Bill Sykes' - In Retrospect.
(August 2006)
Bill Sykes
looks back in retrospect at material which has been published
in previous editions of "View from America",
in an attempt to determine whether the subject matter
written then is still applicable in today’s world
Article #2D.
To strengthen my position with respect to different countries' immigration problems,
I offer the following article that came across my desk recently at what I must
consider to be an opportune time.
Does Australia have a solution that could aid other countries solve some
of their immigrant
problems?
I cannot vouchsafe for the authenticity or accuracy of the following article,
or even whether the people mentioned in the article spoke the actual words that
has been attributed to them.
I must say though that I agree with most of the philosophy espoused by the people
whom-so-ever they may be and were responsible for this rather eloquent
critique.
So here is a slightly condensed version of the message that I received.
Why can’t the greatest country on earth, (assumedly Great Britain),
be like Australia???
Australian Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were apparently
told recently to get out of Australia, as the Government targeted radicals in
a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia
and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his
ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.
Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Prime Minister Howard, was
reported to have hinted on national television that some radical clerics could
be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular
State, and its laws were made by Parliament.
Costello was reported to have said, "If those are not your values, and if
you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia
is not for you, and I would be saying to clerics who are teaching you that there
are two laws governing people who live in Australia: One the Australian law and
another the Islamic law, that is false".
"If you can’t agree with Parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy,
and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country,
which practices it, perhaps then that’s a better option".
Asked whether he meant that radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said
that those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other
country.
Education Minister Brendan Nelson was reported to have told reporters that Muslims
who did not accept local values should "“clear off".
He was then attributed with saying that, "Basically people who don’t
want to be Australians, and who don’t want to live by Australian values,
and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off".
Separately, Prime Minister Howard apparently angered some Australian Muslims
recently when he was attributed to have said that he supported spy agencies monitoring
the nations mosques and it is the Muslims that should adapt not the Australians,
and continued by saying, "Take it or leave it - I’m tired of this
nation worrying about whether we are offending some individuals or their culture".
He then went on to say, "I’m not against immigration, nor do I hold
a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia.
However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country,
and apparently some who were born here, need to understand. This idea of Australia
being a multi-cultural country has served only to dilute our sovereignty and
our national identity.
As Australians we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and
our own lifestyle.
This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials, and
victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
We speak mainly English, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian
or any other language.
Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, we suggest that you learn
the language.
By all means keep your culture but do not try to force it upon others.
This is our country, our land, and our lifestyle and we will allow you every
opportunity to enjoy all of this, but once you have done complaining, whining,
and complaining about our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage
of one other great Australian freedom, the right to leave.
We didn’t force you to come here, you asked to be here, so why don’t
you accept the country that accepted you”.
My comment:
Very strong words, but someone had to say them and I’m sure
that Australia is all the better off for having laid down the law - and I
for one do not blame them one iota.
Eric (Bill) Sykes. (California).
August 2006.
Disclaimer:
Some of the information gathered for this newsletter
has been gleaned from British and International media
sources, (including the Internet), and as such is quoted
as accurately as possible. I try to obtain confirmation
on each subject from several outlets, so the text is
a mixture of composite news items and personal comments
and therefore the reader must make his/her own judgment
as to the reliability and degree of accuracy of the subjects
discussed.
We
welcome feedback about any of the contents of these articles.
Please send all correspondence to bill_sykes@huddersfield1.co.uk
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