Oh well, I guess I will be the loan sheep amongst the Wolves, get your collective claws out !

I would rather see a much, much, much, more open doors policy. I say cut the defence budget by 2/3'rds and spend the money saved on helping people, rather then killing them, building them homes and educating them (with the Billions saved). I think Eisenhower said it best.

"Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies, in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and not clothed. This world in arms is not spending money alone. It is spending the sweat of its laborers, the genius of its scientists, the hopes of its children. This is not a way of life at all in any true sense. Under the cloud of threatening war, it is humanity hanging from a cross of iron." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

Valley Guy,
Even more sensible would be to prevent people becoming refugees in the first place. Any suggestions on how to achieve this ?
Also, how would you deal with the non-genuine refugees ?

DreamOn. I thought you cared about this stuff! But so far no response to my questions. You're not conceding are you??

Posted by Herbert Stencil, Monday, 14 May 2012 7:04:21 PM

" ... DreamOn. I thought you cared about this stuff! But so far no response to my questions. You're not conceding are you?? ... "

Hello *Herbert* Sorry, but no apologies for the late reply as I have had more pressing commitments and no time for indulging in my OLO habit/hobby. Additionally, we have had this debate more times than I can remember so for me it is largely a regurgitation however ...

PAUSE - *LudWig*

" ... deterrence factor? ... "

Why deter Asylum Seekers at all? I suspect also that what you are advocating for is withdrawal from the conventional in favor of an Australian system. Fair enough.

Having said that, I do not want a large population here in Oz, especially given "we" refuse to adequately medicate, represent, educate and house "our" own people.

If I had my way the wig parasites (the lawyers) and the A.ustralian M.oney G.rubbers association(the doctors,) with limited exceptions, would be all on something like a fixed price, means tested, sustainable fund - universal coverage - register with your AusCard, walk in and walk out - and sent to the bush to look after the *BlakFellas* and the *Cockies* whether they like it or not.

Re immigration, I would probably limit immigration to just legitimate Asylum Seekers, unions of love, and further restrict family reunion and skilled migration (in favor of training our own.)

Having said that, I have no desire to be a dictator, and would draw strongly on the wisdom of the past collecting dust on shelves, the knowledge of the present and more intimately involve the public in the formation of policy etc

Now *Herbert* as to your specific questions, I believe I may need another 350.

Standby ...

Posted by Bazz, Thursday, 10 May 2012 5:26:02 PM

" ... *DreamOn* stop trying to divert the conversation. You have not explained how they got to Indonesia without passports... Now do not say anything until you answer that. ... "

*Bazz* as far as I am concerned, if people are genuine Asylum Seekers, they can come butt naked if they like, anytime, anyhow. It would likely delay their processing, but ...

..

*Herbert*

" ... 1. We need to be fair to legitimate refugees in the camps waiting for lawful admission. ... "

In your opinion you mean to say. If they are in a camp, they can stay there and wait with the possibility of remote support with preference in terms of intake going to those who have no where else to go. In that regard, what must be recognised is that the likes of Indonesia and Malaysia are not members of the convention and relevant parties are not welcome, which in some cases ends up as a case of " ... out of the frying pan and into the fire. ... " As for the lawful admission comment, asylum seekers can come however they can and for good reason. If you don't want that then advocate for the withdrawal from the convention.

" ... 2. We need to minimise the costs to the Australian people. ... "

Limit overall immigration as already said, nationalise the sytem with full transparency and accountability, and limit the processing time with the only exceptions being critical security and medical issues.

<< I suspect also that what you are advocating for is withdrawal from the conventional in favor of an Australian system. Fair enough. >>

DreamOn, I just can’t work out what you mean by this.