Hamlet, we all in the real world feel sorry for you in your insulated little capsule of MC/PC land of woolly thinking, I can only surmise you spent to much time and our tax payer funded $ on your education to have been exposed to anything bordering on reality. Im not an educated man, simple maybe but not stupid.

Your reference to Guns, germs and steele, the author seems to suggest that had it not been for geographical differences that perhaps third world races of today may have had the same advances as the western peoples. Dont think so have been to same crappy places the author has and gotta tell you it wasnt going to happen then and sure isnt happening now. Point in fact, when hurricane Katrina burst through New Orleans the locals formerley of the Rift Valley(AFRICA) reverted to type. Lower IQ greater propensity for violence. Does not seem conducive to great advancment for mankind. No room for fence sitters MATE...

Mr.P.Pig

You missed the point of my earlier statement - “I’ve never known what it’s like to look and feel different from the majority group.”

Contrary to your uncalled-for putdown that the "obvious remedy for this is to get out more and mix with a more diverse group of people" in order that I "might learn something", I have spent many years interacting with people from all parts of the world. I have learnt much from them and it is that learning, as well as study, that informs the views I've expressed here.

The fact that I have always been from the majority group (most Anglo-Saxon Australians living in Australia are!) doesn't mean I don't mix in a diverse group. Your logic is as flawed as your attitude.

Mr.P.Pig, the link goes to a suspended account - I guess that was not your plan.

merideth, have a read over some of my discussions with Irfan from just before the riots. I have a different approach to Irfan on dealing with these issues, I think I understand why he has got so sick of the broadbrush comments being applied to most muslims but disagree with what appears to be denial of the problem with some Lebanese youths in Sydney. I don't agree with PC when it stops us addressing a real issue, I do agree with it when it limits the false labelling of innocents, quite simple really.

Maybe "fear" is the wrong word for what some of you are feeling about the ability of muslims to integrate into Australian society. If you want to provide a better explaination of what motivates you to help those of who don't think the problem applies to the bulk of muslims understand your viewpoint please do so, I'd like to see it.

The list I supplied was my best guess, I have not seen anything else that looks like a serious attempt to do so. If you are not afraid that a lifestyle you value is being damaged by immigration and some who will not fit in what then is the issue?

R0bert

Hamlet,

I did not ask for your definition of Fascism or Racism, Your personal views on either, if You agree with the philosophy of either or a suggested reading list of intellectually derelict academics - my question was:

Again, I would ask what is wrong with someone having the conviction of beliefs in Racism or Fascism

Teamworktom:

You asked:

Again, I would ask what is wrong with someone having the conviction of beliefs in Racism or Fascism ?

I will reply in simpler measures. It is not 'wrong' to have the conviction of beliefs in Racism and Fascism, however, any application of these beliefs, and true conviction will always lead to application, is destructive to the personal rights and liberties of others.

Drawing an analogy. Someone who simply holds a conviction (but takes no action whatsoever) that child pornography is not harmful is doing no wrong, except to themselves.

However, when they advocate, from their convictions, that child pornography is not harmful, or go further and obtain, create or distribute child porn, once again, working out of their convictions, their actions are detrimental to others.

So, by all means, if someone wishes to hold conviction of belief about Fascism, Racism or any other ism then there is no problem. But when that person advocates, promotes or takes any other action in regard to their belief that disadvantages or harms others, society has the obligation to deal with these actions, within the rule of law.

Conviction usually leading to action, and in these cases I hope to a different form of 'conviction'.

R0bert:

That link had expired overnight but the author has reposted elsewhere.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110007760

Bwonwyn:

methinks you do protest too much, it is poor form.

Beyond which, I notice you can't explain the benefits of multiculturalism either.

Pretty illogical to be defending it then, wouldn't you say?