The last thing Australia needs is another useless symbolic debate to disguise the wreckage of national interest policy. But that’s what we’re going to have after QEII dropped off the perch, even if Albo hoses it off:
“He also has that [republic] task. The Labor Party’s position is clear [that we do want a debate on becoming a republic, but not in this term]. We don’t have a [specific] timetable and I made it very clear when that appointment was made that [Thistlethwaite] was, of course, an assistant minister.
“[There’s] no change. Now … is the time for commemorating and recognising the life and service of Queen Elizabeth II and also for welcoming our new head of state, King Charles III.”
Thank Dog for that. But there will be the usual useful idiots whining about the need for Australia to stand on its own two feet.
Rubbish, I say. It’s time to recognise the reality under the symbolism.
Australia’s two great periods of liberal regimes – as a satrap of the British Empire and then Pax Americana – are the keystone to our free system. In theory, we could be able to stand alone and sustain our freedoms but in practice it is impossible.
The problem is that Pax Americana is under a challenge from the rising and illiberal Chinese Empire. Any move by ourselves away from our liberal imperial sponsors will automatically result in a move towards the illiberal Chinese version.
This is the reality and paradox of state power and ideology. Only the emperor can guarantee your freedom with his monopoly on violence.
So, as QEII sails from the Grey Havens, and we discuss becoming a republic, let us instead consider standing on our own two feet by taking responsibility for the reality of our situation.
Let us sue to join the great republic of the United States. We have much to offer and could strike a good deal:
- Our commodity riches and leverage to China make us a natural American state.
- We don’t compete with the US in much else.
- Our strategic position as the southern anchor of the US Pacific empire is invaluable and sits abreast of China’s weakest trade choke points.
- Our hollowed-out regulatory systems will segue nicely with US rapacious American corporations.
- The US has gas reservation!
These advantages should be more than enough to sustain our unique gun laws and more egalitarian social security systems in any deal to become the US 51st state.
Let’s not forget that Alaska and Hawaii only formalised their union status in 1959. We can do the same in a decade or less and finally guarantee our liberal system once and for all.
As for Donald Trump and his fascistic loons, the democratic bulwarks of the world’s strongest republic are still holding and should continue to do so.
If not, sooner them than Beijing’s gulags.
