Allthough the trans Atlantic slave trade was alive at the time the British invaded Australia we were primarily a prison colony which provided sufficient cheap labour. The abolishionists had more or less won by the time land owners were looking for African slaves and they found alternatives such as indentured Pacific islanders or indigenous people.

The colonial era was very shitty. Fuck the Belgians in particular. Also the Dutch, French, Spanish, and not least the English. The Japanese empire is not fondly remembered either. Nor Russia who never stopped.

The US was always a bit odd in the modern era. There were WWII riots in England, New Zealand and Australia which started with how badly the US treated African American soldiers which is something considering the history of all our countries. The US has a mixed reputation so it is always interesting when they preach to us.

It’s also entertaining when they reject any well intentioned criticism of their society even while it is collapsing. Good luck with that.

You aren’t telling me anything I don’t already know. My point is the US loves blaming outsiders but is fucked at real introspection. And predictably I get whataboutism responses.

Walz seemed like a clever VP pick but this isn’t a clever quote. The maga party allowed Musk in and will scapegoat him when it suits them and the real systemic problems will remain. It is frustrating that global security and the world’s economies are under threat and we aren’t seeing any credible alternative leadership in the US getting traction. I don’t disagree with Walz’s statement at all but if it came from a 10 year old instead of a professional politician it might have more impact.