I don't want Australia to become a sharia state because I have never lived in a sharia state. I've spent my whole life living in a multicultural, tolerant democratic Australia.

I also don't want a state ruled by monocultural fruitloops because I think these people would be worse for our country than Mullahs. At least with Mullahs, you can please them by faking a conversion. But with people like coach, even if I converted to Christianity and became a parish priest, he would still hate me because I am the wrong colour.

There are people who hate me not because I am Muslim or come from a Muslim family. Deep down inside, they hate me for the same reason their ideological ancestors hated Jews 60 years ago.

Dearest Sharkfin

Almost anyone could see that I was having an impish go (maybe a bit subtle) at Irfy's seemingly throwaway comment that he'd prefer not to have Sharia law here.

I see Irfy has replied with the sincerity typical of this outstanding communicator (I kid you not).

But now that you have doubted my intellect I, like Don Juan, will rise erect to the occasion.

Look at the advantages of Sharia law (Saudi style). Think no longer of Christianity, Bloody Mary or the wealth the Papacy has brought to Italy.

Think of an Australia where a religious court could sentence a thief to lose an ear or hand. Sentence could be passed in the town square just like in the days of Cromwell.

Through most of recorded history crowds, young and old, have enjoyed the removal of digits, limbs, ears, noses and throats (executions). Under Sharia law these traditions live on in several of the world's oil sodden countries.

O yea of little faith ;-)

Pete
(An Atheist)

Dear Feurette

You have an important point as follows:

"what makes us so great that you have to become one of us in order to live here? Why can't we accept diversity?"

Now..hidden in that little gem is an assumption that we feel we are 'superior'. We need to avoid a 'throw the baby out with the bathwater' approach to such issues.

We do have a culture, and ways of doing things. Not 'superior' in every case, but definitely 'familiar'. It's 'ours'.

Being a very young country, our traditions are quite vulnerable to the impact of outside cultures which have a much longer history, and tend to regard themselves as in fact 'superior'at worst, or at best they simply have no desire to change their cultural habits. Now this can be a bigggg problem. If it was limited to the first generation, I might be a bit more forgiving, but when a THIRD generation Australian born lady says "I'm so proud to be GREEK" it makes my head explode. Its not only insulting, its undermining and outright RACIST !

In the absense of universally held agreed Australian cultural values, we will be like a ship which has lost its rudder and engine. Bobbing this way and that on the cultural stormy sea according to the strength of the biggest wave.

Do you see this ?

You mention 'diversity'...ok.. I also accept it to a degree. I accept it for first generation newcomers. I also accept it up to the point where newcomers seek to stick their fingers in pies they shouldn't. Such as our foreign policy. By this I mean that if one 'tribal' group (say "Sunni" Iraqi refugees) tries to get us out of Iraq, or Lebanese Shia try to change our assessment of Hezbollah....etc.. this is just NOT ON.
Newcomers should not try to circumvent our democratic processes for their own ethno/religious/tribal agenda.

Irfan,

I am deeply touched by your feelings of insecurity even after living in Australia all your life since you were 5.

I can't help you there - if you think people hate you like they hated others before you (Jews for example)...

The opposite of love is not hate - it's apathy, not caring.

I do care immensely for you, all Muslems, and my country Australia.

The reason why "you" (muslems) have become my main raison de vivre is that Christ died for ALL - even you Irfan.

Unless you accept this fact - not mentionrd in your Qur'an - you will perish. Jesus is the only way to heaven, other "ways" including religions rituals and good deeds etc... mean nothing to God except for the belief in His Son Jesus and acceptance of His salvation.

But you knew that - and still persist with another way.

I have never made a racist remark or called you or anyone else black, yellow or purple. So don't try to add words and ideas to what I say:

>>But with people like coach, even if I converted to Christianity and became a parish priest, he would still hate me because I am the wrong colour.<<

Like I said before Christ died for all people, all colours, all sizes, all shapes, all genders.. well male and female anyway.

You don't know what colour I may be. Like we don't know what colour is Nayeefa under her desguise.

When I look at your mug, I see a person who needs to know the truth about salvation. i pray for God's love to touch you deep in your soul and change your heart and open your mind to see Jesus as your only lord and saviour... and not just another prophet, one of many thousands the Qur'an tells you.

Now you can call me names again - but base you comments and remarks on what is really being discussed and said ... not your colourful interpretations.

One for BOAZ.

D, you said: 'Newcomers should not try to circumvent our democratic processes for their own ethno/religious/tribal agenda.'

Is this relevant in comparison with contemporary Spanish and Australian electoral outcomes?

when I said priests I meant it as a broad term including immams, rabbis the lot