer.