By Xaviero Kairos
I'd be curious to know what it feels like in Australia now. Our Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, formally apologised to our indigenous population for past mistreatment and indignation, something that was withheld for by the Liberals for (supposed) fear of litigation. (Read transcript of the speech | Watch video)
It's pretty clear this doesn't mean that all is reconciled in a flash, but that this acknowledgement is the first step towards something new. I admire from afar that Rudd seems to be doing what the people want and not beating around the bush with rhetoric and doublespeak. (This is what I want to know about - how the people are receiving his work. Seems good from all the way over here.) I also read with interest the Opposition Leader's follow-up. Poignant references to the power of Aboriginal oral history alongside a damning picture of appaling poverty. Apparently it reads better than it sounded:
"the crowd begins to walk out on leader of the opposition brendan nelson's speech, while some boo and turn their backs - a slow handclap was also begun
nelson's speech was a weird amalgam of acknowledgment, apology, contradiction, liberal party self-justification, and howardesque dog-whistling - i will be astonished if this man leads his party into the next election; his continual occupation of that position is one of the labor party's greatest assets!"
- Says liam.jon_d
I was also astounded to read that Tony Abbott also had a go at Rudd for not apologising sooner. Tosser. Or, at least he's one loud voice of dissent for Rudd's approach.