Bindi Still Making Australia Proud

It's been a year since Australia lost one it's most acclaimed and celebrated Australian icons. The death of Steve Irwin saw the whole nation stop, a man who was thought to be invincible as he wrestled crocodiles and advocated as the outspoken voice for the animals. His death saw a tragic end to Australia's "Wildlife Warrior" but his memory and he's vision has not been forgotten. His nothing short of extraordinary daughter Bindi Irwin as continued his battle, eagerly stepping into his shoes as the new Australian "Wildlife Warrior", and there is not one better for the job.

I personally admire Bindi's courage and lack of hesitation in simply stepping into her dad's shoes. Australia has embraced Bindi, as the special girl she is, treasuring her as they had done her father.She and has continued to create her show, that saw death of Steve Irwin by stingray in the Great Barrier Reef, in order to honour and keep his spirit alive. She has certainly done that, just as her dad would have wanted.

*References: The Australian
Image taken from Google images.

Gays Still Fighting Federal Ban

Despite it being three years on since the federal ban on homosexual marriage, the gay and lesbian community have not given up their fight. On August 12th around 3000 people protested demanding marital and adoption rights. While this is heavily controversial issue that dates back decades, Australia's gay community has been struggling for these rights for years and continues to demand the same respect as heterosexual martial unions. Across NSW, Sydney and Victoria the gay community rallied the streets casing conflict with police, particularly Sydney where thousands of the gay community protested down Oxford street to the town hall. While Conservative religious and family-first groups condemn this, Green's senator Kerry Nettle declared, "It’s a clear pattern about the prime minister trying to garner votes from the conservative religious fundamentalists within the community and in doing so seeking to scapegoat a particular section within our community.” As gay bashings have recently been on the rise, Rachel Evans, an organiser of the protest and also Socialist Alliance candidate for Sydney argued, "Our love is not second class".This war of conflicting ideas seems to be never ending, and ultimately I believe gay marriage does not impose any threat on society so why not legalise it? Members of long and fulfilling gay relationships can have all the right reasons to marry, except it is unacceptable within the eyes of the law. The law's perception of what marriage is should be evolving just as Australia continues do so, the notion of being homosexual should no longer be seen as something to frown down upon, rather just a way people chose to live their life. And ultimately who are we to judge?

*References Greenleft weekly

image from google images

Rowdy Rudd's Regretful night

Rudd's seemingly flawless political run had to end somewhere and it did. In an article published in the Australian Bulletin Rudd's conspicuous night in New York was revealed. It could be Kevin Rudd's decision to attend a New York strip club that could cost him public votes, with feminist groups depicting it an exploitation of women, but yesterday majority of the public seemed quite bemused. Rudd's drunken antics at the Manhattan strip club have left staff describing him and fellow politician Tony Snowdown as "rowdy" and "snotty", yet Rudd claims to have had a complete memory blackout. He claims he has only been drunk twice in his life, his 35th birthday celebrations and and this night in New York. Owner Elliot Osher has said that while the two were demanding, ordering staff to bring them beers, they did not physically touch any of the exotic dancers and acted as complete gentlemen in the short period they stayed at the club. As a potential prime minister I find this quite amusing, and giving Rudd his due, he has by no means depicted himself to be perfect throughout his political campaign, his often quirky mishaps appealing to the public. This incident just simply depicts Rudd as a human and in no way can it be condemned a crime or immoral. He had a few too many drinks and ended up at strip club. Personally I think worse things have happened.

References: The Australian Bulletin

Image taken from google images.

Powderfinger's Poltical Plight

An article that appeared in the Australian Greenleft weekly spoke of Australian music and the influence it has on our cultural identity.Leading Australian rock band Powderfinger was mentioned as they have been rocking the music scene for over a decade. Lead singer Bernard Fanning's political and often passionate lyrics have truly ensured Powderfinger remain not merely simply a rock band, but political ambassadors, giving voice to Australians. With Ideas spanning from religious hypocrisy to the struggle of Indigenous citizens to seek equality, Powderfinger seeks to challenge the Howard government significantly in their newest album.

Why Powderfinger has been condemned for their anti-Howard views, their music is not simply negative view on the Australian government or John Howard himself. In my view, their music captures the beauty and culture of Australia while is some instances giving a voice to those who are left unheard, particularly refugees and Aboriginal Australians. The song “Black Tears”, on Powderfinger’s new album Dream Days at the Hotel Existence, focuses more clearly on Indigenous Australian's struggle to find peace with their painful past. Fanning himself has even declared it to be a song that addresses and highlights the neglect of Aboriginal people. Fanning's powerful and harrowing lyrics, depict his ability as songwriter to take the listener on a powerful and political journey. Personally I applaud Powderfinger's work, as an evolutionary Australian rock band who give hope to Aboriginal Australian's future.

References Greenleft Weekly

picture from Google images