We have a debate here in Australia where our indigenous peoples are unhappy about the days of Australia Day being celebrated as the day of their invasion and claim by Captain Cook. Quite rightly in my opinion, should be the date we became our own entity and not beholden to the British. But there are far more serious problems facing our indigenous peoples, vastly increased risk of domestic violence, suicides amongst their young people, level of incarceration, lack of schooling, lower life expectancy. They have met historically and asked for a treaty, yet they are shunned by the government and promoted a right wing neanderthal as head of indigenous affairs. Bizarre. Think they'll be gone in the next election.

Good thing though, we only have to put up with about 6 weeks of election campaign. The rest of the four year term, they actually do try and run the country!

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me too

Phil I can't tell if you were defending northam. He w

I just finished watching Michael Moores Fahrenheit 11 9 - for all our faults in Australia it is a paradise compared to the USA. I could hardly believe what I was seeing

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Phil, the Northam situation is complicated. I think most could forgive a schoolboy prank - but he was 25, hardly a child. The next difficult was his apology (both in writing and a video), taking responsibility for the photo. Then less than 24 hours later, he said it wasn't he in the photo. Was he lying on Friday night, or on Saturday? He has dug his own grave, in my opinion. His Saturday explanation may be correct, but he can redeem himself after he resigns. Right now, we're in a state of turmoil.

Ah, 25 is quite different from 18 or 19, thought it was a high school year book

I'n not necessarily defending Northam, just pointing out it needs tone a sensible discussion

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ding

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Two unique rectangles. 18.

Diane - You need perspective. Here's some. It's just not true that blackface was a huge thing in 1984. It wasn't. Not here in the North anyway. And it all depends on intent & presentation. I had a large Halloween party, people of all colors & sexual orientation. Everyone, as always, had a great time. My friend's husband, who I've known since she met him, came in blackface as Mayor Harold Washington. He stuffed his thrift store XXL pin-stripe suit with a pillow. This was a true hit, because he also talked like Washington whenever he talked to anyone (Washington was known for using extremely large words, now this guy really did have the best words). The majority of my friends, were like me, graduate students, or already professionals, all well educated folks. No one took this as a jab, or something negative. My friend made a true portrayal of our first black mayor. As the story continues, our friend in blackface went on to be a policeman, a lawyer, Corporate Counsel for the city, the Chief of Staff to one of our former & most liked Police Chiefs & the Director of the Police Academy. He's a brilliant man, with lots to contribute. Thank heavens, none of his positions were dependent on background checks of Halloween costumes he wore. I would hate for any of my clients to see the pics of me as a French Maid :)