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Politicians pay tribute to Irwin (Parliament salutes Croc Man)
Herald Sun ^ | 5 September 2006

Posted on 09/04/2006 10:44:52 PM PDT by Aussie Dasher

CROCODILE Hunter Steve Irwin died in "quintessentially Australian circumstances," Prime Minister John Howard told parliament today.

Irwin, 44, died when his chest was pierced by a stingray barb while swimming off the Queensland Coast yesterday.

"Steve Irwin's death yesterday in bizarre, tragic, and in some respects quintessentially Australian circumstances has not only shocked and horrified the people of Australia but it has brought forth an outpouring of grief and an outpouring of emotional expressions of regard for this remarkable man around the world," Mr Howard said.

Quoting actor Russell Crowe, Mr Howard said "the Crocodile man Steve Irwin was the Australian many of us aspire to be".

The Prime Minister described Irwin as a talented showman who used his skills for good. He praised his involvement in a highly successful Customs campaign.

"His willingness to front the high profile program Quarantine Matters was a great contribution to the quarantine cause and the clean, green protected image that this country wants to continue and represent to the rest of the world," Mr Howard said.

Mr Howard said Irwin also made an important contribution to the Australian tourism industry.

"He did epitomise to many so people around the world what they saw to be uniquely Australian characteristics and for that we should be simultaneously proud and grateful," Mr Howard said.

(Excerpt) Read more at news.com.au ...


TOPICS: Australia/New Zealand; Culture/Society; Extended News; Government; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: crochunter; johnhoward; parliament; steveirwin; tribute
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To: ScudBud

Terri's the one I feel the worst for. She worshiped Steve, it was clear and evident, and I can't imagine what she's going through. That he died doing something he loved must be small consolation.


41 posted on 09/05/2006 8:18:04 AM PDT by Xenalyte (Can you count, suckas? I say the future is ours . . . if you can count.)
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To: gr8eman

No, you're a wanker because you don't know when or how to keep your disrespect to yourself.


42 posted on 09/05/2006 8:18:40 AM PDT by Xenalyte (Can you count, suckas? I say the future is ours . . . if you can count.)
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To: Xenalyte

Well thought-out & said


43 posted on 09/05/2006 8:19:52 AM PDT by Hegewisch Dupa
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To: gr8eman; Tennessee_Bob; mitch5501; FreedomCalls; Heatseeker; GregH
I almost died 3 different times when I was young pulling stunts.

I will refrain from the uncharitable remark, but at least five other FReepers know exactly what I'm thinking.
44 posted on 09/05/2006 8:21:03 AM PDT by Xenalyte (Can you count, suckas? I say the future is ours . . . if you can count.)
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To: Xenalyte

Make that six.


45 posted on 09/05/2006 8:21:52 AM PDT by najida (The internet is for kids grown up-- Where else could you have 10,000 imaginary friends?)
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To: najida

Welcome aboard!

Part of me anticipated something like this (although to be honest, I thought it'd be a snake), and part of me thought Steve Irwin would go on forever.


46 posted on 09/05/2006 8:23:27 AM PDT by Xenalyte (Can you count, suckas? I say the future is ours . . . if you can count.)
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To: Xenalyte

You and I seem to be reacting the same way.....

He was such a happy, enthusiastic person who did SO much good in his life. Terri was his soul mate and they had the most wonderful life and family together.

Those making ugly remarks just make me furious.


47 posted on 09/05/2006 8:23:50 AM PDT by najida (The internet is for kids grown up-- Where else could you have 10,000 imaginary friends?)
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To: Xenalyte

Look,
IF he lived closer and was single, I would have proposed to HIM!

Honestly? I thought he'd go on forever. I've known folks like that, who lived their lives full throttle and yet made it to a ripe old age.


48 posted on 09/05/2006 8:25:12 AM PDT by najida (The internet is for kids grown up-- Where else could you have 10,000 imaginary friends?)
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To: najida
Make that six seven.
49 posted on 09/05/2006 8:30:46 AM PDT by MaryFromMichigan
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To: najida

Poor Terri . . . how will she go on? I feel so bad for her.

(A buddy of mine did a Steve Irwin-type character at our festival a few years back . . . I can't remember what his name was, but he was the Dragon Hunter, and he was Steve to the life. That was the season he made my spotted owl disco.)


50 posted on 09/05/2006 8:34:13 AM PDT by Xenalyte (Can you count, suckas? I say the future is ours . . . if you can count.)
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To: Aussie Dasher

The Animal Planet replayed some older Steve Stories and introspectives last night. Very interesting look into his family.


51 posted on 09/05/2006 8:36:47 AM PDT by FourtySeven (47)
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To: Xenalyte

Spotted Owl Disco? LOL Sounds like fun.

As for Terri, she'll never find another Steve. Bindi is the one I hurt for the most though.


52 posted on 09/05/2006 8:37:05 AM PDT by najida (The internet is for kids grown up-- Where else could you have 10,000 imaginary friends?)
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Comment #53 Removed by Moderator

To: Aussie Dasher; familyop; Rte66; mitch5501; Tennessee_Bob; ScudBud; freekitty; FreedomCalls; ...
Pictures and info on Elseya irwini, the snapping turtle discovered by Steve Irwin- here and and here.
Very cool.
Almost as beautiful as Chelydra serpentina serpentina. :)
54 posted on 09/05/2006 9:44:36 AM PDT by MaryFromMichigan
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To: gr8eman
From your post 24 -
I never said or think that Irwin was a bad person or unintelligent or any such thing.

From your original post 7, since removed -
It is not rare when idiots play with deadly animals.

Which is it?

With regard to the incident you seem to be completely focused on - according to Irwin himself, he felt the baby was never in any more danger than if the child was learning to swim. Since he's the professional, and the man on the scene, I'd say he's more competent to judge the situation than either you or I. Or do you prefer to tell people how to live their lives and how to raise their children?

55 posted on 09/05/2006 11:54:41 AM PDT by Tennessee_Bob ("Those who "abjure" violence can only do so because others are committing violence on their behalf.")
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To: Xenalyte; najida
although to be honest, I thought it'd be a snake

My daughter pretty much grew up watching him on television. She and I were watching some of the tribute that Animal Planet did last night, and we both decided that it wouldn't be a snake or a crocodile, but something completely unexpected, like an allergic reaction to a butterfly bite.

56 posted on 09/05/2006 12:09:23 PM PDT by Tennessee_Bob ("Those who "abjure" violence can only do so because others are committing violence on their behalf.")
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To: Tennessee_Bob
"...like an allergic reaction to a butterfly bite."

Someone on another thread put it thus..."It's like he was a race car driver who got hit just right by a bicycle"

So very sad.

57 posted on 09/05/2006 3:50:39 PM PDT by mitch5501 (typical)
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To: Aussie Dasher

One of your greatest exports ever, Aussie.

He and Terri were amazing energetic, genuine people, and I am grateful at least he died doing something he loved so passionately.

He was a treasure.


58 posted on 09/05/2006 3:57:46 PM PDT by pollyannaish
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To: gr8eman
Ok, I'm piling on. But you are behaving badly. What the heck are you implying when you say that he "puts his values over the interest of his childs?"

Do you really mean that?
59 posted on 09/05/2006 4:15:05 PM PDT by pollyannaish
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To: ChiefKujo
Aaaah. That pretty much sums it up in fact. Thanks for the research.
60 posted on 09/05/2006 4:22:17 PM PDT by pollyannaish
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