Hi Chris,
When I said that Australia was currently experiencing a Fascist government I was meaning it very dryly. Perhaps, through my frustration, this was not projected. But I'm not exactly sure why, at present, every word is scrutinised on this mail list, nor why there is a need for classroom tactics (i.e. I think everybody on this list knows the definition of Fascism, etc.). I certainly don't say this harshly - I'm just puzzled by it.
Personally, I think Australia is in trouble - a major crisis - but when it is suggested in the media, etc. that Australia has lost its way I don't think we were ever "on track" to begin with. We have an awful track record but I have always felt that there is enormous potential to create a better future. I have never been one to go all soft and sentimental at the "fair go", aren't we wonderful, flag waving moments so often dredged up on Australia Day (a day I have always had problems with), Anzac Day and through the absolutely useless Howard TV commercials.
I always question patriotism (yes, I used an "ism", please excuse me), especially Australia's. All my life I've tried to work out how this happens. In terms of Australia my feelings come down to this - how can you feel so strongly about a country when the country doesn't have a fucking clue what or who it is? A few thinly veiled notions of mateship and outback stories never pulled any heart strings for me, in fact it isolated me from it.
The one thing that I did and always will believe in is multiculturalism. I guess I am naive because I grew up through the Hawke and Keating governments - so yes, I was touched by propoganda. But I think it was a great direction with good intentions, but mulitculturalism has died here. I think that is very sad for Australia. Very sad. Why do we have to live in ignorance and hate?
Please take these ramblings at face value. They're are only the thoughts of someone who questions daily whether Australia can survive another term of the Howard government.
If someone has a good joke, let's hear it. We need to lighten the load. :)
Libby
>>> [log in to unmask] 22/04/02 8:41:59 pm >>>
Hiya Libby
I can sortta agree with your sentiment but I don't think Australia is yet
fascist, although the possibilities are certainly there. currently, Australia
is a quarantined totalitarian state. Labor or Liberal, they are both the
same, so it makes little difference to the totalitarianism of Australia. To
become fascist requires a mass movement first against the totalitarianism of
the Australian military state and the election of a popular fascist leader,
even if this involves in the first instance a para-military coupe, who then
turns on the mass base in a night of long knives.
It is now fairly obvious that Israel has become a fascist state. That is a
very different sort of political situation.
Anyways, best wishes
Chris Jones.
On Mon, 22 Apr 2002 09:51, you wrote:
> Re: "this country called Australia, one of the fifteen most wealthy
> countries in the world, is the country most likely to experience a fascist
> government."
>
> Chris, Australia ~is~ experiencing a fascist government and as for:
> "Australia, go fuck yourself" - good on you. I say it to myself every day.
>
> Libby
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