Anniversary

Today (September 1), Australia and the U.S. celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the ANZUS treaty (although the “NZ” in ANZUS is no longer operative, since the Kiwis dropped out decades ago).

But I am gratified to see that America and Australia are still mates - even in adversity, such as now, when both countries are sweating out the administrations of two feckless heads of government.

From the article linked above:

While New Zealand cast aside the treaty in the 1980s over disagreements with the U.S., Australia has become an ever more vital ally. Australia and the U.S. have fought together in every major conflict of the 20th and 21st centuries—including World War I and II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. The friendship, common history, and values that bind our two nations have only strengthened.

It’s like I’ve said before: every red-blooded American looks on Australia as a kind of psychic or spiritual second home. Cheers, mates!

Oh, here’s a question (or two, actually):

American (and other non-Australian readers): Who are some of your favorite Australians?

Australian (and other non-U.S. readers): Who are some of your favorite Americans?

I’ll start the ball rolling: Lara Bingle and Tim Blair. Not necessarily in that order. [Ok, ok. Yes, in that order. But Tim’s a very close second; it’s practically a tie].