Australian politicians just don't get the irony of this, do they?

[Zalatix]

The indigenous people of Australia died by the droves as a result of colonialism. Now the cops there are mad because the indigenous people get rowdy in defense of their rights?

Huh?

http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/2012/01/27/cops-rescue-aussie-pm

Cops rescue Aussie PM
Sapa-AP | 27 January, 2012 00:30

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard stumbled and was caught by a security guard as riot police helped her force a path through a crowd of rowdy protesters following a ceremony to mark Australia's national day yesterday.

She appeared distressed as she was pulled away from the protesters but was unharmed. She later remarked that she was made of "pretty tough stuff" and commended police for their actions.

About 200 supporters of indigenous rights had surrounded a restaurant and banged its windows while Gillard and opposition leader Tony Abbott were inside.

[Nye Bevan]

1. What should the cops have done?

Refused to protect her from the mob?

If Native Americans surrounded a restaurant where Obama was eating, and started banging on the windows, would you expect the cops to intervene?

[Zalatix]

2. Well, since my solution is impossible

that being to go back in time and wall off Australia to prevent invaders from coming...

I would suggest the Prime Minister stop, turn on her heel, walk back inside and start holding talks immediately about addressing the issue of indigenous rights.

[Nye Bevan]

3. Greens welcome fulfilment of Government commitment to Indigenous constitutional recognition

The Australian Greens welcome today's announcement by Prime Minister Julia Gillard of a new Expert Panel to progress recognition of Indigenous Australians in the constitution, agreed as part of the Australian Greens commitment to support the Labor Party in Government.

As part of the agreement with the Australian Greens to establish the Gillard Government, the Labor Party has agreed to hold a referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition before or at the next election.

Greens Aboriginal Issues spokesperson Rachel Siewert said Indigenous Australians deserved recognition in the constitution as the first owners of the nation.

"Recognising Indigenous Australians in the highest legal document in our land is important on so many levels and progress towards a referendum should involve the entire community," said Senator Siewert. "This will need to be a people's referendum, not a politicians' debate, and it will need the support of the entire Parliament. While I am proud of the Greens' role in this issue, I want to acknowledge the work by countless Indigenous rights campaigners over the years. There is now significant work to be done to ensure the referendum succeeds and Indigenous Australians can finally be recognised in our constitution."

http://bob-brown.greensmps.org.au/content/media-release/greens-welcome-fulfilment-government-commitment-indigenous-constitutional-rec-0

[Zalatix]

6. Way to go, Greens! n/t

[malaise]

4. Well you could say world politicians

since they all oppressed indigenous people or enslaved others

[Zalatix]

5. And I certainly wouldn't excuse the U.S...

[Swede]

7. Homo sapiens wiped out the neadrathals.

I think we had longer clubs.