Tell me...

[maffyew]

Tell me what you think of the Rudd goverment's statement of apology to Australia's Indigenous populationLong overdue? Monumental mistake? Doesn't go far enough? Should have been worded differently? A well written, genuine expression of regret and sympathy

Comments

[mikkael]

I thought it was very well written, and I'm glad it was done!

[talula_thursday]

I agree with what you said in your own post about it, Mikey. Probably not much point in repeating it. *points*

(All week I've been trying to avoid the people who think it's "unnecessary", or that "most Aboriginal people don't think it's important!" The latter to which I replied, "and how many Indigenous people do you know?" and then ran away before it turned into a barrage. I don't seem to have the energy to argue lately.)

[vetch]

I'm glad that it was done, and I think quibbling over the wording is largely pointless; but I think Kevin Rudd kinda has it easy. It never would have been a big deal if John Howard hadn't been such an arse about it - all Rudd has to do to win at prime minister is all the things which Howard refused to do for no good reason.

[res_veneficus]

I think that its about time and it was well done. I've heard a few arguments against and they aren't really great mainly about that it may open the floodgates of compensation. I feel the injustice done needs recognition no matter the cost. No other way can we begin to heal the problems of our society.

Though was really pissed off with the arrogance of the opposition leader though, about that he should be the most important person that Rudd talked to about the apology. I sometimes think the Libs still don't believe they actually lost the election.

[shirazz]

I could just see one of my lecturers, Njabarru, sitting there cheering Rudd on. In Aboriginal studies we had the 1992 Paul Keating at Redfern speech read out - not a dry eye in the house & that was only recognition, this speech gave the very basic stepping stones towards a solution (& not as in "final solution" if you get my drift). Another moment I'm proud to be Australian.

I'm happy for Brendan Nelson to be leader of the opposition - as long as he's there we have Rudd for PM. What an ass that guy is - really - saying that we have to recognise the contribution that the indigenous people made to the country at the turn of last century. Pft - that's like saying "thanks for that slave labour - couldn't have done it without ya! Everyone has a little genocide & slavery in their history so it's ok". *shakes head* that's not what it's about.

[andaluza]

Definitely glad that they did it, and felt they did it fairly well. I would probably have turned my back on the opposition as well though... not so impressed there.

I read a few months ago that a big step towards evening out the differences, was to get aboriginals in the workplace. I won't go into detail, but there were some examples of where this is being done that seemed to be working. I've been thinking about this a lot recently, and if we can find a way to allow them to have their culture and 'fit in', we might be able to work towards a more balanced arrangement. Until we start getting to know a few aboriginals personally, we will always have a big divide.

Although I do suspect that some of them will never wish to change their current lives, there are others who are willing to try.