Congratulations on a lucid (and long overdue) examination of the complex dynamics of this important issue. The anxiety caused by the spectre of a threat from "foreigners" appears to be deeply embedded in Australian society, and seems to engender a widespread emotional response. You are right to highlight that a test of true national leadership is the ability to inspire the community to higher ideals (such as compassion) rather than exploit and react intuitively to their unfounded fears.

Illegal entrants probably do not pose a security risk to Australia, but that has nothing to do with the fact that they should be stopped and turned back. And, our politicians should be doing what we want; not bothering about being “…hailed by groups such as Amnesty International…”.

Most Australians do not want Big Brother to “to engage the Australian public in a productive debate regarding the very real and difficult humanitarian dilemmas that this latest tragedy involving boat people represents.” That’s ‘re-education’ as per totalitarian states. We haven’t quite reached that stage with Rudd, yet. Most Australians want politicians to look after their interests, not those of bludgers who think it’s OK to enter Australia illegally. Australians are aware of their country’s humanitarian, orderly intake of processed refugees, and cannot see any reason for illegals to jump the gun.

Border protection, which we clearly do not have, (we have an escort service to Christmas Island) is not about ‘ethics’ or ‘morals’, and it is utter nonsense to claim that it is.

This article is an insult to Australians’ rights to think as they please and their rights to control – via their elected representatives – the movement of people into their country.

Finally, there is nothing “tragic” about an illegal boat being blown up when, despite authorities’ failure to come clean about the episode, it is clear that it was a ruse to be taken to the mainland. Petrol being available on a diesel powered boat points to that. Remember, this was a second try for this group of illegals, who have been squatting in Indonesia for the 8 years since they were turned back last time.

I think we also need to challenge the dominant discourse relating to the notions of people smugglers. Humanitarians support the right of asylum seekers to seek refuge in Australia, and yet we condemn those who 'provide' transport while doing nothing to change it. Eliminating people smugglers is unlikely because there is no choice for asylum seekers. If we want to support our righteous rhetoric, then we should be prepared to offer an alternative to leaky, overcrowded boats and exortionist tactics. Until we do that, we are complicit in allowing this 'free' market to continue to operate.