Posted by Declan on November 22, 2005, at 12:59:51
This was quoted in (what there is of ) the independant press here, still existing, before this government allows the sale of Fairfax to Murdoch or Packer.
It's from a speech given in 1965. South Vietnam at Australia's request has just requested Australia to help.
Here's what Calwell, leader of the Australian Labor Party said in the conclusion of his speech opposing the then popular committment.'And I address this message to my colleagues and that vast band of Labor men and women outside; the course we have agreed to take today is fraught with difficulty. I cannot promise you that easy popularity can be bought in times like these. Nor are we looking for it. When the drums beat and the trumpets sound, the voice of reason and right can be heard in the land only with difficulty.....But I offer you the sure and certain knowledge we will be vindicated, that generations to come will record with gratitude that when a reckless government wilfully endangered the security of this country, the voice of the Labor Party was heard, strong and clear.'
I never had that much hope for my country, but I could weep for what has become of the Australian Labor Party.
Declan
poster:Declan
thread:581252
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20051121/msgs/581252.html