Arjay and Pragma,

I agree with you that Australia is not "lucky" if not simply in the sense of being such a beautiful country from a natural perspecive. It took hard work, of course, but part of that hard work was to achieve a fair, liberal and free society, which we are in danger of losing if we give in to fear. We must continue upholding these values. Howard is betraying them in many of the things he does.

Then I have a few questions, first, didn't migrants also contribute to build Australia as it is today? why should it be different now? second, why is education a bad thing? third, what reality are you talking about? I think the "do-goodres" and "academics" as you choose to label those you disagree with you, Pragma, also see the reality, the reality of our country implementing policies which betray its core values, hurt people and violate rights as well as unltimately making the world a less safe place for everybody. Why is this any less "real" then what you see?

To argue for one's point simply by calling it "real" is simplistic, people disagree on facts and on what is "real" that is precisely the point of the debate, isnt' it?