The way that Australia as a country is handling the complex issue of refugees has become more and more objectionable as time goes on.
The media and our political representatives often demonstrate an appalling lack of conscience and empathy with fellow human beings.
It would be wise for all to stop and never forget that it was just a fortunate accident of history that anyone, no matter from where they came, who has had a safe upbringing free of fear, terror, and discrimination, and also had an opportunity for education, is in a rare privileged position to express a view at all.
We had no control over our parental and family origins, or choosing the environment in which we were nurtured.
Neither did any of the refugees, who are trying exceptionally hard to make the best of their horrifying circumstances.
Our efforts to forge a good life may have been rewarded, but luck and circumstances have had a major influence.
Refugees are no lesser persons than ourselves, and to vilify and harass people in their position is just plainly inhumane, sickening and inexcusable by any measure.
John Ward, Bangor