Who's More British...

[Aliantha]

Originally Posted by dar512

There was an NPR or maybe BBC radio show recently about an incident with an aboriginal in Australia. I got the impression from the show that Australian aboriginals were discriminated against.

They were, and still are in some ways. I've not denied that. The issue is not a black and white one though (pardon the pun), so it's possible that more research into the situation might benefit if you're interested.

My point is that I'm hopeful of better things in the future for all Australians. I understand that you're calling me a liar for suggesting all Australians are equal, but in reality we are. The problem is, the sins of the past are hard to shake off and there are a lot of things which can be done better. Any Australian citizen is entitled to the same benefits if they need them.

It could also be argued that Aboriginal people have an advantage over some other non indigenous Australians because they are entitled to 'extra' financial assistance for things like apprenticeships, training and even home loans believe it or not. I don't see it that way, but some people do.

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by DanaC

One thing that's really surprised me about being involved in politics, is how much unseen and unrecognised work politicians generally do. That goes for the local and the national politicians I've met. The public have very low confidence and assume everyone's on the make and doing bugger all, especially with MPs. The MPs I know routinely work 70 and 80 hour weeks when parliament is in session.

Don't take it too much to heart Dana. It's been the same in every job I've been in. The warehouse staff think the office staff sit and file their nails all day, the people in retail think head office are always at lunch, Managers think 70 letter mailouts send themselves (at 5 minutes to go on a Firday afternoon). Common misconceptions also include - stacking shelves in a supermarket is a low pressure job and staff have time to chat to you, all staff in charity shops are paid and very little of what you pay actually goes to charity, teachers have long holidays and do nothing during this time.

Keep your chin up, at least you're with the good guys, even if the general public forget that sometimes.

Originally Posted by Aliantha

My point is that I'm hopeful of better things in the future for all Australians. I understand that you're calling me a liar for suggesting all Australians are equal, but in reality we are.

Ali I wonder if Dar realises how multi-cultural Australia is? I'm sure it's not a case of thinking you are a liar, but it's easy for outsiders to think of Aus as ex-pat Brits (knotted hankies, sunburns and all) and Aborginals! Having family in Australia, and family who have been there recently to visit, I totally back the multi-cultural aspect of Australian life. I don't think my parents ate the same cuisine two nights running when they were there, and their photos show the racial mix in Syndey for example.

All countries carry some shame from treatment of other people/ countries/ races whether new or old world. But I'd like to think it wasn't anyone here on the Cellar, any more that I'd expect a German poster to apologise for the two World Wars. So it's always going to be a case of not - what we did - but - what can we do?

Good on ya cobber, keep up the good work.