Quote:
Originally Posted by AussieTrooper
Changing the date implies that the act of settlement that began Australia in its current form on that date was a mistake.
If people honestly believe that it was, then their best course of action is to leave, and hand over any land they own to Aboriginies.
Remaining on land that you claim was 'stolen/invaded' whilst criticising that exact thing, is totally hypocritical.
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It's a fact that 26/1/1788 was the beginning of an invasion, dispossession and genocide. We can't change that but we also can't unscramble the egg. Whites can no more leave Australia than the Celts can uninvade Britain or white Americans return to Europe. We can't change the past but neither should we deny it; we have to make the best of situation we have before us. If that means moving the date then so be it. And don't forget that from the white perspective 26 Jan 1788 was hardly covered in glory: people carted half way around the world and dragged ashore in chains for, generally, petty economic crimes committed by people desperate to survive in an inequitable and dysfunctional economy.
My biggest problem with moving the date is finding a viable alternative. Unfortunately federation occurred on 1 Jan, which is not a day for another holiday. It can't be a sporting or military commemoration. So I'm a bit stumped. Any suggestions??