Paul1405,
Yes, happy christmas, I hope you have a good day too, later on today we're taking the kids up to see my folks in the country, it's always good to get out of the city for a while.
My parents are Leftists so I grew up immersed in Left politics, but like a lot of Lefties I was "mugged by reality" in my twenties and thirties.
When I do those political compass quizzes I'm in the centre but above the line, so I'm "authoritarian centrist" if you like.

SPQR, my opinion is generally in line with that of the NSW Police Commissioner and others. Is Andrew Scipione also a Green?

A Merry Christmas to you and your's Paul and to all other Oloans and theirs.

Hi PAUL1405

While waiting for our varying tribes of grandchildren to again pounce upon us, I was listening to a replay of ABC Radio National's programme, concerning the governments failed attempts at introducing conscription during WWl ? Generally speaking I find the ABC a little biased. However on this occasion their treatment of this highly controversial topic, during those troubled times, was well handled I thought !

And what it did do, was remind me of our various tete-a tete's and exchanges, as we actively pursued matters associated with individuals, the likes of David HICKS, Jane FONDA and conscription evader's per se, during the period of the Vietnam War.

I recall well, how unkindly I assailed you particularly, in your resolve of being officially recognised as a bona fide 'conscience objector' and you being diametrically opposed to that war, for whatever it's reasons were, that it be prosecuted. Previously, I'd apologised to you for some of my more intemperate, perhaps even hurtful remarks ?

Nevertheless, that apology seemed inadequate even feeble, after hearing the ABC's replay today ? A spokesman from the NZ, 'Christian Pacifist Society' cited a shocking case of dreadful cruelty occasioned against two NZ 'conscience objectors', (Messrs BAXTER & BRIGGS) at the hands of the 'Red Caps' (Military Police) during the first War ?

Regrettably, I'd referred to 'some' C.O's. as blatant cowards. I've no doubt maybe a very few were ? Many more were of a religious persuasion, therefore by default were C.O. However, the programme stated, the only two religions that had been 'officially' accepted by the very meticulous, Gov't. 'C.O. Review Board' as genuine C.O's, were the Quakers and another of US origin, the Christadelphians ?

It's for this reason that I now accept, both my opinion and judgement has been irrefutable wrong ! And there does exists quite a substantial number of very courageous, bona fide Conscience Objectors in our community. And they should be just as honoured for their courage against war, as those who choose to put on the DPM's or Khaki's, and fight !

Again, I'm so sorry PAUL !

Hi, o sung wu Christmas is over for another year, we have grown a little bit older, and I hope a little bit wiser. 40 years since Cyclone Tracy, wow seems like just yesterday. Thanks for your kinds words, I give as good as I get on the forum so I'm no saint when it comes to the cut and thrust of debate, I too apologise for the unkindness I dish out at times. If we were all in agreement, all the time, it would be a dull old forum indeed.
Xmas was a most enjoyable day, with my son and his family, he went to great lengths to please, done all the cooking himself, he's not a bad cook, in fact a very good cook, turkey, duck, chicken, baked ham, even done a very tasty leg of lamb, his best mate is a butcher, he went overboard. They invited my brother from the south coast, who is loner, but he surprised by turning up. Invited another uncle and his wife, they have no children, that uncle insisted on bring seafood as well, prawns and heaps of oysters. Even invited his grand aunt from far away, last living sister of his grandmother, who died this year. She came for a few hours, thanks to her granddaughter and husband. His grandfather was also there. I think he wanted it that way. My partner "T", who was not accepted at first by my son, he was rather raciest against her first off, told me what he thought of a bloody Maori, yet he drinks at the pub with Island mates, said that was different, now all is good, she is most accepted by the clan. "T" brought her ukulele and entertained with a singsong and carols. All in all a great day was had.
Interesting, my granddaughter of 4, who was spoiled with gifts, found a $2 bubble maker the most fun, played all afternoon with it.
cont.

cont
WWI and conscription, a very interesting subject, as far as I know Australia was the only completely volunteer army in WWI, we refused Britain the right to shoot our troops for desertion, on the grounds that they were volunteers, the French shot a lot, so did the British. The Catholic archbishop of Melbourne, Daniel Mannix, led the anti-conscription forces at the time, against PM Billy Hughes, as an Irish Catholic I think Mannix was somewhat politically motivated, and he won, twice, but not by much. Women were the strongest voice in favor of conscription, I believe Robert Menzies for years was branded a coward for failing to volunteer, something his mother insisted on, as a couple of brothers had joined up, she said that was enough from the Menzies family. Poor old Bob never lived it down.