In protecting the interests of asylum-seekers, let our political leaders act as statesmen and forget the politics of division which unfortunately have torn the fabric of our society in recent years. A truly great government is one which governs righteously not only in the interests of the majority, but also in the interest of minorities legislating in a manner which reflects fundamental moral standards and gives them protection from the abuse of the majority. Most importantly, there is a moral reason why we should support the refugee cause. We must maintain understanding and support for the most vulnerable in our community and support for principles of justice and human rights, the absence of which in society are the fundamental root cause of refugee outflows. These principles demand our support, if not eternal vigilance. If history teaches us anything it is that it is cyclic. We can and must empathize with refugees from whatever background. If we do not lead by example who will? It is not a question of self interest. Rather it is an issue of doing the correct thing because it is correct to do so. Given my previous comments I hesitate to raise this as a justification, but none of us must ever be complacent in our apathy. The Hanson /Howard /Abbott phenomenon in Australia is not unique, and highlights the vulnerability of the fragile Australian multicultural society. Who will be targeted next? We who live permanently in Australia are largely fortunate to be happily assimilated into our countries. We have learnt from our past traumas and we have a responsibility to assist those persons and communities who are now undergoing traumas and who arrive dispossessed and homeless, powerless and vulnerable. They deserve our help and support, not contempt or hostility.
Posted on: Thu, 18 Jul 2013 15:14:07 +0000
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