Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Sex, guns and human rights

By Raphael de Vietri - posted Friday, 22 October 2010


In the past, Australia has not been afraid to expend political capital on pursuing moral issues, at the expense of alliance relationships. Japan and whaling comes to mind. But: (i) These are people, not whales; (ii) Unlike Japan's whaling, Australia shares a degree of responsibility for the US policy, due to our fused military relationship; and (iii) The action required to make our point would be much less drastic than that exerted upon Japan.

Yes, it might be a bit little awkward to bring up (I'm imagining K-Rudd… "Admiral Mullen, Sir, uuhhmm, let's call a spade a spade, there's no silver bullet for this one, but… uumh you know how you don't let "queers" in your army, well, we don't think that's right, and it's embarrassing for us to serve with you guys because of it. …fair shake of the sauce bottle?").

However, for us to know that our US pals are responsible for needless institutionalised discrimination, and to not do anything about it, is in fact more than just embarrassing. It's gutless. Frank friends are fine friends. And the bottom line is, it's not worth freeing strangers if you are a prisoner in your own country.

Advertisement

The views expressed in this article are the author's own opinions, and do not necessarily represent the views of the ADF or any other organisation.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. 2
  4. 3
  5. Page 4
  6. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Raphael de Vietri is a keen observer of Australia’s foreign affairs. He is a part-time member of the Australian Defence Force, while also undertaking post-graduate studies in international law at the Australian National University.

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Raphael de Vietri
Article Tools
Comment Comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy