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Jude Lay's avatar

The first time I visited Australia I was shocked to hear my friends friend mention the Abo’s in what I felt was a very dismissive way.

History is complex but the common theme amongst it all is the decimation of native peoples with diseases. STD were rife and combined with the the introduction of alcohol and refined sugar and flour, misguided religious endeavours etc we have displaced people. Once you disrupt or destroy what was culturally and spiritually significant the decline is assured. Thanks for sharing 🙏💚😇

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John Toomey's avatar

I agree entirely Jude. I guess the entire world has evolved in that way. People here talk about the intergenerational trauma inflicted on Australia's Aborigines. It is true. But if we follow that argument, then we should look at the trauma already being carried by the British who had been invaded and fought brutal wars against the Danes, Romans and others. The same would go for the original indigenous people of New Zealand before the seafarers from the north arrived who we now know as the Maori. And what's more, there are over 300 Aboriginal nations in Australia. They used to do terrible and brutal things to each other. This is the painful side of the ebb and flow of the evolution of humanity. The only path we can follow now is one of care and empathy, and supporting all to take ownership of their lives, to step into their power and be who they are. That is a gigantic task, but treating people as victims is the polar opposite direction.

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Jude Lay's avatar

Indeed and paying people endless amounts of money clearly isn’t working 🙃

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John Toomey's avatar

Totally. And it is all being syphoned off anyway. Corruption is rife.

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Sean Melbourne's avatar

Interesting perspective: https://youtu.be/AGdyDs1snYA

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John Toomey's avatar

What a legend. Now there is a member of Parliament who cares about his constituents. He should conduct some classes for other Politicians on how to do that.

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Sean Melbourne's avatar

That was an enjoyable read John. These days it’s very rare to read something where you can see that the author is making a concerted effort to be factual and not present a biased narrative. I wish there was more writing like this around, particularly as we all grapple with the question of constitutional change.

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John Toomey's avatar

Thanks Sean. It was a fascinating exploration for sure.

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Marion's avatar

Well said John.

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Marion's avatar

You explained the past very well John. I wish the majority had your knowledge & understanding. I worry for the future of our country with misguided views.

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John Toomey's avatar

I reckon laziness comes into it Marion. The information is there. I was able to find it. But there is also a lot of opinion there that doesn't seem to be based on much fact.

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