Enkew,

Your views are well expressed. While I don't necessarily agree with them it is great to see you enter debate honestly. For that is the way we have had for generations and has led to us becoming more informed and often enabled our adaption to change... not only of others but also ourselves. Well done.

I strongly support Stephen Hagan's suggestion for stronger indigenous representation in the political arena.

However I feel that it is at the community level that strong leadership is more important. Rudd's plan to give all four year olds pre-school education is a good beginning in closing the gap, but totally worthless if the child goes home after school to be neglected or abused.

Unless communities have some form of respected body to see that the virtues of sharing and hospitality are not abused, that all who behave in ways that will strengthen the community are rewarded and destructive behaviour is not tolerated, intervention will have no effect.

I think the women I read about who care for, nurture and protect children, regardless of their blood relationship, are worth far more to the flourishing of indigenous culture than another politician.

As a middle-aged, middle-class white Australian, I don't see that having organisations specifically to represent indigenous interests is any more divisive than having a Disability Services Commission, an Office of Women's Interests or free English classes for migrants. There's a gap between my class and many indigenese in education, health and lifestyle. I hope I live to see and Australia where there is no need at all for an ATSIC or Native Affairs. It's do-able.

Diana

Jonji, May be you would prefer the “ Indigenous People's Congress “ or IPC, motiff or motto, quote “ It is an Undeniable, Indisputable and Inescapable fact of Life, that the Values Ethics and Ideals of this White Australian dominated Society has brought this Country to the Brink of Social Economic and Enviromental Dissaster.” As National Director of the IPC, an organisation created and developed by me and Loraine Mafi Williams at Suffolk Park, and now, deactivated ( by me ) I authoured and published all IPC materal, including this. But in the name and spirit of Reconciliation, we are now ' Tomorrow will not be sacraficed! Critisize or deride, but My home page is my genuine and honest contribution and activities to a true and just reconciliation. And nothing else.

Johnj, May be you would prefer the “ Indigenous People's Congress “ or IPC, motif or motto, quote “ It is an Undeniable, Indisputable and Inescapable fact of Life, that the Values, Ethics and Ideals of this White Australian dominated Society has brought this Country to the Brink of Social Economic and Environmental Disaster.” unquote. As National Director of the IPC, an organisation created and developed by me and Loraine Mafi Williams at Suffolk Park, and now, deactivated ( by me ) I authored and published all IPC material, including this. But in the name and spirit of Reconciliation, we are now ' Tomorrow will not be sacrificed! Criticize or deride, but My home page is my genuine and honest contribution and activities to a true and just reconciliation. And nothing else.