Analysing John Howard's october travels - Rugby world cup opening ceremony.

Authors Avatar

ANALYSING JOHN HOWARD’S OCTOBER TRAVELS

  • RUGBY WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY

October 10th, 2003

Prime Minister John Howard formally opened the World Cup, and in his speech mentioned those who had died in the Bali bombings, many of whom were rugby players. In his speech he mentioned the victims of the Bali bombing, many of whom were rugby players of both codes who were either on tour or celebrating the end of the Australian season. The significance if this speech is great as Mr. Howard’s next point of travel was Bali where he would spend time with the victim’s relatives and reflect on the events of October 12, 2002. During his opening address he commented on the Bali victims who had taken part in the sport of rugby union. To recognize these victims on the world stage was a memorable but emotional moment with the one year anniversary only a couple of days away. This served as a reminder to the world of the Bali incident and how we as Australians through leader felt passionately about the incident in that we felt the need to reflect on it on the world stage was appropriate and required. Mr. Howard’s speech stated the tragic ironies of how when the bombing took place, players were celebrating the end of their domestic season and a year on players are celebrating the start of a world gathering of rugby. The Prime Minister’s presence and opening of the ceremony also demonstrates the harmony between the nation and its leader in front of the world. Despite some minor jeers that have possible significance as his popularity may not be overwhelming and some feel they need to expose this on the world stage. Mr. Howard was met and farewelled with a great sound of cheers and clamors within the stadium. Another factor outside of popularity was his choice of words. In reflecting on the Bali massacre he comforted and pleased many people associated with the tragic event, as he wanted to let the entire world to be aware of the importance and feeling towards the massacre. The Prime Ministers performance was significant as once again he exposed our identity to the world as a caring, conscience and reflecting nation. The events that transpired in his travels may have been great in securing a prosperous and secure future for Australia as a nation, but his address to the world was great in increasing our global identity and gaining further respect from the world.      

Join now!

  • APEC NEGOTIATIONS AND AUSTRALIA’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE USA IN COMPARISON TO ITS ASIAN NEIGHBOURS

The APEC conference in Thailand and recent comments by ASEAN leaders have again raised questions about Australia’s place in Asia. In the past weeks Prime Minister John Howard had to clarify Australia’s relationship with its Asian neighbours. First he had to hose down comments by US President George W Bush that he viewed Australia as the region’s “sheriff”, which did not play well with our South East Asian neighbours. Then Singapore’s leader said Australia would not be accepted in the region until its ...

This is a preview of the whole essay