On the IPA co-opting the Eureka Stockade

Barry Welch writes: Re. “Rewriting history“(Thursday)

The Institute of Public Affairs isn’t first cab off the rank on rewriting the history of the Eureka Stockade.

I remember, back in the 1970s, using the prescribed Queensland Year 10 history textbook written by Barry Maranta, who allegedly was connected to the NCC, which described the Eureka Rebellion as a revolt by small business against big government.  And they say the Left infiltrated our classrooms!

On tragedy tourism

Owen Richardson writes: Re. “Razer: tragedy tourism is older than selfies, so quit your outrage“(Thursday)

In 1935 the ocean liner Morro Castle caught fire, with the loss of 135 lives, and the burnt-out hulk came to rest off the shore of Asbury Park, New Jersey. Wikipedia:

“… because of its proximity to the boardwalk and the Asbury Park Convention Hall pier, from which it was possible to wade out and touch the wreck with one’s hands, the wreck was treated as a destination for sightseeing trips, complete with stamped penny souvenirs and postcards for sale.”

Perhaps there was outrage about this as well, but the fact that it even happened suggests that people were harder in those days. Maybe the Depression was to blame.