ULURU

[Cropduster]

ULURU

In hues of red ochre and parched orange bedding
a giant awakes from its slumber
Burning in rays cast by first morning sunlight
Draped in magnificent amber
Spiritual home of the Anangu people
Most sacred heart of the land
Beating the lifeblood of primitive culture
That only few will understand
Rising above a formidable landscape
Protecting the secrets of years
Ripped from the bosom of those rightful owners
Injustice reflected in tears

Copyright (c) Allan Cropper February 2015

[Neville Briggs]

True Matt. And why are there people who are born in Australia being referred to a non-indigenous, when "indigenous" means "born here". The post-modernist hall of mirrors.

[Cropduster]

We invite visitors from overseas to visit the Opera House. We don't give it to them. We would not allow them to drive us off so they can claim it for themselves. We ask that they respect it, and not graffiti it, vandalise it or trash it.

I don't see a world of difference.

But that is just me.

[Neville Briggs]

I don't recall any historical evidence of anyone being driven off Uluru.

[Cropduster]

Return of the land to traditional owners

The return of Uluru to its traditional owners, Anangu, in 1985 was a controversial event.

At the time, many people took strong views – both opposing and supporting the return – often in the context of their opinion of the broader land rights movement and legislation.

http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/tourism/ulu ... nangu.html

Perhaps not physically driven off, but certainly ownership was taken from them.

[Heather]

Some of the wisest words I've ever heard on the subject, Matt. I don't know what the answer is either but you're right, there needs to be a change in thinking and attitude.

Heather (sans smiley face)

[Heather]

The wise-ness is in the attitude and the thinking Matt. You and I don't know what the answers are because we are not on the ground living it but there must be people with more knowledge who can get together and work it out. And you're right, it is frustrating. Damn I hate that you are right!

Heather (secretly smiling)

[Cropduster]

Matt, that is a wonderful summation of an incredibly deep and multi-faceted problem, and I agree wholeheartedly that recognition of past wrongdoing should also be met with a willingness to accept heart-felt apologies, and a resolve to move forward collectively to embrace all aspects of our cultures, respecting individual rights as well as the collective rights and cultural heritage of groups of people and above all, empowering people to live with dignity within their culture.

Government intervention continues to fail miserably on the latter point, which is to our on-going collective shame, and this does little to aid healing and provide a base point from which to move forward.

Allan

[william williams]

I agree there is but one problem and that involves the radical stupid fringe members both black and white who scream and shout the loudest are the most commonest problem who have not got a clue as to how to evaluate and solve the problem.

BILL WILLIAMS

[Heather]

Oh so beautifully put Allan; I couldn't agree more with you or Matt.

Righto, Allan and Matt and I have the will (albeit without all the answers). Time to form a committee!

Heather