It's THAT day again...
A day when I remember my family and all the lessons and values that have been handed down generation to generation.
A day I remember the massive human rights abuses in England that led that heartless British government to commit even greater and more sadistic acts by literally dumping their unwanted souls out of sight and out of mind in the 'great southern land' and all the while stealing that land and horrifically massacring the people of the land, the land we now call Australia.
A day when I hold my Aboriginal friends and family in my heart and pray that one day we will all be healed of the trauma of the past 227 years, and that an appropriate compassionate restorative justice process will occur.
A day when I wonder at just how manipulative a British Government can be! They have us celebrating a day of tragedy for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. I shake my head at that, I also wonder how many will understand how I feel about today. I know I'm not the only one who is uncomfortable with they way in which this day unfolds each year...
If this is truly an important day is should be a day of reflection, of continued work towards healing, of remembrance and above all, a day to recognise the strength of all those that survived the brutal 'birth' of the nation, now known as Australia. The survivors are both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.
Yes we can be proud of our country, there is much to be proud of, but pride needs to be tempered by the reality, needs to be warmed by compassion and needs to be illuminated by the truth.
I won't say 'Happy Australia Day', but I will say to my family and friends that I love you and that I am extremely grateful that I live on this land with you.
