Re: 50 Years- Aussie Absorbed!!!

From: Brett Paatsch (bpaatsch@bigpond.net.au)
Date: Sun Jul 20 2003 - 03:40:42 MDT

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    [apologies if this is a resend - new cable ISP is finiky]

    > Spudboy writes:
    >
    > <<It'd be tricky to patch over the fundamental cultural
    > difference: cricket, rugby and australian footy vs
    > baseball, and american football. alejandro>>
    >
    > More than sports, other cultural values, would sink any
    > fusion of nations. Plus, there is no economic advantage
    > to be had by the Australians. What does America have
    > that Australia would envy?

    Well, just speaking for one Aussie.

    1) The Bill of Rights

    2) A military and economic engine that provides the
    opportunity to negotiate with all other nations on at least
    equal terms. "Might" may not make "right" but it's a fair
    fall-back position in 2003.

    3) The ability to vote for, or against, particular US
    presidential candidates ;-)

    4) Unfettered access to some US markets perhaps
    particularly agriculture.

    > It would be a losing proposition for them. I did find
    > it humorous that an academic would actually propose
    > (perhaps non-seriously) such a venture.

    Yeah but a lot can happen, good and bad, in fifty years.

    > It would be
    > like a wealthy suburb would seeking to merge with
    > a working class neighborhood. Not very likely!

    Agreed. Not likely real soon anyway.

    Brett



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