Many were prepared to arm themselves

November 19, 2024

Admittedly, I’m of the political left and still maintain the rage I felt when Whitlam was illegally removed from governing Australia. I call it The Dismissal, yet have always considered it a coup.

Whitlam had faults. After all he was a man. He and his government also made some mistakes that his devotees frowned at BUT Whitlam was a statesman and carried out reforms that were almost revolutionary. He was a threat to the US and UK and he took most things in his gigantic stride.

When he made his monumental speech, there were thousands of Australians - many were known peacemakers - who were prepared to take up arms for Whitlam - after listening to radio.

I was ready to - until I considered the consequences of a civil war in Australia. I was prepared to defend myself and my family from a spontaneous attack but not to carry out premeditated violence. I only found out the extent of the rage people around Australia felt when I travelled around Australia - for work and study. No internet then. No facebook. No online leftist media. Not just a small proportion of people maintaining the rage, either. Then - or now.