Dear spindoc,

The first link that I gave in my opening post
was meant only as a tongue-in-cheek bit of humour.
Did I hit a nerve with you. After all I don't
really know you. Perhaps it's too close to home
for you. That is beyond my control.

The second link was provided simply to
broaden the discussion.

Your interpretation of my intentions are wrong.
But again, that is something over which I have no control.

If you have something of substance to contribute to
this discussion please feel free to do so. Personal
attacks will be ignored and are inappropriate.

Cheers.

Foxy:
“Of course people don't have to either
read or contribute if they don't approve.
Each of us is entitled to our opinions
(of course) and to speak from our own experiences.
We're not entitled to make assumptions about
other people and try to negate their experiences.
Thanks for expressing your opinion.”

What are assumptions other than opinions?

To express an opinion about why the question is raised is perfectly legitimate. If I think that there is some other agenda for the question I am perfectly entitled to express that and to describe what I think it is. It may lead to many people questioning why they also think the issue is of any relevance and it may lead to a de-escalation of all that nationalism that can so easily become violence.

If there is no other agenda to your question or for anyone else who raises that question then there is no need to react to it all.

Spindoc,

"Mmmm? So those who disagree with you are negative, inferior, beyond help and live a sad existence? Now where have I heard that before, Oh yes of course, climate change deniers."

You're rather combative lately, dear...don't you like us or something : )

I think Foxy was musing as to why you've spent so much time on this thread attacking her...instead of telling us what you think describes Oz.

Dear phanto,

Having raised this topic for people to discuss
I feel obliged to respond to their posts.
It's the polite thing to do and is part of my
culture. I am not questioning your opinions.
I am merely trying to explain my actions.

Here's what it means so be an Ozzie if you live in certain parts of it, & are a leap year baby.

In 1980 I was running the boats for a resort island. I had 2, 50/60Ft ferries, a outer reef fishing charter boat 5, 30Ft sail your self rental yachts, & their 55Ft mother ship, & my own yacht to take care of.

Fortunately we had a good mangrove creek in a large bay nearby on the mainland. The mangroves filled an area about a mile deep, by a mile wide at the head of the bay, with the deep water creek winding it's way through the 40/50 Ft high 3 Ft diameter mangrove trees. The friction of the trees stop all but the really big gusts of wind like magic. Of course, no wind meant loads of sand flies, [midges] & mosquitos.

The mud banks the mangroves grew on were about 6Ft dry at low tide, but although the creek was still deep, the outer flats weren't. You needed about 8Ft of tide, with our average tidal range of 14Ft to get in. I Had 2 skippers & a deck hand to help get the boats in, & stay with them.

The creek was only about 70Ft wide, so quite snug once in there. The boats were tied to 2 mangrove trees either side, front & back, with plenty of slack to allow for about 30Ft of water rise from flooding in cyclonic rains, & a rope tied from stem to stern of each boat to allow them to be pulled together for access. The flood run in a good rain could reach about 12 knots, faster than any 9.9HP outboard tinny we had.

This cyclone was a pain. It hung around for 2 days before coming ashore right over us, & moving inshore. Just when we thought it was all over, the damn thing turned around & went back out to sea, rebuilding for another couple of days annoyance.

Continued

Continued

Yes, you've guessed it, we got the boats back out on the first of March, & I'd missed another birthday. I had missed the previous one in a cyclone in the Solomon sea. 12 years between birthdays, that must be some kind of record.

Hope a few of you have enjoyed my little story of how the other half live, & what it is like for some to be Ozzies.

Hasbeen