Patriot Realm

Thomas Pritchard, Australia's last "Rat of Tobruk" has passed away at the age of 102. Pritchard was part of the famous garrison who held the Libyan port against a furious Nazi siege in World War II. The Rats of Tobruk Association announced Pritchard's death on Saturday, honouring his service to his country.

" They lived like rats and  they fought like lions "

I would venture to say that the two most famous and well known phrases of our military history are “Gallipoli” and “The Rats of Tobruk”. One was a magnificent defeat. The other was a magnificent triumph.

Field Marshall Sir William Slim, 13^th Governor General of Australia and at the time, General commanding the 14^th Army said after the triumph over the Japanese at Milne Bay that “…..Some of us may forget that, of all the Allies, it was the Australians who first broke the invincibility of the Japanese army and it was the Australians who first broke the invincibility of the German army.”

In speaking of the defeat of the German Army he was speaking about Tobruk. 14,000 Australian soldiers embarked on an eight month siege defending the harbour town of Tobruk, beginning on April 10-11 1941.

Imagine a world with no government.

I have to wonder: would that be such a bad thing? Government has not been our friend for some time, has it? 

When we think of anarchy, the image that often springs to mind is one of lawless mayhem, a world without rules or structure. Anarchy is defined as a state of society without government or law. Political and social disorder due to the absence of governmental control.

Which brings me to today's topic. That of anarchy. Selective governance and the shadow world between anarchy and governance. For that is where we are. 

These days, we are living in parallel societies. Where the rules only apply to those who follow them. The rest? Hell, it is open season for lawlessness. 

When you think about it, it is almost as if our governments want to piss us off. They are doing absolutely everything they can to make the masses so angry that we will rise up and say " No. No more. " 

" How about we start with stuffing the country up by bringing in foreigners from different countries? " 

" Let's really make it interesting and make sure that they have absolutely nothing in common with the people who live in the country. the most important thing is that they are as different as possible to the citizens.  Different ethnicity, different culture, different religion.  Anything goes as long as it is the opposite to the current population. " 

My father passed 9 years ago on the 4th of August. Just before dawn the other night, there was the hint of a thunderstorm. Not big. Just a rumble in the sky and some distant lightning.

Mum ( Redhead) lay snuggled in bed with her male Manx cat ( his sister was sound asleep on Redhead's magic massage chair ) and he purred and asked for a reassuring rub on his belly and a kiss. A nudge from his head to remind her that he was there. 

It took me back to the days when Dad used to wake up in the early hours and ask Redhead " Would you like a cup of tea? " and they would sit together and chat and enjoy the dawn hours together, with a nice cup of tea. Those early morning hours, before dawn, when the world was still quiet and full of hope and expectation of a good day. 

For so many of us, our early mornings are precious. The world is born again in a new day. 

When Kamala Harris catapulted to the top of the Democratic ticket, one might have anticipated her policies and opinions to be the most likely topics for discussion. While some of these issues have cropped up in the media, oddly, the most heavily discussed subject regarding the vice president has been her laugh. Some are vociferously defending it; others wonder aloud what’s so funny.

The only reason such a topic would rise to the forefront with so many disparate opinions is that there is something strange about it. When Mrs. Harris was just the vice president, her unusual laughter was noted and derided. Now, with the prospect of her becoming president of the United States, it’s more concerning. And the chatter is only increasing.

When I was a young child, I read a book about overcoming adversity.  Back in the 1960's adversity was something that meant more than being called  names. It was something that challenged body mind and spirit, all at the same time. 

June Opie, born in New Zealand in 1924, is remembered for capturing the human spirit’s resilience against one of the most feared diseases of the 20th century—polio. Polio, or poliomyelitis, was a highly infectious disease that could cause paralysis and even death. During the first half of the 20th century, polio outbreaks were frequent and devastating, particularly affecting children. 

Opie was diagnosed with polio in 1947 while she was in England. Her life changed drastically when the disease paralysed her, leaving her unable to move or breathe on her own. At the time, the medical response to polio was limited, and for many, a diagnosis meant permanent disability or death.

Across the Tasman, in Australia, a young self trained Nurse, had an idea. 

It was derided. Yet she persevered. Both women fought adversity and never used a Diversity, Equity or Inclusion card. No. They were strong, spirited fighters. They fought.  Here is their story.