Shalom

reconciliation week

On May 27, 1967, I voted in a referendum to allow indigenous people to be counted as Australian citizens in the census. I voted for the proposal which was passed, but I knew many, socially conservative Christians, who voted against it. Upsetting the status quo was unsettling to them.

This week marks Reconciliation Week. As has been noted, the current Liberal government still refuses any form of apology for the past treatment of indigenous people. Again, some conservative Christians applaud this stance. I find it interesting and somewhat ironic that many of these would quote the OT verses about repenting for the sins of the nation and of humbling themselves to pray for the end to this terrible drought. However, to say sorry for what is past is beyond them.

It's no secret that many indigenous people live in terrible circumstances. Poor housing, poor food, poor education, poor health services. Sure, there is often some contribution from their side, but should that stop us trying? Indigenous Australians have a lifespan some seventeen years less than others here. Many things have improved in the last forty years, but there is still lots more to be done.

I think that often there is a cultural divide with the government unable to understand many customs. A great deal of money was offered to upgrade housing at Alice Springs. Truly, the settlement is in a disgusting state. However, indigenous people let the offer lapse becaue they would lose rights over the title. Now surely, when a house is falling down, filled with vandalised fittings and yet still home to far too many families at once, there should have been more effort to find a compromise solution. It was one said there were two nations in one land. We've made advances, but much more needs to be done.

cynical

I noted that the mourning period for Prince Rainier of Monaco who died this week, precludes musical concerts and performances for a month.  Casinos had to close for one day only.

what next

The Sydney Morning Herald   reports on  drinking water for dogs.  Apparently one of the reasons dogs drink from toilet bowls, gutters, puddles and other such sources, is that the water is often cooler than the water in a specific bowl.  This affects the taste.

Bottled water for dogs has now been developed.  I wonder how long before we have designer brands for it as well?  Will  fashionable dog owners be able to match  their brand to their dogs?

More intriguing was the comment that the water has been treated to taste like water from the toilet bowl.  Any volunteers for taste tests??