When I read Monsignor Rayner’s letter stating that the people trying to get into Australia by hazardously boarding unseaworthy boats and risking their lives etc, I thought to myself,yes! someone speaks the truth and states the reality for once!
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
So yes, this is still a democratic country.
And YES! we do still have the right to freedom of speech without being reviled and castigated and generally vilified as being un-Australian and un-Christian! But no, alas, I was wrong.
My belief that freedom of speech in Australia had been totally squashed by the fiercely vicious reactions of so many people, so anxious to distance themselves from all truth and reality on this time-bomb ticking issue, sadly, has to stand.
If anyone gives an honest opinion these days, barrow-pushing people with a one-eyed (their own) view and attention seeking minority groups are bristling with indignation
Remember Pauline Hanson...so crucified for her view that Aboriginal people should not be constantly given handouts because it was insulting and not in their own best interests?
And how many of the Aboriginal population agreed with her? Ask them. That is if you really do want to hear the truth!
After reading all the kicks and knocks and very personal attacks, even on his priesthood, that Mons Rayner has taken, because of the opinion he should have been entitled to give without fear of reprisal –
I have resignedly had to admit that nope, Australia is NOT a Democratic Country anymore.
No freedom of speech anymore. All destroyed in what seems to be some kind of fatalistic quest to turn Australia, the true home of our beloved Aboriginal peoples, into some kind of multicultural paradise, while pushing further and further away from the people of Australia the opportunities this land should be able to provide them with.
So, for heaven’s sake people GET A LIFE! Anyone in this country should be entitled to his or her opinion. If you must attack something about letters to the media – attack the opinion and give your own without trying to negate other people’s opinion and make spiteful personal attacks on their character.
My view as a social worker of many years is that we don’t have a country anymore that is capable of providing housing and free healthcare to low income single people and families already living in Australia. Try applying to NSW Housing for a roof over your head and see where that gets you! Or as one letter writer said this week – do a rekkie around the streets, parks etc of Sutherland to see for yourself how many Australians are already living on the streets, in the bush, wherever they can get rough, but very temporary and mostly unsafe shelter.
What right then do all the outspoken vilifiers of people who try to put a truthful, realistic view out there have, to claim that anyone and everyone from anywhere, people who have no income, no job, no housing and very often serious health problems, is going to be able to just walk in and use up the very little resources of a country struggling with the gigantic welfare problem we already have.
Australia truly is a great place – and no doubt everyone might want want to live here - but I have serious doubts about the motives of people who push the cause of allowing anyone from anywhere to float into our country, without thinking of the consequences of the miserable existence they are welcoming these people into, and the serious disadvantages this creates for our already struggling Australian families and individuals. If you cannot face truth and reality then go for my throat if you must but rather than attacking people brave enough to voice a truthful opinion,why not put your obvious intelligence and energy into providing ideas and answers for a feasible way of making life better for the people already here.
T. Charter
Sutherland Shire
See related letter: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/2034005/illegal-boat-people/
