Paul

I disagree with ttbn much more often than not, but on this issue I think your accusations are unfair. There is no evidence that he “delights in the misery and suffering of millions”. If he did, that would indeed be “disgusting”. But so is to level this accusation without proof.

Most of us agree the war is disgusting – though in different ways and for different reasons.

On the specific case ttbn raises, it would be equally appalling if Australian Jewish nurses had boasted online of killing Palestinians and sending them to hell.

This government has presided over a shocking increase in racist attacks which it has done little to prevent and arguably encouraged with its equivocation. I don’t agree with ttbn that it proves multiculturalism has failed, but multiculturalism is fraying badly and it is under the worst stress I ever recall. Clare Lehmann writes in today’s Australian (behind a paywall, but accessible here: http://quillette.com/2025/02/12/australian-healthcares-darkest-hour-nsw-nurses-antisemitic-kill-them/ ) that this case “represents a fundamental break in the social compact”.

Lehmann concludes “That we are multicultural is a fact. The claim we are successful is now under doubt.”

I disagree with both extremes in the debate about multiculturalism. Extreme assimilationists argue that all migrants should adopt prevailing customs and social attitudes and leave their pasts behind. Extreme multiculturalists argue that migrants and their descendants should be completely free to maintain and act on the prejudices, customs and cultures of their homelands.

Multiculturalism in Europe is in crisis because it has leaned too far in one direction. Australia’s multiculturalism has mostly succeeded because it has steered a middle ground. There are core values that we expect that all new residents to respect, if not embrace. But we also celebrate the benefits of a society of people with different values, cultures, experience and outlooks. And we tolerate differences in practices and behaviour, even ones we disapprove of, so long they don’t violate what Lehmann calls the “social compact”.

Without those guardrails, the outlook is bleak.

"In the case of the loathsome, hateful and hate-filled lunacy of the two nurses in question, the ‘earnest’ seeming speech of a government minister, and a few short-lived sobs from a public servant were no more convincing than usual."

They already lost their jobs as I understand it.
Career ending few minutes opening their mouths.
What else do you want public floggings?

Maybe the whole entire country should be sent for re-education at the holocaust museums?

This is not Israel.
I remember when we had a name for every foreigner.
Yanks, Poms, Krauts, Wogs, Chinks...
(please note - no intention to cause anyone offense on a basis of racism, just speaking historically)
- But there was NEVER THIS MUCH whining and moaning.

A lot of people are getting sick and bloody tired of all this whole-world-revolves-around-Israel BS.

Hi AC,

I seen ethnic kids bashed in the school playground by Anglo bullies for being 'wogs". In the 1960's there was much animosity against the "dagos". The saying was; "The wogs have got all the houses!" Jews have suffered much hate in Australia, people would say things like; "He's as popular as pork chop in a synagogue!"

We don't want to think racists bigotry is something new, its been with us from the first day of colonization. In 1788 you didn't want to be Irish! Much of the bigoty is based on ignorance, suspicion and stereotyping, BTW You couldn't join the Liberal Party if you were a catholic!

What else do you want public floggings?
Armchair Critic,
Just send them to Gaza !

A lot of people are getting sick and bloody tired of all this whole-world-revolves-around-Israel BS.
Armchair Critic,
Only a small percentage of the Arab World !

Hi Indy,
"Just send them to Gaza !"
- Unfortunately they wouldn't be allowed back, there's no right of return.

'sick and bloody tired of all this whole-world-revolves-around-Israel BS.'
"Only a small percentage of the Arab World !"
- No, I'm talking about regular John Smith Aussies, not foreigners.