(Untitled)

[ladylight]

I watched this on TV and I read the transcript again and am impressed by the grace and sincerity of it ... and while the sad, cynical history student in me is still muttering that words are marvellously easy and there's still absolutely no change in any system, she's probably just partially embarrassed that a politician brought tears to her eyes

Comments

[shanra]

That is, above all, a beautiful speech. *adds to the hope*

It also fits nicely with today's class and being instructed to learn about the cultures of English-speaking countries, so double bonus for me.

Also, if you have time and such... *gestures at Chatzy* I shall be there a while. If not, well, then you don't have time. ^-~

[ladylight]

To say I was surprised is a bit of an understatement. No-one's ever really expected an unqualified apology out of a parliamentary mouth. Plus Kevin Rudd has a great deal of the 'uninspiring accountant' look about him (though the award for most boring parliamentary rep would have to be Gordon Brown, surely ... name alone ... poor soul <3)

*eyes clock* I shouldn't ... but I will, muahaha >:) It's not like I'll be able to pull all-nighters when I have a job again (or will I ..?)

[shanra]

I'll have to see if it fits into our next two chapters on politics, really. If so, I can pass it along to one of the group members and maybe she can use it for her class somewhere/how.

*loves the Lyss, hates the misbehaving Chatzy*

[silvanime]

I totally understand where you are coming from. The sentiment is very beautiful, very admirable, but I too hope there will be action to back it up.

And they are so, so much better than the previous government. I've been very pleased to see they're doing something about the Japanese whaling too.

[ladylight]

I saw on the ABC tonight that he actually wrote it himself, too. Very impressive bit of oratory if nothing else ...

And yes, it's so great that something's happening on the whaling front as well, though I'm afraid the Western idea of diplomacy is massively different to the Japanese idea, and the louder/more confrontational people get, the more stubbornly and quietly the Japanese will resist ... it has to be done in a way that doesn't appear to be making the other lose face, or they'll continue to refuse on a matter of principle. Japanese people don't respond to what they see as 'rudeness' or interfering.

I really, really wish someone would consider public awareness campaigns IN JAPAN rather than just all the gung-ho chasing veryveryvery proud and stiff-necked people around on boats ... do you know that most Japanese people I spoke to either actually hadn't heard or didn't believe that whale numbers are so dangerously low? Amazing ...

[silvanime]

An excellent point, and one I'm ashamed to say I hadn't considered. Perhaps I need to do a bit more travelling to broaden my mind.

[ladylight]

Oh, rubbish, you're one of the broadest-minded people I know ... though don't let that ruin a perfectly good excuse to go on an overseas holiday XD