I'm happy to acknowledge that since his death, I have learned more about Steve Irwin and what I have learned has increased my estimation of him. I still regard him as a mixed blessing though. Just like every other human. Note, human. Not a demi-god or saint. Death does not elevate us to that status nor wipe away our faults. We should not desire that it does so, nor treat the dead as though it were so. What would that achieve?

Wendy, not sure where you were going with the live export theme.

Steve's kids will probably see this one day, you say, Wendy? I'm thinking, probably not. But if they do, I could face them and look them in the eye - see above.

If you and Wayne would like to post with the names of the pubs that you frequent, I will do my best to avoid them. To be honest, they sound more like churches than pubs. I will climb back under my rock now - but it's kinda crowded with the irreverent, the sceptics, and the non-believers.

Being from North America, I guess I don't see why Australians "cringed" at Steve Irwin. I liked him. He had a zest for life that I wish I could find. He threw himself into the fray to prove to the rest of us that nothing less than total commitment to life was required in order to live a life most extraordinary. I think we should remember the man for what he was...
conservationist
family man
"regular bloke"

I also think we should examine our own lives and see if we too can find the same type of passion. If we can, then maybe we could make a difference, too (just like Steve). He will be missed...

Petpal, I've often thought that Queensland needs more Americans. By and large, Americans are more entrepreneurial, more prepared to give it a go, to accept/look for the positives in change, while Queensland fears change and supports the status quo, vested interests, rather than accepting that change is the essence of existence, that understanding the process and learning how to make best use of it is the best way to proceed. I'm not surpised that Steve went down better in the US.

I'm a mother of two boys, three and four and live in the U.S. Steve has truly touched my heart. I am so saddened and I don't know the man. He seems a sweet, caring, compassionate and enthusiastic human being and now he's gone. He was a boy who wouldn't grow up Thank GOD! He lived his dream and he has changed me to appreciate animals more. I have been taking my boys to the zoo every 3 days and now I make an effort to explain the animals to them and where they come from and ask them to explain to me what "ENDANGERED" means so that they understand how important animals are. We watch the Crocodile Hunter enthusiastically and they ask if they will see Steve at the zoo. Steve....you did make a difference. I promise.

pK

The only thing I beleive in is that God made some Dicks Heads.
Your one of them.
When I think that Steve is dead and your alive
I just cant figure why.
It just doesnt seem right somehow.
No of course you wouldnt figure the reference made to Live Exports PK.
Your too full of yourself to even know they exsist.

Wendy:
'When I think that Steve is dead and your alive
I just cant figure why.'

It's obvious. I don't go about, riling up wild animals for entertainment. Unless I count you, who I have riled up, though I can't see why you are riled. But you are about as dangerous as one of your 'live exports'. Maybe, about as dangerous as one of those that didn't make it to the destination.

Where's your pub? You need to head there and get a few looseners under your belt. You sound like a bogan. And maybe Steve was the 'bogan's hero'.