no muse today

I’ve been musing on this one for a week or so. Relevant images are copyrighted. Sigh.

We were all deeply interested to see the photo of Willie Apiata on our front pages last week. Not only was it a surprise to see our shy, self effacing VC man looking rugged and sexy, it was a bit of a surprise to learn that he and the SAS were in Afghanistan. I guess it shows how naive we are and how much we believe the “Kiwis are there to keep the peace” rhetoric.

PM John Key says they were not involved in any killing and were there to help the Afghani forces. Ok I believe that – sort of. But to think that ‘our’ troops are not involved in any action at all is truly naive.

And on a similar note: I have been interested in the reports coming out of Britain about Iraq. This in the papers here last week.

Sounds like 1984. Winston, where are you?

ANZACS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5uFzwzEVhQ
We did this about 3 years ago and I still like it. What really interests me is that there are so many comments – some not terribly academic (lol) – but there are comments. And Auckland Museum, for whom we did this, hardly notices it. Not that they should but….it’s a shame we never got to complete the fascinating story of the Nuieans who fought in the First World War. Hopefully one day.

But there you go …..ANZAC Day. And those words still stir:
“They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

For all the dads.

http://www.iwm.org.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.2796

Personal note? “Lifelong” the word du jour.

Read this

Image of front cover of book by Rt Fisk

PS: done reversing, hill starts and stopping at the shop for cigars…next week – driving to work…….aargh!