Actually, I do remember when the European border guards were noted for their trigger happy qualities too....

that was when the Iron Curtain kept Germany divided and the East German border guards shot at anything which moved....

Of course, they were not shooting at people trying to get in

They were shooting at the fellow citizens who were trying to escape.

It is good to remember that a mere generation or so ago, people were imprisoned in Socialist countries, unable to make their way in the world because they carried the burden of a domineering and ruthless state on their backs, from cradle to an early grave.

"It is good to remember that a mere generation or so ago, people were imprisoned in Socialist countries, unable to make their way in the world because they carried the burden of a domineering and ruthless state on their backs, from cradle to an early grave."

Posted by Stern, Monday, 19 July 2010 8:21:09 AM
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What simply appalling behaviour! Unheard of in Fascist countries, where 'enemies of the State' were invited around for tea and Tim-Tams.

(After they got their little tattoo of course).

ginx .. "After they got their little tattoo of course", the only place I can think of where this was done, was "Nazi" Germany .. which was of course "National Socialist".

Which "Fascist" country were you referring to?

Thank you for raising this important isssue - it mirrors my experience talking with Indonesians. The street view is that Australia is unwelcoming, pro-American, aggressive and suspicious. These views are reinforced by the visa restrictions and travel warnings along with anecdotal eveidence of Asians being harassed. Just download the visa application form - lodgment not available in electronic format in Indonesia. Look at the cost - about Rp 1 million. Read the questions - why do you want to visit Australia? bank account details, who do you know in Oz, provide details - and so on. Now compare entry to Indonesia, Malaysia and S'Pore. Imagine if Indonesia imposed the same restrictions on people travelling to Bali - filling in a 17-page form in Indonesian before they can buy the ticket.
Yes, we need to keep out terrorists and criminals. So does Singapore, but it does this in a more cirumspect and less offensive way. Duncan Graham

Ginx - What simply appalling behaviour! Unheard of in Fascist countries, where 'enemies of the State' were invited around for tea and Tim-Tams.

So I assume, from your flipant attitude you see a difference between Fascism of the pre-WWII "Germany" and the post-WWII "East Germany".

doubtless you are ignoring the fact that Stalin and his heencemen murdered more people than Hitler - but lets face it he, his predecessor, Lenin and his successors were at it for more years.

In terms of

Democracy versus Fascism

and

Democracy versus Collectivism

it is the same "battle"

Democracy versus a murderous and all powerful state.

in short

apart from smarter uniforms and the reputation fo rtrains running on time, there is nothing to distinguich Fascism from Collectivism (by any name), both repressive systems survived by killing anyone with the courage to talk out against, let alone resist them.

Now Ginx go back to your big book of Marx and other failed philosophers and eat it... if this were a collectivist state, that is likely all you would have to eat anyway.