Wow! Poirot, following your logic one would think that only first worlders are concerned about protecting their borders.

<< It is interesting reading the words of those on this forum assuming that our cosy first world arrangement should somehow be exempt from the propensity for humans to migrate to a more advantageous setting>>

Perhaps you need to do a bit of tripping across Africa, Asia or South America and observe how seriously they view outsiders *propensity to migrate* across their domains.

<< all the insular cultural cringing in the world won't result in our culture being impervious to change.>>

There are few things more likely to guarantee stagnation than a policy of open borders. The most culturally diverse slum -- while perhaps colourful and entertaining to some --will produce few scientific/technological breakthroughs.

Fascinating story about the woman jailed for flying the Union Jack Fiandra. Do you have a reference for that? Google doesn't seem to know about it.

I was thinking the same thing, Graham. I couldn't find it either....perhaps the beginnings of an urban myth?

Divergence,

<Do you seriously imagine that a very large, "piebald population" is going to protect us from invasion if elites in our region want our resources?>
That depends entirely upon the power-dynamics at the time, all I'm saying is it's Australia's strategy at present, and siding with the US--it's clearly a geopolitical plan designed to compete with the perceived threats, China and it's dormant allies. It's a game of chess.

But I'm not advocating any of this; I stated clearly above that I was sporting realist glasses--and I sympathise with the powers that be to an extent. Most of the silly talk on both sides here is ideological, governments have to play a hard-nosed realist game--while seeming to pander to the romantic dimwits that vote for them.

Which brings me to Saltpetre, who tells me I've lost the plot with his usual eclat--empty hyperbole. Although he got this right: <ban all flags, dirty nationalistic fervour-driven emblems of colonialism, plundering> etc. Flags are offensive, they impose an ideology, exclude foreigners and marginal groups, and obviate criticism where it is most sorely needed; that is a flag's primary function. But sorry, I forget, this mostly isn't a forum for critical thinking, just small-minded, dreamy consensus--God save the Queen!

Putting aside my irritation, despite all the daft jabbering above, multiculturalism in Australia is a great success that is only spoiled, in the main, by our home-grown racists--whom the conservative parties are bound to support--poor Malcolm!

Squeers:



# multiculturalism in Australia is a great success that is only spoiled, in the main, by our home-grown racists--whom the conservative parties are bound to support...#

...Sorry old bean, my apologies for appearing racist while exercising my democratic right to an opinion. And yes, Political parties will need to pander to ideas projected by such as myself; just goes to prove, views such as mine are not in the minority that apologists would wish for.

Good heavens, I've made a terrible mistake! I didn't realise that we've been bringing migrants to this country under false pretences. We've said come on in, we've got job vacancies and a massive skills shortage, you're sure to have a great time and make a motza. Surf, sun, sand, and lots of pretty girls. But, wait a sec, we've still got a few new doctors and engineers driving cabs, and so what if we've got a burgeoning street gang and organised crime problem with a few of our disillusioned arrivals - it's only because we haven't quite got it all together yet, and maybe the land of milk and honey has failed to live up to all expectations, but give us a chance mate, we'll get it all together soon. So what if it's going to take you forever to pay off what you owe to the smugglers, or will have to wait an eternity to be able to go back home for a visit and build that taj mahal for the less fortunate rels, it'll all work out alright in the end, you'll see, just give it time. Anyway, don't be too quick to judge us if the public housing and the welfare isn't going immediately to give you the lavish lifestyle you would like to rapidly become acustomed to, you'll get a job one of these days, you'll see. What sort of job, you say? Mmm, well...

The street gangs? Well, they're only popping up because we've been a bit biased in doling out the goodies, so some of the lads more or less decided to do like back home, where if you see it and want it, why you just take it, eh. Sorry if we're a bit of a bigoted lot when it comes to rolling out the real red carpet, but give it time, there's movement at the station.

We'd better get the word out before too many more mugs get aboard the next ferry.