Hi Bezza,

I grew up in Sydney. But I haven't been back for years.
So of course I don't have any idea of what it's like
for people living there today.

I also realize that I am very lucky - that the areas and
communities in which I have lived have been peaceful and
friendly, and caring.

Hi Foxy,

Did you see the Greek community living on an island miles from Adalaide SA are celebrating 100 years. "You might think Mr Kotaras lives on a Greek island, but he lives 235 kilometres north of Adelaide on Weerona Island, just outside Port Pirie." With family and friends this Greek/Australian community is truly a fantastic example of multiculturalism at work.

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Multiculturism and Human Rights

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Modern democracies in the free world continue to attract people from around the world seeking opportunity and a better life for themselves and their families, whether they be rich or poor.

They bring their history, their ethnicity, their religion and their culture with them.

Those who are accepted into the host nation automatically receive the benefits of democracy and are subject to its laws and obligations.

Among its benefits is the respect of their Individual Human Rights which some mistakenly consider also extends to include “collective rights” of those with whom they identify historically, ethnically, religiously and culturally.

Individual Human Rights are not Collective Rights.

The Human Rights of individuals accepted into the nation are recognised and protected by the State, but not any imagined “collective rights” of communities.

In my view, that should be a condition "sine qua non" to the acceptance of anybody wishing to take up permanent residence in any democratic nation.

Basic knowledge of the host nation's law also seems to be a necessary prerequisite for acceptance, especially where it is notably different from the candidate's country of origin.

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I'm looking forward to seeing multiculturalism at work in Paris. The opening ceremony sneered at, insulted, Christianity. Let's see these brave culture warriors do the same for Islam in the closing ceremony. Muslim immigration to France has been sooo.... successful. I'm sure that Muslims would want to share in the fun of having Islam rubbished; all cultures being equal, and all that stuff.

Immigration and multicultural policies are the lifeblood
of a diverse society but if they are poorly designed they
can be bad for both the immigrants and existing populations
alike. France is a good example. You're either French or
you're not. Full stop. There has to be sufficient resources
and investments in infrastructure - so that conflict
doesn't leave anyone out in the cold.

Creating a flourishing society is no small feat. Australia has
programs like the Australian Cultural Orientation Program
AUSCO, an investment in helping migrants build new lives.

The work continues - There's - More work to be done -
in finding ways to
encourage people to see themselves as part of a team having a
shared vision and recognizing that our futures are tied
together.

Dear Paul,

I didn't see the program you mentioned. However, I'm sure
that there are many welcoming communities all around us.
I've lived and worked alongside so many different people
both here and overseas. Our last home was in a quiet court
that had a wide mix - from Macedonians, Greeks, Italians, Sri-
Lankans, Chinese, Croatians, to Lithuanians. All getting along.

Currently we're in a high-rise apartment - with predominantly\
Chinese tenants. Not all of them speak English - but no problems
sign-language works, as do smiles.