A better way
Considering the angst generated lately I found this article at the ABC interesting . Worth a look no matter what your perspective .
" Questioning someone's compassion isn't going to change their mind. Calling someone a racist isn't going to change their mind. But convincing them that refugees are in their interest? That seems like a good place to start. ? "
You must have missed where he had a errrr difficult argument and said he was leaving. Pity he might have had very set views but he is a good man with what some might term old fashioned views on acceptable behaviour.
Its got nothing to do with racism at all,its got to do with Australians standing up for their basic right not to be invaded economically and to the detriment of hard working taxpaying people,we all know they are coming for the freebies,benefits and a house,no other reason or they would stay at the first safe border and not risk a sea crossing in an old tub.
Its not about freedom,they get that when they hit Indonesia,plus they are cashed up better than the locals,but they know they will save that in a camp where all is provided and then get a little cash nest egg when let loose on the public,I'm with Davey sink a boat,that will stop it,sacrifice a boat,it will save lives!
Viv
Now that you mention it I recall something of that nature regarding innes . Maybe he made a prudent decision .
I think we've been here before Geoff I think it's where we differ I think racists have to be confronted on every occasion. To ignore is to encourage.
And on this site I have heard some of the vilest comments of my life.
I agree with you to turn the cheek or not engage on personal attacks although you did a pretty good job . But when it comes to extreme racism or homophobia ki must speak up .
Why?
Point out the racist bits for me Pete, Billy has voiced his own opinion, nowhere in his post does he mention any 'nationality or religion ,, they could be poms coming over in boats .. no difference ...still illegals
I think the topic is about having a different outlook towards refugees.
It is an interesting article Geomac.
Did you read the article Pete ?
It is an interesting article geo, rather than a confrontational attack a much more moderately expressed view of encouragement is often more effective and less alienating.
I.Have now FWED and I certainly agree with the statements regarding genuine refugees of any nationalities .
But it does not stop me disagreeing with economic refugees buying their way in of any nationality .
And I think the comment on presenting the global warming action as a social good
Is not relevant to a discussion on racism .
And the article does not changed view that racism should be confronted
I do agree that we should stress the economic good of all immigrants refugees or not .
Well putting the thread up was a waste of time if the squabbles from elsewhere are just going to be repeated here . I just asked for people to read the article not a rehash of the other BS .
I have no problem with regugees,these boat people are not refugees in a true sense,they are asylum seekers,a refugee lives in a camp in South Sudan or lives in squalor with no food or water or shelter,the boat people carry backpacks full of Yankee dollars,that is not a refugee.Australia welcomes refugees and so do i but i do not agree to us having an open border for anyone to come in illegally,come in the front door or go back to where you came from and take up arms against a problem you caused all by yourselves,dont come crying here when you wont fight for your rights,you expect Australia and the UN to sort your problems that you have allowed and now you want to come here and,"not speaka da lingo" and "lets rip of the stupid Skippys"
No stay were you are and fight for your rights,dont walk around shouting "Allah Akbar" then running away,cowards,thatsit lilly livered cowards,no backbone but somehow you have lots of money? refugees do not have food or shelter,never mind money and they have never seen a mobile phone!
Sink one boat,problem solved,it will save more lives.
It's come to something when you're immediately labeled a 'racist' or 'homophobe when you voice an opinion on either topic that doesn't concur with another 's point of view .. why aren't these politically correct lobbyists out condemning paedophiles, rapists, murderers and calling for longer/non parole sentences .. someone who doesn't agree with over population or believes in man/woman marriage isn't hurting anyone ... the people who prevent discussions of issues arising from the afore mentioned instances are the people who stir up the hate mongers in our society .. I loathe some aspects of Islam but I don't try to stop others talking about it ... live and let live....stop worrying about what other folks think and start worrying about what some of them actually do.. for heaven's sake!
Geo, this is a superb article
the following paragraph nails it:
Instead of convincing Australians that refugees represent a social good, that they can actually improve our communities, advocates have overwhelmingly argued that we need to show "compassion" to the world's needy. Couched in terms of "moral obligation", these arguments have ignored one of the key factors underpinning effective social change: that people are more likely to support something when they deem it to be in their community's interest, and not simply a burden that they're forced to accept.
Refugees and immigrants in general have a lot to offer this country. Hell, quite a few of the regular members of this forum are immigrants.
So indeed, the advocacy groups need to look at their strategy. At the same time it would be nice if the politicians stopped playing politics with the issue. Ain't gonna happen I'm afraid.
Maggs this article was just another beat up,anything to do with religion or Politics or Race is bound to cause trouble,looks like a fourth stooge has entered the fray and the other three havetaught him how to feign indifference already,take no notice Maggs,let em stew!
Yes Billy but it's a good article and imo it's not just the immigrants themselves who're causing concern ... folks are worrying about over population and sustainability....we've got homeless people yet they find homes for foreigners... we've got folks waiting years for dental, eye and hip replacements etc ....public health costs are spiralling as are private health insurance costs yet new arrivals in boats get looked after... is this way of thinking 'racist' ...I don't think so ...
Where does charity start Maggs? thats a fine old maxim but somehow it does not apply to white anglo saxons? why not,i have enough problems without worrying about people wanting a better life at my expense,if they have backpacks full of yankee dollars they are cashed up not refugees,in my book.
Just occurred to me that innes has been absent for a while . Nothing to do with thread just a thought bubble .