[Winterdanceparty]

I am listening to the news and hear that they are going to give Ned Kelly's remains a public burial and a big service at St Patrick's Church. What is this great hero worship of a criminal who shot three policemen? He robbed banks, he was stealing horses and he was just a criminal FGS.

[FluffyOscar]

Yeah I know, I don't get it either. Never have really

[elizabethany]

Because Australians are a funny lot really. We have a historical dislike for authority.

[Pearson]

Because he stood up to a corrupt legal system.

While he might be a criminal, he is seen as a hero for this reason.

Same as the people at the Eureka Stockade.

Gains are not always gotten nicely/legally, there were and still are people who have ill gotten gains, and it is only when someone stands up to them that they can be brought down.

So, in his case, at times, he was legitimately a criminal, and others, illegitimately a criminal.

As a question, do you see those from the French Revolution as criminals?

It is not always black and white.

[Mo2k]

me neither. The way he gets talked up in the media I thought I was the only one confused. Nice to know I'm not.

[matt1972]

It's a private service for his family in Wangaratta so if it makes news and is in the public that's the fault of those reporting on it.

[~sydblue~]

Have you read the "Jerilderie letter"?

[Citizen V]

It's a private service for his family in Wangaratta so if it makes news and is in the public that's the fault of those reporting on it.

Yes this what I thought. Last night on the news they said the family was having a private funeral, and he will be buried in an unmarked grave. No mention of "hero" or public service.

[countrymel]

Because anyone who has read this The Jerilderie Letter) can't help but get a bit of empathy for the man.. or at least some smiles at his masterful way with language.

He isn't being re-buried as a 'hero' he is being buried as a famous Australian.


And as they say: One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter..

[Sassy Girl]

It's a private service for his family in Wangaratta so if it makes news and is in the public that's the fault of those reporting on it.

That's what I think as well.

He was nothing but a common criminal. I have never understood why anyone would 'idol worship' him.