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ashyness in twitchy_eye

(Untitled)

Nov 24, 2008 15:20

A letter in The West Australian, Monday November 24, 2008 ( Read more... )

Comments 10

longlongwaytogo November 24 2008, 10:36:35 UTC

Unless they're talking about Australian history as being "You go back to 1788 and then Australian History is English History"

ashyness November 24 2008, 13:56:55 UTC

I did wonder if that's what the author was referring to. Perhaps by 'we', he means the UK and Australia.

longlongwaytogo November 24 2008, 23:48:49 UTC

Australian history is complex. I see it as a line (Australia) with a bunch of branches coming out of it (immigrants from other countries), and the line is leading back to England, where it merges and becomes English History.

reasonjo November 24 2008, 11:39:04 UTC

Russia was on the 'other side' in WWII wasn't it? They were fighting against the germans, but I didn't think they were fighting for the 'allies'? I'm not real flash with history though.. so I could have my wires crossed.

In terms of Russia, we were on opposite sides during the Cold War. I would consider that a conflict.

I'm with you on France and the US though. I don't think we've ever been on opposite sides.

ashyness November 24 2008, 13:54:53 UTC

Yeah, I was a bit iffy about Russia. They were part of the Allies in WWII, and the Cold War was between the US and the USSR - although I suppose Australia was indirectly involved. I'm not quite sure if that counts. Oh, history.

awils1 November 24 2008, 12:15:26 UTC

Hmm… This doesn’t really elicit the Twitch for me, although the historical error does warrant a blink and re-focus, to continue with the metaphor.

In fact: I think that the principle behind the letter, if properly expressed, inspires some serious thought on the ephemeral nature of these conflicts.

ashyness November 24 2008, 13:46:54 UTC

I have no problem with the principle behind the letter - I agree, it's an interesting point. However, I personally found the historical error just too weird to look past.

moar_caffeine November 24 2008, 14:41:53 UTC

...wait, we fought you guys? When was this Australian-American war? As far as I know, our two countries have been nothing but very warm and friendly towards each other on a diplomatic level. So, while I agree wholeheartedly with the general sentiment behind this letter, I still must say:

( ... )

awils1 November 24 2008, 15:14:18 UTC

Now that you mention it, I remember a clip (the 12th quote) in Grand Theft Auto 3 raging on about this war.

moar_caffeine November 24 2008, 17:20:21 UTC

...kamikaze kangaroos?

We surrender.