Join the army when Australia needs YOU
Note: This is actually a light political commentary.
The new citizenship test has yet another tricky one - it includes a controversial question which only correct answer beckons new immigrants to ‘defend Australia should the need arise’.
Let me first say that it is entirely acceptable to indicate one’s responsiblity to defend one’s country (of residence) - yet, there are various categories of ‘defence’ that do not include military action. I am pretty sure this question is perfectly harmless - no, the issue is not with the question. This article is critical of the questioner.
I unfortunately hail from a country obsessed with its military might, that screams at my obligation to ‘protect what I value’ (what is it, exactly…?). Offense there, apparently, is the greatest defence. (If I mysteriously ‘disappear’ next year, this paragraph might have been the culprit.)
So, back to being Australian: Personally, to be one, sure, I will protect Australia in as many ways possible - economically, socially, psychologically. But, considering Johnnie Howy’s obsession with war, and his kissy-kissy with a certain Bush - hell, no. To finally be out of a muscle-flexing, state government-dominated world (politics never existed where I was from, seriously), I would actually now like to be somewhere peace-loving, for once.
Australia, I am thinking, is this place. But while I am doing well in Melbourne, in Canberra the Army is planning its positions in Iraq. (Less politically: In Sydney, I was mugged in daylight and I was snubbed by the police; in Perth, I was really bored - but that is my fault.)
Sure, I can stay in my haven in Melbourne for life, where most of my mates (and the people I meet) are against the war and are not critical of the colour of my skin, but I like to think of ‘Australia’ as a whole. Seemingly, it is not really working that way now.
Perhaps, you will like to bring your troops home, and ask me that question again later.
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Darren. One word. No.
We wasted two years of our lives so we can pander to every whim and fancy of the authoritarian Singapore government. As long as they continue to brainwash most Singaporeans into mindless robots and practice anachronistic practices such as conscription, there’ll always be a tiny group of left-wing folks from Singapore who’re there to fight the oppressive government.
And no, you wouldn’t disappear. You were not attacking anyone in particular. The Singaporean student in one American university was threatened by the government because he made comments about a minister on his blog. You’re not. Fucking Singapore government has better things to do than monitor and track the movements of normal civilians.
Conscription is wrong. And should be abolished. There are other ways to instil discipline, to cultivate maturity and to protect your country.
Arrr, i have tah ask. Did ye be makin’ that Johnny Howard on ye Photo Shops? Or did ye be findin’ it on t’Inter Nets?
Aye, matie. It has been ‘n photoshopped by me from tah photos:
http://i.treehugger.com/files/john%20howard.jpg
http://usavictory.com/uncle-sam-large.jpg
ARRRRRRRRR. Piiirates Day eesssss ovaaaa. Stop talking like one!