ROME: was the Greatest Empire within written history. (well, apart from Egypt - but that Empire sort of lost the plot a bit, because it could not write words in Latin; mainly because they had 3 or four thousand years of history before Rome was even a glimmer in Romulus or Remuses eye. ).
Babylon ... nah , an Empire long before Saul of Tarsus had his 'falling off the donkey' moment - and decided that alliance with the Roman Imperial Army might be better option than becoming nailed to a tree.
Mohmmet ... mmm,,. have no real notion from where He 'derived His ideas'; but will continue to remind readers the "written Word" of Mahomet (Yhw rest his soul) came 600 years after the notion of "Yeshua ben Yoseph).
(yep, this is a sort of jest, but based on written and scientific archeological History).
Might actually continue this post ... later ... since it was actually prompted by my memories of actual work experience with Griffin Press, South Australia. A Book printing factory some time back in the 1970's ?
Worked on the 'bookbinding' machines; paperback and 'hardback" for three or four years . Also had the opportunity to wander among all the other complex machinery and disciplines of "printing" a "book".
And yes, way back then, disquiet and wonder - how could it be possible to "Print", Bookbind, AND TRANSPORT a book back to Australia cheaper than WE could produce?
Which brings me, now, to what sort of Australia the young people will 'believe in'.
Every "movie' and Television station broadcast is from America - do we really need a society that 'smashes' every motor vehicle and building in it's way?
Do WE really need to teach our children that it's OK to play "computer games" where it's possible to "get shot" several times, become dead , then click "reset; start again"???
Seriously where are the 'computer games' where if you "crash a car" you are damaged and a whole heap of 'support services" turn up
.... and you "lose" points as long as you "really" stay in any 'publicly funded hospital'.
Do they REALLY understand this REAL concept?
Which sort of reminds about the Drumf version of this planet .
There is no help out there. Ya wanna climb Mountains - go fer it but do not blame me if ya fall off. DO NOT expect rescue. There IS no community support if you are not in the Donald Drumpf House of tinsel and gold plate.
Fascinating. However i still have faith that this planet, and the peoples on it have more native intelligence, and more resilience than anyone in the smallish patch of ground between Canada and Mexico ...meh
Showing posts with label ANZAC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ANZAC. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Sunday, August 31, 2014
IFF
* and elderish concept, perhaps, these days.
Way back in the second great war, in aircraft, in the early days of electronic signals -It used to signify - Identification; Friend or Foe.
Who knows, these days.
'warfare' is no longer simple.
Way back in the second great war, in aircraft, in the early days of electronic signals -It used to signify - Identification; Friend or Foe.
Who knows, these days.
'warfare' is no longer simple.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Lest we forget
[edited 9.20am Sunday 24]
There have been so many words wasted(?) discussing the ‘commemorations’ of historical events this weekend so have very little to add.
Christopher Pearson (Weekend Australian Apl 23, 2011) looks at the “Search for the real man in the gospels” (the only pedantic quibble that I might have with the article is that some scholars refer to the “1ST Century Nazarene rabbi” as Yeshua ben Yoseph, not “Jesus”, or “Christ“) and Ricky Gervais (same publication) makes a good case for atheism,
[OK, am having trouble finding the direct links.. update, found the original article by Ricky Gervais. Found link to Pearson article]
As for ANZAC day .. Am still trying to understand, read up on, the origins; and significance to “modern” Australia.
Have to admit, though, that it is a particularly “emotional” day; for me.
While cannot lay claim to any ancestors who actually participated in the Gallipoli landings on April 25, 1915 - nor am I aware of any who fought or died in the “Great War” 1914-1918 (that conflict could not have been referred to as “Word War one” until the second world-wide conflict of 1939-1945) - but yes, my father died in 1945 - and to be more pedantically specific - believing that he was part of a Nationwide effort to defend Australia, Australians, and their ‘way of life’ against Japanese Imperialism.
Which also gives me a personal perspective on the results, and subsequent long-lasting ramifications of armed conflict. (Wars may end .. but the children, grandchildren, et al: of widows, always remember).
That reminds me .. Was listening to Phil Adams the other night when he interviewed Buffy Sainte Marie.
She wrote, and sang, the original words for “Universal soldier” which was, apparently, made ‘popular’ with a particularly pallid version from a singer by the name of ‘Donovan’.
(there is an interesting mention during the interview that Buffy Sainte Marie’s version was ‘suppressed’ by presidential pressure).
For those who ‘can remember’ - listen to the interview; Buffy reprises a rather more ‘passionate’ original rendition.
For those who have never heard the original, or seen the words …
He's 5 foot 2 and he's 6 feet 4
He fights with missiles and with spears
He's all of 31 and he's only 17.
He's been a soldier for a thousand years
He's a catholic, a Hindu, an atheist, a Jain
A Buddhist, and a Baptist and Jew.
And he knows he shouldn't kill
And he knows he always will kill
You'll for me my friend and me for you
And He's fighting for Canada.
He's fighting for France.
He's fighting for the USA.
And he's fighting for the Russians.
And he's fighting for Japan
And he thinks we'll put an end to war this way.
And He's fighting for democracy,
He's fighting for the reds
He says it's for the peace of all.
He's the one, who must decide,
who's to live and who's to die.
And he never sees the writing on the wall.
But without him,
how would Hitler have condemned him at Dachau?
Without him Caesar would have stood alone
He's the one who gives his body
as a weapon of the war.
And without him all this killing can't go on
He's the universal soldier
And he really is the blame
His orders comes from
far away no more.
They come from him.
And you and me.
And brothers can't you see.
This is not the way we put an end to war
(ends with unresolved chord)
[um, OK, pinched the words from the 'net', so am not claiming 'accuracy' .. or you could go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGWsGyNsw00].
"without him Caesar would have stood alone"
Lest We Forget.
There have been so many words wasted(?) discussing the ‘commemorations’ of historical events this weekend so have very little to add.
Christopher Pearson (Weekend Australian Apl 23, 2011) looks at the “Search for the real man in the gospels” (the only pedantic quibble that I might have with the article is that some scholars refer to the “1ST Century Nazarene rabbi” as Yeshua ben Yoseph, not “Jesus”, or “Christ“) and Ricky Gervais (same publication) makes a good case for atheism,
[OK, am having trouble finding the direct links.. update, found the original article by Ricky Gervais. Found link to Pearson article]
As for ANZAC day .. Am still trying to understand, read up on, the origins; and significance to “modern” Australia.
Have to admit, though, that it is a particularly “emotional” day; for me.
While cannot lay claim to any ancestors who actually participated in the Gallipoli landings on April 25, 1915 - nor am I aware of any who fought or died in the “Great War” 1914-1918 (that conflict could not have been referred to as “Word War one” until the second world-wide conflict of 1939-1945) - but yes, my father died in 1945 - and to be more pedantically specific - believing that he was part of a Nationwide effort to defend Australia, Australians, and their ‘way of life’ against Japanese Imperialism.
Which also gives me a personal perspective on the results, and subsequent long-lasting ramifications of armed conflict. (Wars may end .. but the children, grandchildren, et al: of widows, always remember).
That reminds me .. Was listening to Phil Adams the other night when he interviewed Buffy Sainte Marie.
She wrote, and sang, the original words for “Universal soldier” which was, apparently, made ‘popular’ with a particularly pallid version from a singer by the name of ‘Donovan’.
(there is an interesting mention during the interview that Buffy Sainte Marie’s version was ‘suppressed’ by presidential pressure).
For those who ‘can remember’ - listen to the interview; Buffy reprises a rather more ‘passionate’ original rendition.
For those who have never heard the original, or seen the words …
He's 5 foot 2 and he's 6 feet 4
He fights with missiles and with spears
He's all of 31 and he's only 17.
He's been a soldier for a thousand years
He's a catholic, a Hindu, an atheist, a Jain
A Buddhist, and a Baptist and Jew.
And he knows he shouldn't kill
And he knows he always will kill
You'll for me my friend and me for you
And He's fighting for Canada.
He's fighting for France.
He's fighting for the USA.
And he's fighting for the Russians.
And he's fighting for Japan
And he thinks we'll put an end to war this way.
And He's fighting for democracy,
He's fighting for the reds
He says it's for the peace of all.
He's the one, who must decide,
who's to live and who's to die.
And he never sees the writing on the wall.
But without him,
how would Hitler have condemned him at Dachau?
Without him Caesar would have stood alone
He's the one who gives his body
as a weapon of the war.
And without him all this killing can't go on
He's the universal soldier
And he really is the blame
His orders comes from
far away no more.
They come from him.
And you and me.
And brothers can't you see.
This is not the way we put an end to war
(ends with unresolved chord)
[um, OK, pinched the words from the 'net', so am not claiming 'accuracy' .. or you could go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGWsGyNsw00].
"without him Caesar would have stood alone"
Lest We Forget.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Australia day whenever
[updated with pic of design - but am still working on the details ..]
OK, will try to go through all this yet again. The discussion has been long-running. One of the major problems is - how to incorporate a multi-cultural society into strongly identifying with a "common" symbol. Have written on this previously, and yes, the Australian aborigines have achieved their own "unifying" symbol.
Simple,
Stunningly beautiful.
However, doesn't symbolise the rest of us.
I could mention at this point - that one of the problems the early colonial administration HAD was that there WAS NO "unification" among the aboriginals - or rather - they had no "European" style pyramidal structure that the Europeans could identify with. No 'overarching' "Emperors", "Kings", "Lords", "Barons" to "prove" their "armies" were superiour; no 'peasants' suffering aforementioned Lords or emperors tromping across territory. Were forced to deal and negotiate with each, and every, individual local tribe as they came across them.
[am, of course, of European heritage and mythology - there is no "King Arthur" among the aborigines as yet)
While there WAS "communication" across the length and breadth of this island, and the tribes; before Captain Cook - there was no "common" language. Haven't looked it up recently, but seem to remember a number in the region of 300+ 'language' groups in Australia, prior to European occupation. And yes, while am at it - there was no "invasion" as I understand the word - seems to infer some sort of large "armed conflict" - the taking of land by force. Yes, a very fine point of semantics. Reading the history of the trials, troubles, tribulations and conflicts of Arthur Phillip will cast some light on why I write this. He really DID try to be "nice" to the locals, negotiate with them.. (I might also suggest that the aboriginals may well have had a worse problem if the Dutch or French administrations of that period in history had taken any interest in "colonising" this island continent). Perhaps some of the more "English literate" among the tribes will try to comprehend.
However, Europeans have been in this country, this land since 1788 (or therebouts). While yes, I recognise that the attitudes of the early European settlers leave much to be desired; there is now a groundswell of "inclusion". What the aboriginal tribal leaders choose to do about that is, well, up to them.
Which (skipping several paragraphs) brings me to the notion of an Australian "National" flag.
I did, some time ago, have go at designing one. Not an easy task (have lost several computers and 'hard drive' storage) and am not 'cluey' about CAD (computer assisted design) .. So.
Somehow the land, the ground that has been here since before recorded history; on which one stands, defends (drought or floods regardless) - from which we draw sustenance and sustainability; surpassing politics and personal ambition - has to be recognised as the foundation. Since 1901, the 'nation' of Australia (and would ask readers to look up the definition of "nation") has been revolving, evolving around the notion of "identity".
So, imposed on "the land" is the seven point star (Seven point stars are not easy to find in this "standardised" computerised CAD planet). The number 'seven', apart from resonating into European mythology - is also the number of independent States; at federation - and one of the reasons there is a reluctance to grant the "Northern territory" and "ACT" (Australian Capital territory) - statehood. One would then have to incorporate a "nine" point star into the central, survivable point of the flag.
So, given restrictions of colour (3-6)- though i do see that the new South African estandart has six colours - format (Both sides have to match), practicality (flags tend to fray over time - have to be recognisable when frayed by half; and 'upside-down' - international distress signal).
[an aside; Um, given that thought, perhaps the brit bit at the top left may still be valid. The yanks are off saving themselves]
So, flag design is not easy.
(bear with me, i have begun - yet again - to design an Australian National flag ..spent about 8 hours this morning - but seems to have been saved somewhere beyond my expertise in understanding Windows 7 .. grmble grumble .. will FIND IT!!!!, dammit)
Oh, now writing into the blogger 'compose.'
Permit me to try and describe. the seven point star of Australian federation resides at the top left (sinister) corner near the head of the flagpole - the "jack". It sits on an ochre gound. To the dexter (right hand) side are four bars. Black(recognising the custodianshp of the original in habitants), white (us twits), green (it can be, on occasion), gold (asperations). (and yes, have looked at the 'majority' poll on Ausflag who seem to 'identify' with "red, white, blue".
However, would like to 'bend' those four bars into a triangle shape (and yes, a subliminal "boomerang") pointing to the 'predominant' (but sacrificial) half of the flag.
The "southern cross" predominant in a deep blue sky.
(have been in a small boat in the open ocean when all 'electonics' failed. That set of stars led me home).
And yes, am aware that some of my 'pagan' friends may well do a '?'; but crux and acrux has been around, known to big ocean navigators, long before the Roman priesthood concocted a scary myth out of nailing dissenters to trees.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A poem
Was actually going to write a much longer post about ANZAC day and what it means - to me, anyway - but it's been wet and overcast for the past few days, and the little generator is having canniptions - so battery power is quite low.
There is always a longish discussion about "wars" and "armies", and "what ANZAC day means".
.. and yes, I did make it to the local dawn service at 6am last Sunday .. a very small gathering, the rain actually briefly ceased for it as well .. will try to write more about it later. My father never came back to give me much instruction as to how I should behave in these situations.
In the meantime, will publish this poem- author unknown .. but was sent to me by Vest, at Daily gaggle
There is always a longish discussion about "wars" and "armies", and "what ANZAC day means".
Won't go into detail .. but from my point of view .. the disaster at Gallipoli was when Australian and NZ militaries which, until then, were happy to let incompetent "BRITISH" commanders run the show .. began to argue for, and won the right to command their own armies.
Says much
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the RSL,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew where of he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer,
For ol' Bob has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.
He won't be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife..
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won't note his passing,
'Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Some jerk who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
The politician's stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier,
Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It's so easy to forget them,
For it is so many times
That our Bobs and Jims and Johnnys,
Went to battle, but we know,
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
With his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier--
His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end.
He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier's part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage
At the ending of his days..
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
"OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER or a SAILOR DIED TODAY."(author unknown)
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'Australia', 'New Zealand', 'Canada', 'The United States' or any other country for an amount "up to and including my life".
That is Honour, and there are way too many people in this WORLD who no longer understand it.
(edited by an Australian)
Postscript 30 april 2010 - was having a chat with a Vet from the Vietnam conflict about all this .. he tells me that we haven't learnt much, yet. Just transferred 'allegiances' to incompetent AMERICAN commanders .. heh.
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