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Yesterday attended the memorial service for Frans Timmerman, whom I've previously written about. It was a superb gathering, with some 250 or so people packed into the Trades Hall New Council Chambers (particularly apt, given how many political battles he fought there), and afterwards at the Trades Hall Bar. The event was MC-ed by Ros Eason, and speakers included one of Frans' brothers, Julius Timmerman, former deputy leader of the Victorian Legislative Council, Glenyys Romanes, radical publisher, David Spratt, former PLO representative Ali Kazak (who provided some noteworthy poetry), radical collaborator Lesley Podesta, conservative Labor MHR John Murphy, and partner and collabotor Associate Professor Anitra Nelson. Much was spoken of a man who touched many lives with his principled radicalism and I'm sure most learned something new about Frans (despite years of association, I had no idea about his athleticism as a youth).
This event was, of course, held during the ANZAC day long-weekend, which to me represents the day when Australia, under the flag of the British Empire, invaded Turkey - just as Australia Day represents the British invasion of indigenous Australia. I feel no pride in either day. Rather I feel distaste towards those politicians and their advocates that we should invade others at the behest of the British Empire and the British race and anger at the terrible waste of human life that occurred as a result of both events. But the politicians continue that agenda, as the Australian government confirms the purchase of 58 new Joint Strike Fighters, also welcomed by the lovers of war in the Labor Party. There are some rebels to this desire for the blood of others, Dr. Jensen in the Liberal Party, Kelvin Thompson in the Labor Party. For their own part, The Age newspaper receives accolades for producing one of the best front-covers ever - it should be taught in first year media studies courses as an example of juxtaposition, and in first year economics as an example of opportunity costs.
This event was, of course, held during the ANZAC day long-weekend, which to me represents the day when Australia, under the flag of the British Empire, invaded Turkey - just as Australia Day represents the British invasion of indigenous Australia. I feel no pride in either day. Rather I feel distaste towards those politicians and their advocates that we should invade others at the behest of the British Empire and the British race and anger at the terrible waste of human life that occurred as a result of both events. But the politicians continue that agenda, as the Australian government confirms the purchase of 58 new Joint Strike Fighters, also welcomed by the lovers of war in the Labor Party. There are some rebels to this desire for the blood of others, Dr. Jensen in the Liberal Party, Kelvin Thompson in the Labor Party. For their own part, The Age newspaper receives accolades for producing one of the best front-covers ever - it should be taught in first year media studies courses as an example of juxtaposition, and in first year economics as an example of opportunity costs.
