Tomorrow We Say Sorry

Tomorrow, the Australian Government will issue a formal apology to the Aboriginal population of Australia for our abhorrent behaviour from 1910-1970 in relation to the stolen generations.

Finally, I am proud to be an Australian again. Finally, an elected government in Australia has the guts to own up to the racist attitudes that existed (and sadly still do exist) in our parents' and grandparents' generations.

Kevin Rudd, I am so glad I voted for you. How refreshing to see politicians follow up on their promises. First Kyoto, and now Sorry. Great work mate.

I don't think the sorry goes far enough. I truly believe that compensation is applicable on a case-by-case basis. Stealing children is barbaric. What the hell were we thinking?

I am hugely annoyed by the standard redneck response that is being bandied about. "Why should I be sorry? I didn't do anything!". Oh for God's sake. The emotional immaturity of that response is astounding.

I wish I could be at Parliament House tomorrow.

Timor unrest again

Things are heating up in Timor Leste again. Did I ever tell you I know the UN spokeswoman for Timor Leste? We got up to lots of mischief together as teenagers.
She is quite the accomplished stateswoman now. I'm proud. I love it when my friends change the world. Bloody shame about my sad achievements really.
Here's what Allison has to say;

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23192543-601,00.html

Hope Ramos-Horta pulls through. He's in good hands in Darwin.

A day of Contradictions

Today, Jenny did not get better. She will never get better. As Amy was singing her songs, Jenny breathed for the last time.

I am please that Amy showed the world that she is still breathing. She slew them at the Grammys - she looked good. She was as weird and as jerky as ever, but that's my girl Amy. Proud of her - fight for your life girl.

Vale, dear Jenny

Jenny died this morning, in her own bed, surrounded by her family.
She put up such a brave, noble fight against an insidious disease. It broke her body, but it did not break her fine, serene spirit.
I can't say I knew her that well. I shared a workplace with her one day a month, a cup of tea and a lovely, warm, laughter-filled chat. She was the kind of woman you would want as your own mother. She was not an old woman.
I watched her be as optimistic as any human possibly could, get better, and then get far far worse. I watched her survive for her daughter's wedding.
I loved talking to her, I loved morning tea so much at that office.
I am overly upset by this - I should definitely feel sad, but I just can't stop crying.
Today the world is a worse place, and I a more wretched human being.
Jesus is holding you in his arms Jenny, and there is no more pain. Fare thee well, gentle soul.