Leigh,
Poor Rairner does not understand that people across the different race boundaries [different genetic stock] in Australia share a similar culture, i.e. Australia is made up of many different nationalities but most of them share the same cultural heritage i.e. food, dress, and social practises. Similarly with religion it is not race based, as it is not restricted to any one race or culture.

Though Australia is predominantly Christian in religion, yet if you were to attend a Korean Church the language would be in Korean, the dress would be very much Korean national dress, and if they served food it would be a typical Korean menu. Though much of the present culture of Koreans is adapting to the typical Aussie style.

Of course in the Koorie mind they do not consider themselves Australian, or at least Rainer doesn't. Obviously he prefers to eat kangaroo and native berries and native yams, and river cod and tell the dreamtime stories; this is his cultural choice. No one denies his right to practice his choice of culture. That he wishes to cleanse the land of evil spirits by smoke maybe his religion and peculiar to his culture, but that is what I call a cultural practise peculiar to his people.

My quote, "Culture should not be focused in race or even religion; it is about national cuisine, language, and dress, national or local practices"

Philo I'm fully aware of the Hilton bombing, that’s why I stated there had not been a bombing in Australia like in USA, Spain, and Britain etc. The Hilton bombing would appear to be a random event. The other bombings have been by a ideologically driven and recognizable net work of crazy bastards (clearly the Hilton bombers were a pallet short of a brick also).

I was appalled to read in the news today that Mr. Howard had been contemplating that terrorist suspects could be shot. He was altering that view in today’s news to those only trying to escape custody.

It just proves that John Stanhope has done a great service for Australia by posting the original draft of the Anti-Terrorist laws. It has allowed a semblance of debate to take place. Innocent people need the protection of the law.

Once laws are in place they are available for governments of any colour. Some may believe that Mr. Howard will use the laws in a responsible way, fair enough. However, what if we have a government in 7 years time that uses the laws to the letter, those professing Republican views would not be safe then. Not much of a birthright for our children and grandchildren. Just making a negative comment about a government will get you in strife; free speech is under attack at present.

Thankyou, Philo. It is very difficult to deal with an embittered, nasty piece of work like poor old Ranier. Notice that he failed to provide the evidence I asked for, but merely continued his onslaught against me. I don't take it personally. He does it to everybody who doesn't hold his opinions. Fortunately, most people still feel that even people who disagree with them are entitled to have a say in a democracy. Ranier is best ignored.

My wife also wonders why he calls men foxy ladies.

So I take it that Leigh didn't watch Compass last night - a pity, since he could have only have learned from it. Part 2's on next week.

Also, it's hardly bigotry to argue against the bigoted intolerance, xenophobia and racism of others. Who was it who said that there is none so blind as he who will not see?

Congratulations Irfan on a courageous, well argued article.

Rainer, may I apologise on behalf of reasonable white Australians for the crack about you and your diet by one of the posters here who denies being a racist.

Clearly there is a lack of understanding about what constitutes racism. It's pretty simple really, it's about ascribing certain characteristics to a person purely because of their race, religion or ethnic background. It is even racist to ascribe positive attributes, like all Asian's are brainy or all Jews are good business people, or all black people are great dancers.

Mind you, I am not free from prejudice. I can't quite shake the belief that racists have very small brains.

When some of you children get your ego under control you may be able to see the larger picture. Laws proposing to deny Habeas Corpus, to remove the right not to be detained without court appearance, to give anonymous bureaucrats the right to charge,try,and imprison anyone who makes known the fact that you are in secret detention- My God[and I hope yours too]- This is a Hitler Wish List.Anyone who isn't terrified by the potential for the destruction of our society[flawed tho it may be] inherent in these proposals is not paying attention.If I can leave you with a quote from William Pitt [Prime Minister of Britain in early 1800s] "Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is the argument of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves."
Guess tyrants havent changed much in 200 years!
Nimrod.