China Syndrome
One thing we know, even if we like China and the Chinese people, is that their government can be reasonably precious if anyone questions or comments on things they do. And this makes complete sense. China is an Authoritarian State, not a democracy and as such, they don't like being questioned. This should not be a surprise. Add to this the propensity for China to want to save face and not be seen to have done the wrong thing, and, well, it makes things a little awkward if you're not happy with something they've said. Firstly, they're not going to take it back and secondly, how dare you even question that they've said it.
So the hell was I!!! We're supposed to be better than shit like that. I'm not sure WHY I thought we were, other than assuming that I live in, and am part of, a country that is civilised to such a level that people who are representing us overseas to HELP people, MIGHT ACTUALLY HELP PEOPLE.
Now sure, I don't understand how the Armed Forces works at the ground level, but there's clearly a problem. The problem with the Armed Forces shouldn't just be directed at how you help those involved recover and recuperate upon their return. It should include ethics, respect, morals and more BEFORE they head overseas. Whatever our troops are taught, it's clearly failed here and I'm disgusted with what has happened. Disgusted AND shocked because although we're apparently NOT better than that, I know that I am.
Who said it probably doesn't matter.
What DOES matter is how we (via our PM) replied to it. Hysterically.
"The image is confronting. And whilst it doesn't represent Australia or what Australians stand for at any level, we acknowledge and recognise our failings in this area. We share in the condemnation of those found to be involved in these murders and assure all nations, particularly our Afghani friends and partners, that those responsible will be held accountable."
That's it. That's all he needed to say.
There was no need to blow up into a faux outrage about a tweet. That's exactly what China does. The Authoritaran regime of China. They have tantrums when called out for shitty behaviour.
llama
@SirWonderLlama
There's also that little problem of what they said being kind of accurate.
Now sure, the picture wasn't accurate, but let's just have a look at the tweet.
Now sure, the picture wasn't accurate, but let's just have a look at the tweet.
The tweet
"Shocked by murder of Afghan civilians and prisoners by Australian soldiers."
So the hell was I!!! We're supposed to be better than shit like that. I'm not sure WHY I thought we were, other than assuming that I live in, and am part of, a country that is civilised to such a level that people who are representing us overseas to HELP people, MIGHT ACTUALLY HELP PEOPLE.
Now sure, I don't understand how the Armed Forces works at the ground level, but there's clearly a problem. The problem with the Armed Forces shouldn't just be directed at how you help those involved recover and recuperate upon their return. It should include ethics, respect, morals and more BEFORE they head overseas. Whatever our troops are taught, it's clearly failed here and I'm disgusted with what has happened. Disgusted AND shocked because although we're apparently NOT better than that, I know that I am.
"We strongly condemn such acts & call for holding them accountable."
Agreed. Whoever was involved has committed a crime. I condemn these crimes and I condemn those involved. I am better than this and I expect...DEMAND that those people representing ME overseas who have committed these crimes be brought to trial and if found guilty, be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. There are NO excuses. Not one.
We're not talking the casualties of war here. We're not talking defending one's self against attack. We're talking murder. They should be held accountable.
The image is confronting and uncomfortable. Any time an image is shown depicting harm to a child, it's unpleasant and doesn't sit well. So when the harm is being perpetrated by an Australian, it is even more uncomfortable. Remember, we like to think we are considered to be trustworthy and reliable. Honourable and moral. Dependable but easy going. This photo challenges the image we see in the mirror and it is confronting and uncomfortable.
Who said it probably doesn't matter.
Why they said it probably doesn't matter.
What DOES matter is how we (via our PM) replied to it. Hysterically.
"The image is confronting. And whilst it doesn't represent Australia or what Australians stand for at any level, we acknowledge and recognise our failings in this area. We share in the condemnation of those found to be involved in these murders and assure all nations, particularly our Afghani friends and partners, that those responsible will be held accountable."
That's it. That's all he needed to say.
There was no need to blow up into a faux outrage about a tweet. That's exactly what China does. The Authoritaran regime of China. They have tantrums when called out for shitty behaviour.
What China does is irrelevant. How China treats various parties is irrelevant. This is Australia's wrong, not China's. Pointing the finger, bitching and moaning, deflecting and expressing outrage is not what we needed to say in response.
We are not China.
llama
@SirWonderLlama
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