Dear Ojnab,

The art of reasoned, intelligent argument is a
skill not easily acquired and as I stated
previously no-one likes, or supports an abusive,
illogical or weak debater. Of course it doesn't
take very long to discover that we all have a
streak of prejudice within us which at times, for
some seems a compulsion. While we all like to think
of ourselves as tolerant persons, even passionate in
our belief that all are equal, it is apparent that
some of us have a continuing obligation to work on
our attitudes. Spindoc is a prime example - all one
has to do is look at his posting history.

Every day we hear of grievances in connection with
which ethnic background, or gender, or some
similarly irrelevant difference, is blamed. It is, of
course, the height of arrogance to believe that we
are superior to others, yet this attitude is hard to
eradicate. Sometimes our suspicious approach to those
who seem different appears to be heightened by media
presentations that distort and aggravate incidents.
At times this almost appears malicious.

I recently heard of an infuriated theatre attendant
who became irritable by a migrant who was unsure where to
lin-up, "Why don't you learn how we do things here?"
she shouted in exasperation at the bewildered victim.

Such absence of courtesy and understanding is inexcusable
and should prick the conscience of all of us. Incidents
such as this one can provoke defiance, and even a desire
to retaliate.

Our aim should always be to behave with respect towards
others, and to encourage this in all people.

Snopes would be broken in seconds if it had to respond to the creative stories of OLO's faux* Leftists. Talk about the favourite predictable anecdotes, buffed a bit perhaps and all asserted as new. Fables. Is it life lived in a rut or hardening of the arteries?

<I recently heard of an infuriated theatre attendant who became irritable by a migrant who was unsure where to line up. "Why don't you learn how we do things here?" she shouted in exasperation at the bewildered migrant.
..
Posted by Lexi, Thursday, 18 November 2010 9:23:36 AM>

Never a good story about Aussies though. Not unless there is an ethnic culture adjective before that is - as the political 'Progressives' aka International Socialists are in the habit of doing in the US for instance, with 'Negro American' and so on. What a way to foster division, while always claiming the high moral ground.

*faux Leftists - the old (true) Lefties would be rolling in their graves.

Craig, most good parent, my wife and I included, can't claim to be good parents until you have raised your children to at least early adulthood.until then you are only trying to be a good parent.

Spindoc, the very least the tax payer should be entitled to is the assurance that their taxes are being well spent. If I had my way I would make it a condition for receiving such hand outs, that the recipient sign a legal declaration, stating that they WILL NOT use these funds to fund the likes of cigs, grog or gambling, or risk being cut off, or at least have their funds quarantined if any of the conditions are breached.

Suze, what I would do with the kids from unwanted families, is make adoption much much more accessible as we have the kids, and we also have the willing wannabe parents, we just have the authorities in the way.

As Spindoc rightly says, every cent we are spending is from borrowed money. Unless we come up with ways to address waste, in all areas, we will be doomed.

Now someone mentioned African women have birth control devices unknowingly inserted, I ask, what's the problem with that, because after all, they are not capable of helping themselves.

First off, it is counter-productive and most unfair to have fertility limits for young Aussies, when thousands of migrants may qualify for support for themselves and their dependents. Cannot see any of that stopping either where the taxpayer funds ethnic lobby groups and they are granted the ear of the minister.

Political parties have an eye for the margins and the parties must be confident that the Aussie 'unwed' mums don't have the electoral clout of ethnic groups. Unwed mums are not organised though and they don't have that regular taxpayer-funded income, from grants too, to make their case.

Just to stop at a second point, although there are many more, I suspect that many of the pregnancies being criticised here (and there is a case for that criticism too) are vulnerable girls who may want a child to give them the love they missed, or they are on drugs, or could get organised to see a doctor, or couldn't afford it and so on.

What I am endeavoring to say is that a symptom is being treated and not the causes.

Dear Foxy, "superior to others and hard to eradicate"'now that is a comment we will leave for another debate. Keep up with writing I would miss you all, keeps my mind ticking over at this very late stage of my life

Dear Ojnab,

Bless you.

Maja Angelou the American writer once stated:

"I've learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will
never forget how you made them feel."

Here's to a vitriolic-free New Year on this Forum.
At least for most of us. Some, just simply can't help themselves
it seems. They are best ignored.