Whitlam memorial...

[gleee58]

There were some mighty fine speeches and moments there today.

It's a shame the PMs dept stuffed the arrangements for so many but great that they broadcast on some large screens outside. 

Imo, some people should have stayed away and made their seats available to those who would have appreciated them.

[polksaladallie]

Gillard is not the PM.  I would think that the wife of the present PM would be there, given that all wives and ex-wives of previous PMs attended.  Curious.

[raptor_rebooted]

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@polksaladallie wrote:

Gillard is not the PM.  I would think that the wife of the present PM would be there, given that all wives and ex-wives of previous PMs attended.  Curious.

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not all partners attended - or are you saying

females are somehow more obligated ???

but yes, a bit curious why mrs abbott wasn't there.

i might ask her.

also curious ur referring to the present pm's wife

by an incorrect first name and using the surname

to refer to the ex pm's wife *confused looking*

[polksaladallie]

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@*julia*2010 wrote:

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@polksaladallie wrote:

Gillard is not the PM.  I would think that the wife of the present PM would be there, given that all wives and ex-wives of previous PMs attended.  Curious.

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not all partners attended - or are you saying

females are somehow more obligated ???

but yes, a bit curious why mrs abbott wasn't there.

i might ask her.

also curious ur referring to the present pm's wife

by an incorrect first name and using the surname

to refer to the ex pm's wife *confused looking*

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1.  I did not refer to the PM's wife by an incorrect first name.

2.  The surname of the ex-PM's wife is Rein.   I referred to her not by her surname, but as Ms. Rein, which is her name.

3.  Where did I say anyone was "confused looking"?

[raptor_rebooted]

I did not refer to the PM's wife by an incorrect first name.

her name is Margie.

The surname of the ex-PM's wife is Rein.   I referred to not by her surname, but as Ms. Rein, which is her name.

so why did you?

refer to Abbott's wife as Margaret

and Rudd's wife as Ms Rein?

Where did I say anyone was "confused looking"?

cute

*confused looking* = confused emoticon

[polksaladallie]

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@*julia*2010 wrote:

I did not refer to the PM's wife by an incorrect first name.

her name is Margie.

The surname of the ex-PM's wife is Rein.   I referred to not by her surname, but as Ms. Rein, which is her name.

so why did you?

refer to Abbott's wife as Margaret

and Rudd's wife as Ms Rein?

Where did I say anyone was "confused looking"?

cute

*confused looking* = confused emoticon

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Her name is Margaret.  That is the name I used.

Margaret Aitken was born in Hutt Hospital, Lower Hutt, New Zealand to Max and Gail Aitken, and grew up in Wainuiomata. Both parents worked for the Post Office, Max as deputy chief postmaster of Wellington, and Gail as a typist. She has a brother, Greg, a former private investigator. The family has always been very sport-oriented; Max Aitken is a senior soccer administrator, and Margie played soccer and netball for a number of years. She is a Catholic, like her husband.

I referred to ex-PM's wife as Ms Rein, because that is her name.

[debra9275]

Well I'm worse because I thought mrs abbott's name was Margo, lol

[raptor_rebooted]

LOL OK

i thought the first name basis was

an indication that you like her - was just

curious about that as i think ms rein is a

nice person too.

[boris1gary]

Now it's time for Australia after Gough Whitlam

Graham Freudenberg

He saw that only the nation's Parliament and the nation's government could bring quality and equality to areas of Australian life, where Canberra had never before dared or cared. From Werriwa too, came his magnificent obsession with electoral equality, one vote, one value.

He believed with a passion, that this nation of immigrants must crash through the barriers of intolerance and prejudice about birth or background, race or religion. This was a new voice, new themes, a new agenda for Australia.

The Whitlam agenda remains part of the Australian agenda. 

As he put it in 1972: "Between the habits and fears of the past and the hopes and demands of the future". Optimism, enthusiasm, confidence – over fear, prejudice, conformity.

That is his enduring message to the men and women of Australia.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/comment/now-its-time-for-australia-after-gough-whitlam-20141105-11hc68.html#ix...

[i-need-a-martini]

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@gleee58 wrote:

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@polksaladallie wrote:

But where was Margaret?

Other wives and even ex-wives were there, but not her.   

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It was rather odd that she wasn't with him for such an event.

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Yes I did think that.

Whilst I don't think they all neded to bring a partner, I think the PM should have. Otherwise it just makes it look like he is popping out for a couple of hours a business meeting.

Somehow bringing a partner makes it a more personal committment rather than just a job to do if you know what I mean.

[gleee58]

Yes, I believe I do.