Republicanism will not stop racism, against them or the Aborigines, the country's first inhabitants, but it would reinforce the feeling of all Australians that this is their country too.

ECONOMIST: A republic for the lucky country | The

And like everyone who has gone there, I stood thinking how many U.S. servicemen and women have given their lives to defend the world from the decadent monarchies of the 19th and 20th centuries, to stop the racism imposed by Hitler.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Meets with Peruvian President Garcia

Opponents had earlier covered up a billboard sign sponsored by the group that said "Homophobia, Racism and HIV Can't Stop Me, " and the two officers were watching for any trouble.

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