Anna...........Do you think John Howard knows the real meaning of the word "Cricket"?

You have hit the nail right on the head with your comments about the Liberal Party's claim to be more in tune with Christianity than those on the left. The way in which this country has treated asylum seekers and refugees is at odds with the definition of a Christian - showing the qualities associated with Christ's teaching. (of a person) kind fair, decent- Mr Costello in particular, must have either a warped sense of humour or be living with a deep sense of personal shame.

Why would Amanda Vanstone refuse to reveal the number of VBE holders to the researchers?

The ruthless and cruel treatment of these people in our community represents a blatant disregard for international law and an absolute disgrace to Australia. The fact that there is no data to support the BVE as a deterrent to unauthorised arrivals or spurious claims only adds insult to injury.

The NGO's provideing life saving support to asylum seekers on BVE's deserve nothing but praise, every accalade, and all the assistance we can offer.

Fibol

using the 'your a bad Christian' argument is pretty lame. If you wish to compare to Christ, thats good, do it from scripture and specific reference please.
Jesus is not a convenient 'whacking stick' for any side to just 'drag out' at a moments notice to beat the other side over the head just because they happen to have a different view of things.

You are confusing 'responsible government' and management of national security (as the Libs genuinely see it I'm sure) with 'oppression'.

Unfortunately for your argument, Australia is a sovereign country with the responsibility of border control. Romans 13 is a good place to start before whining about how our elected government carries out its duties. If you don't like it, do what you can to vote them out.

it's clear that the majority of Australians don't see it your way, hence Howard and company have power in both houses... called a mandate.

Jesus was very unkind (deliberately) to people who 'manipulated the system' for their own selfish benefit. He did show compassion, yes, but he did not pander to evil behavior, and wrecking kitchens because you 'dont like the food' is criminal behavior, and immediately disqualifies any perpetrator for sympathy and from elegibility to UN assylum seeker provisions. (its in the 'exceptions' to the description of 'assylum seeker'definition)

As far as I can see, Jesus would have extended the offer of repentance and forgiveness to all and sundry, but the thieves on the crosses beside him were punished with the legal punishment of the day.
His love, does not exclude civil responsibility for actions.

Assylum seekers are given protection, food, clothing, etc. that's called 'Assylum'. i.e. their basic needs are being met "Our father in Heaven.... give us our daily bread" ... its not a hard concept.

The noise about assylum seekers is politically motivated as far as I can see. The groups at detention centres are more interested in 'raising their party profile' I suspect, or they would not have their party insignia on their protest signs.

BD

JESUS WAS A REFUGEE

Born in Palestine before seeking asylum in Egypt.