This morning George Bush and Australia's Prime Minister John Howard did some good old backslapping that ultimately proves not only Australia's unique talent at immitating a door mat, but also highlights an incredible lack of historical knowledge by Bush and his administration. There is a wonderful quote from George Orwell that goes "Those who control the past, control the future, and those who control the present control the past.
In their
discussions this morning regarding international security, the president of the here and now has been quick to rewrite major portions of not only American history, but that of Australia as well.
"Australians and Americans also believe in the power of freedom. Our two nations were once remote outposts of liberty, lands where those escaping tyranny could find a better life," he said.
"Today freedom is on the move. Australians and Americans celebrate freedom's advance, because nations that respect the rights and dignity of their own people are the best partners for peace and the strongest anchors of stability in every region of the world."
Groan. Remote outposts of liberty? Australia was founded as a penal colony George, and wasn't the American west somewhat of a lawless anarchic example of our own history? The only thing missing from the comments was how we are a beacon of freedom that the world wants to emulate.
And nations that respect the rights and dignity of their own people are the best partners? Really, I guess you conveniently overlooked the fact that white America attempted to systematically exterminate the native American Indians and that Australian settlers in turn attempted to do the same to the Aborigines. Gee I guess your version of the truth sounds a lot better George, and people are trusting you to deal with this immigration issue the right way? Hardly.
I guess in your speech you also forgot to tell the rest of the world that Howard has told you that Australia will no longer commit any more troops to your Iraq debacle. I guess that also means like the UK you shouldn't expect any support for your planned assault on Iran.
But my favourite part of your speech was where you praised Australia for "fighting terrorism and ending the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction." Two things kinda make me laugh here. Firstly you praising other countries for their ending of WMD proliferation, right on the heels of you doing deals with India, and secondly the fact you completely ignored your bullying of Australia to sell uranium to India against their own legislation, which they now appear ready to do.