Talking to Sudanese refugee families tonight, I heard stories of the kind of pressures these people are under, not only in their own nation, but in refugee camps in Egypt.
The mainly Islamic North is gradually advancing into Christian held areas, and pushing the mainly Christian Dinka tribe of the South as far out of their lands as they can. If Sudanese Christians convert to Islam they will receive houses, food, education and clothing on a par with other Muslims. If they won't convert, they receive nothing. If they remain Christians they are called 'Jews', which of course opens them up to be greatly despised by Muslims, who are taught to hate Israelis.
The Dinkas are devout Christians. They refuse to change, but they have very few allies prepared to stand up for them in a war-torn land under the grips of famine fraught with dangers. The UN has refused to call their terrorisation 'genocide', because once the 'g' word is used they are under an obligation to act, but for some reason the world is standing still on this issue while the Dinka continue to suffer. They are forced into a nomadic existence, driven across hostile borders, and treated as nobodies by a regime which wants them gone, one way or another.
Those who reach Egypt as refugees are now telling stories of mysterious disappearances and seemingly healthy people suddenly dying and having their body parts stolen and sold. Those who have died are often kept in freezers until relatives, usually refugees who have arrived in other lands, can buy them out. They are herded into camps, where the financial support they receive from the UN is being usurped by Egyptian officials.
The Australian Government needs to do all they can to rescue as many of these persecuted people as possible. They are proving to be good citizens in Australia. If we help them now, there may be hope in the future for Sudan, particularly if there is a regime change.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Will Iran tag Jews and Christians?
"It obviously echoes the most horrible period of genocide in the world's history and the marking of Jewish people with a mark on their clothing by the Nazis, and anything of that kind would be totally repugnant to civilised countries," Mr Howard said of draconian new laws reportedly being proposed by the Iranian Parliament, which would mean Jews and Christians would be forced to wear identifying tags in public places.
However, the National Post of Canada, which broke the story, are today saying that the report of badges having to be worn by religious groups may be untrue, although there is some doubt about whether a proposal has been brought up in the Iranian Parliament as a possibility, which would be serious enough to warrant international disapproval. The National Post says:
On the other hand, Hormoz Ghahremani, a spokesman for the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa, is denying the claims, but adds that 'it is possible that some ideas might have been thrown around'. The Post goes on:
Hopefully, John Howard's comments were made as part of a campaign by international leaders to dissuade the Iranian Government from going any further with these proposals, should the reports prove to be true.
However, the National Post of Canada, which broke the story, are today saying that the report of badges having to be worn by religious groups may be untrue, although there is some doubt about whether a proposal has been brought up in the Iranian Parliament as a possibility, which would be serious enough to warrant international disapproval. The National Post says:
According to the reports, Jews were to wear yellow cloth strips, called zonnar, while Christians were to wear red and Zoroastrians blue.
On the other hand, Hormoz Ghahremani, a spokesman for the Iranian Embassy in Ottawa, is denying the claims, but adds that 'it is possible that some ideas might have been thrown around'. The Post goes on:
Ali Reza Nourizadeh, an Iranian commentator on political affairs in London, suggested that the requirements for badges or insignia for religious minorities was part of a 'secondary motion' introduced in parliament, addressing the changes specific to the attire of people of various religious backgrounds.
Hopefully, John Howard's comments were made as part of a campaign by international leaders to dissuade the Iranian Government from going any further with these proposals, should the reports prove to be true.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Costello hints at action over abuse
"We have to intervene. It's got very bad and we have to intervene for the sake of the children and the victims," Mr Costello told ABC Radio today.
It's finally time to act! Does anyone know how many years this abuse, now so public, has been going on? It's clearly not a new phenomenon. Could it be that the same kinds of abuses were exposed during the so-called 'stolen generations' era? We'll need to look at why previous Governments got it wrong and take steps to make sure any intervention works for the benefit of children without breaking up families or communities.
What kind of intervention does Mr Costello envision? "This is where people get very sensitive because it you intervene and take a child out of a community the next thing that will be said is 'stolen generation'," he said.
This is a hint at removal of children into care if there is evidence of abuse. One wonders if this will be the case if there are instances of abuse revealed amongst non-indigenous communities. So who will gain custody of removed children? Clearly this is going to be a very difficult problem to solve. But at least the Treasurer is saying something needs to be done. My hope is that the action taken isn't just constrained to the very public problem exposed in a few Aboriginal communities.
Intervention is a serious development if the government is to go down this path. It may be necessary, but we are going to have to move towards steps which bring about prevention rather than intervention. Starting with the exposure of the perpetrators of the crime. Let's attack child abuse everywhere!
It's finally time to act! Does anyone know how many years this abuse, now so public, has been going on? It's clearly not a new phenomenon. Could it be that the same kinds of abuses were exposed during the so-called 'stolen generations' era? We'll need to look at why previous Governments got it wrong and take steps to make sure any intervention works for the benefit of children without breaking up families or communities.
What kind of intervention does Mr Costello envision? "This is where people get very sensitive because it you intervene and take a child out of a community the next thing that will be said is 'stolen generation'," he said.
This is a hint at removal of children into care if there is evidence of abuse. One wonders if this will be the case if there are instances of abuse revealed amongst non-indigenous communities. So who will gain custody of removed children? Clearly this is going to be a very difficult problem to solve. But at least the Treasurer is saying something needs to be done. My hope is that the action taken isn't just constrained to the very public problem exposed in a few Aboriginal communities.
Intervention is a serious development if the government is to go down this path. It may be necessary, but we are going to have to move towards steps which bring about prevention rather than intervention. Starting with the exposure of the perpetrators of the crime. Let's attack child abuse everywhere!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
No tolerance for child abuse-anywhere
The report in The Australian that child abuse is a national problem comes as no surprise, but it's a timely reminder of a social epidemic which needs to be addressed more concisely and seriously.
Although it focuses on indigenous communities, and in particular Northern Territory, it shouldn't be forgotten that child abuse, including sexual abuse, isn't just an indigenous problem. It affects every level of our community, and is probably endemic to every culture and nation on the planet.
Still, our main focus has to be on our own back yard, and there needs to be more done to keep child abuse as a national problem in the forefront of the media and on the minds of legislators, as well as those who are 'thinkers' in our community, so that we can come up with the kind of initiatives which will bring about change, and protect the innocent and vulnerable.
There are no accurate figures on child abuse. Most abuse is evidently not reported, judging from cases which have emerged recently, of abuse in schools run by religious institutions. It may be years before a victim will actually tell somebody what happened to them as a child. More often than not, a child is abused by someone known to the family. Shame and guilt can silence a victim.
This isn't just an indigenous problem, although the facts presented in the Australian suggest that the instances of abuse are frighteningly high. But it's a virus which infects every group in our community.
It's time for political and community groups to find ways to make this a national issue of the highest importance and work towards encouraging victims to report the monsters who have abused them, and to put some kind of fear into the people who prey on children.
Abuse affects the entire family of a victim, whether knowingly or not. It may scar them for life. It may influence their own children and children's children. It is a social disease which needs to be eradicated. Our focus may be on Aboriginal communities of NT right now, but we need to look beyond and see the problem for what it is, and act on it as a matter of urgency.
Although it focuses on indigenous communities, and in particular Northern Territory, it shouldn't be forgotten that child abuse, including sexual abuse, isn't just an indigenous problem. It affects every level of our community, and is probably endemic to every culture and nation on the planet.
Still, our main focus has to be on our own back yard, and there needs to be more done to keep child abuse as a national problem in the forefront of the media and on the minds of legislators, as well as those who are 'thinkers' in our community, so that we can come up with the kind of initiatives which will bring about change, and protect the innocent and vulnerable.
There are no accurate figures on child abuse. Most abuse is evidently not reported, judging from cases which have emerged recently, of abuse in schools run by religious institutions. It may be years before a victim will actually tell somebody what happened to them as a child. More often than not, a child is abused by someone known to the family. Shame and guilt can silence a victim.
This isn't just an indigenous problem, although the facts presented in the Australian suggest that the instances of abuse are frighteningly high. But it's a virus which infects every group in our community.
It's time for political and community groups to find ways to make this a national issue of the highest importance and work towards encouraging victims to report the monsters who have abused them, and to put some kind of fear into the people who prey on children.
Abuse affects the entire family of a victim, whether knowingly or not. It may scar them for life. It may influence their own children and children's children. It is a social disease which needs to be eradicated. Our focus may be on Aboriginal communities of NT right now, but we need to look beyond and see the problem for what it is, and act on it as a matter of urgency.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Australia invaded!
NSW national parks and Wildlife Service have an interesting slant on the 'history' of Australia. Their website informs us that Australia wasn't 'settled' as is popularly believed, but it was actually an 'invasion' which took place starting in 1788, which lasted over a hundred years or so.
The opening paragraph reminds us that the idea of 'invasion may seem provocative'. Too right! The fact is that Australia was wide open for explorers and colonists, and it was only a matter of time before a European or Asian nation claimed it for its own, as was the custom in those days. The Dutch and the French had a good look, but it was the British who, in the end, saw the value of colonisation, even if it was to unburden itself of a criminal element at the time.
NSW opposition leader Peter Debnam is very upset by this, since it appears on a NSW Government site. "Everybody agrees Australia was settled," Mr Debnam said. According to a Sydney Morning Herald report on 14 May, Mr Debnam added, "To use the word 'invasion' is a military term, pushed by the left wing for politically correct purposes in the extreme and I think it's bizarre to see a government website pushing it."
The opening paragraph reminds us that the idea of 'invasion may seem provocative'. Too right! The fact is that Australia was wide open for explorers and colonists, and it was only a matter of time before a European or Asian nation claimed it for its own, as was the custom in those days. The Dutch and the French had a good look, but it was the British who, in the end, saw the value of colonisation, even if it was to unburden itself of a criminal element at the time.
NSW opposition leader Peter Debnam is very upset by this, since it appears on a NSW Government site. "Everybody agrees Australia was settled," Mr Debnam said. According to a Sydney Morning Herald report on 14 May, Mr Debnam added, "To use the word 'invasion' is a military term, pushed by the left wing for politically correct purposes in the extreme and I think it's bizarre to see a government website pushing it."
Bibles are now a health risk!
The Herald Sun reports that Bibles are being removed from most Victorian hospitals partly because it is 'an infection control measure'. Another reason given is that it may offend people from other religions.
Apparently Australia is now so multicultural that it is filled with people who have a problem with the Bible! Actually the census figures make a mockery of this logic. In fact around 70% of Australian don't have a problem with Bibles, simply because they claim Christianity as their preferred belief, while only a small amount make up other religions. Only 2% claim Muslim affiliation, and still fewer for other 'major' religions. So which 'religious groups' are being offended, and what are they offended by, since they have a choice to totally ignore the Bible if they want to, or ask to have it removed from their bedside?
And now hospitals are saying that there is a risk of infection! Presumably that would be because people are actually reading the Bible, which would indicate that there is a need for Bibles. The Gideons, who place Bibles in hospitals free of charge, have offered to place hard back Bibles, which could be cleaned easily. One wonders if magazines like 'Readers' Digest' or 'New Idea' will be removed for the same hygienic reasons.
Apparently Australia is now so multicultural that it is filled with people who have a problem with the Bible! Actually the census figures make a mockery of this logic. In fact around 70% of Australian don't have a problem with Bibles, simply because they claim Christianity as their preferred belief, while only a small amount make up other religions. Only 2% claim Muslim affiliation, and still fewer for other 'major' religions. So which 'religious groups' are being offended, and what are they offended by, since they have a choice to totally ignore the Bible if they want to, or ask to have it removed from their bedside?
And now hospitals are saying that there is a risk of infection! Presumably that would be because people are actually reading the Bible, which would indicate that there is a need for Bibles. The Gideons, who place Bibles in hospitals free of charge, have offered to place hard back Bibles, which could be cleaned easily. One wonders if magazines like 'Readers' Digest' or 'New Idea' will be removed for the same hygienic reasons.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Never give up...
It's unfortunate someone had to lose this year's FA Cup Final in UK. It was one of the most nail-biting affairs for some years. West Ham really put up tremendous resistance and almost beat the more fancied Liverpool.
England fans must be chomping at the bit at the prospect of Steven Gerrard inspiring the team to similar feats at the World Cup next month. His energy and desire were the winning element in a game which had just about everything. Four minutes out he looked spent after succumbing to cramp, but still had the strength of will to pull off a screamer of a goal three minutes from the whistle to level the scores and break the hearts of the Hammers fans. It's a shame such a game had to be decided by penalties.
Let's hope the Socceroos have that same never-say-die attitude when they take to the field in the World Cup.
England fans must be chomping at the bit at the prospect of Steven Gerrard inspiring the team to similar feats at the World Cup next month. His energy and desire were the winning element in a game which had just about everything. Four minutes out he looked spent after succumbing to cramp, but still had the strength of will to pull off a screamer of a goal three minutes from the whistle to level the scores and break the hearts of the Hammers fans. It's a shame such a game had to be decided by penalties.
Let's hope the Socceroos have that same never-say-die attitude when they take to the field in the World Cup.
When image makers need a makeover
The image makers in the ALP seem to have got it wrong with their last two leaders, perhaps out of desperation, or exasperation with the often dour performance of Simon Creane, who is, nevertheless, a basically honest and pleasant person with a choleric, unionised edge, but not really tough enough or sharp enough to dent a seasoned campaigner like John Howard, or Peter Costello, who has a quick and lethal wit, despite seeming a little arrogant at times, which really reflects a confident performer rather than a callous nature, although he'll need to work on it.
On reflection, the profile creators have tried to turn hard-man Mark Latham into a big softy who would adorn any living room, and the very affable Kim Beasley into a hard man, who would tower menacingly over any pugalist, and it hasn't worked. You just can't put a convincing snarl on Kim's face. Wrong dial. Hence the developing frown, which overrules the smile he attempts to push through on occasion, especially in the last few weeks when his position has been threatened by low popularity and internal fears in the ALP. It's hard to put on the new face and the brave face at the same time.
Which is why bright ALP hope Bill Shorten needs to be left alone. He has shown signs of being a quality performer where, regrettably, but inevitably, it counts these days - in front of the cameras. He seems to have a natural ability, which he obviously has put time and energy into creating. No doubt there is an excellent team behind his performances, but he needs to be allowed to be his own man.
On reflection, the profile creators have tried to turn hard-man Mark Latham into a big softy who would adorn any living room, and the very affable Kim Beasley into a hard man, who would tower menacingly over any pugalist, and it hasn't worked. You just can't put a convincing snarl on Kim's face. Wrong dial. Hence the developing frown, which overrules the smile he attempts to push through on occasion, especially in the last few weeks when his position has been threatened by low popularity and internal fears in the ALP. It's hard to put on the new face and the brave face at the same time.
Which is why bright ALP hope Bill Shorten needs to be left alone. He has shown signs of being a quality performer where, regrettably, but inevitably, it counts these days - in front of the cameras. He seems to have a natural ability, which he obviously has put time and energy into creating. No doubt there is an excellent team behind his performances, but he needs to be allowed to be his own man.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Saturday, May 13, 2006
Mate... what are we fighting for?
I occasionally have the opportunity to enjoy old war movies and westerns, and recently watched an old Sam Peckinpah movie called 'Cross of Iron', starring James Coburn, Maximilian Schell and James Mason, which tells the story of the Nazi Army as they retreated in tatters from Russia in WW2.
Coburn's character was interesting. He played a man in a war he didn't really want to fight, yet he became the greatest hero, simply because he was in it more for the 'mates' he'd made, led and trained during that retreat, than for his 'Leader'. He was more concerned about getting his platoon through to the end of the war than for victory.
It makes me wonder how many ADF troops are fighting in Iraq for principles, for their country, or to support their mates. Mateship is great Anzac commodity. It has caused us to have a triumphant attitude even in the face of defeat, as at Gallipoli, and to be victorious against all odds, as at Kakoda.
It can't be easy to be in a foreign land making a stand as a buffer as a totally different culture rages around you. It would be hard to fight for a nation which could end up with a society which is highly critical of our western style of democracy if it becomes a strongly Islamic state, or even a Muslim dominated secular state. Removing Saddam was an important part of changing the Middle East, but the outcome could still be volatile. Hopefully the positives will be seen to outweigh the negatives not just in the long term, but during the time our armed forces are stationed in Iraq.
Our soldiers deserve all the praise we can give them for the efficient way in which they have gone about their work. Theirs is not to reason why... but I believe their heroism, unity and strength come from the same kind of 'mateship' shown by the miners who risked their lives at Beaconsfield, and the community which prayed, hoped and watched for them, a community which has inspired a nation, and really reminded us what 'Aussie values' are.
Our soldiers might not have a choice about whether or not they have to fight for our government's purposes, but they don't have to speculate about the politics of this war when they are standing next to the main reason for being on the alert - the safety of their mates.
Coburn's character was interesting. He played a man in a war he didn't really want to fight, yet he became the greatest hero, simply because he was in it more for the 'mates' he'd made, led and trained during that retreat, than for his 'Leader'. He was more concerned about getting his platoon through to the end of the war than for victory.
It makes me wonder how many ADF troops are fighting in Iraq for principles, for their country, or to support their mates. Mateship is great Anzac commodity. It has caused us to have a triumphant attitude even in the face of defeat, as at Gallipoli, and to be victorious against all odds, as at Kakoda.
It can't be easy to be in a foreign land making a stand as a buffer as a totally different culture rages around you. It would be hard to fight for a nation which could end up with a society which is highly critical of our western style of democracy if it becomes a strongly Islamic state, or even a Muslim dominated secular state. Removing Saddam was an important part of changing the Middle East, but the outcome could still be volatile. Hopefully the positives will be seen to outweigh the negatives not just in the long term, but during the time our armed forces are stationed in Iraq.
Our soldiers deserve all the praise we can give them for the efficient way in which they have gone about their work. Theirs is not to reason why... but I believe their heroism, unity and strength come from the same kind of 'mateship' shown by the miners who risked their lives at Beaconsfield, and the community which prayed, hoped and watched for them, a community which has inspired a nation, and really reminded us what 'Aussie values' are.
Our soldiers might not have a choice about whether or not they have to fight for our government's purposes, but they don't have to speculate about the politics of this war when they are standing next to the main reason for being on the alert - the safety of their mates.
The Great Southland…
14th of May marks the 400th anniversary of Australia being named 'Southland of the Holy Spirit'.
1606 was the year in which a Dutch ship, captained by Pedro Fernadez De Quiros, and interestingly named the 'Dufken', or 'Dove', a symbol of the Holy Spirit, recorded first contact between Europeans and Aborigines, and sighted the land which he called 'Austrialia del Espiritu Santo'.
1606 was the year in which a Dutch ship, captained by Pedro Fernadez De Quiros, and interestingly named the 'Dufken', or 'Dove', a symbol of the Holy Spirit, recorded first contact between Europeans and Aborigines, and sighted the land which he called 'Austrialia del Espiritu Santo'.
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