You only have to look at Kosovo to see that after decades, even centuries, when the stuff hits the fan differences emerge radically. Even when ethnicity is the same or similar, perceived differences lead to war. Multiculturalism leads to catastrophe. Your reference Chris, to "first nation" a totally garbage concept, trying to force a lie degrades your whole piece. It is as false as the "welcome to country" garbage developed by a TV personality, with no bearing in fact or history.

I lived & worked in the Pacific Islands, often the only white within hundreds of miles. I had close friends in many of the islands, but that did not stop me suddenly developing a strong need to come home. I needed to walk down a street where I looked like every one else. Is that racist, or simply a thing we all have in us.

I had a fair bit of contact with French Islanders. From that I don't like French. Does that make me racist. Is it my fault the French are basically awful people. Perhaps culture causes as much or in fact more dislike as race.

Should I respect a dark skinned footballer, merely because he is a dark skinned thug, or am I entitled to disrespect any thug footballer regardless of their skin colour. I will respect anyone if they earn that respect. I refuse to respect anyone, regardless of ethnicity if their behavior is not worthy of my respect.
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I once anchored my yacht in the Shortland Islands, northern Solomons. A little while later I was hailed by a short fat melonesian, in a dug out canoe that looked far too small for his bulk. He invited me to diner with he & his wife, in a very cultured English accent. It transpired that he & a few other islanders with adequate scholastic ability had been educated at Oxford, courtesy of the British Government when they ran the islands. He had served for 20 years in their public service ending as chief of police.

The Brits had a great policy. After 20 years all public servants were superannuated, provided they returned to their place of birth. This way rather than all such people remaining in the capital they returned to their islands with their education, wealth, [compared to most islanders] & knowledge of, & contacts in government. They were a greater asset spread through out the islands than previously gathered in the capital. It was these people who facilitated the spread of health, education, transport & other government services.

I became great friends with him & a few others. I would drop in when ever I was passing, but I still had that urge to come "home".

Chris thanks for your Pygmie example- very apt. Yes I've often thought of the tragic circumstances of the Kalahari Bushmen- though my knowledge is limited. Often the value of a culture can only be understood from within. We may not always agree- but I consider you one of the good ones. Kudos.

The current state of the debate is fearful to me as it is bordering on "thought crime" legislation. The totalitarians perhaps have been taking lessons from Orwell more than the population has been heeding the warning. It's always been true perhaps that those with education have used it to enslave rather than teach.

Hasbeen, I am not advocating multiculturalism where all groups are equal.

But, as a supporter of liberalism, I do believe that unnecessary differences can break down through smart policies to promote a multi-ethnic society that gets along.

Attack that argument, as CM is doing, but please don't confuse what I am saying.

There'll never be an end to this. It's Australia's Palestine.

Who is Eddy McGuire?
Probably an over-inflated ego who has too much power, who is famous for being famous.
As someone who does not listen to the radio of watch TV I have never seen or heard him speak. Or Read anything about him or anything that he is written.