Hi mikk, Rhian,

I see the acceptance of those basic rights; "the rule of the law, non-violent resolution of conflict, equal rights and opportunities regardless of sex, gender, race or religion; freedom of speech and religion; democratic government." as part of the universal values that all people share. Along with some other added values, customs, language, dress, beliefs, history, arts, foods and traditions that a person holds dear, those things combined forms a persons culture. Ones culture is influenced by many factors as well, family, education, social environment, employment, and certainly by ethnicity and for the religious by their religion.

Those values that Rhian mentioned are very important as forming part of the Australian ethos of the somewhat abstract ideals of a "fair go" with its egalitarianism, honesty, respect and mate ship, these ideals are far more important to me than what food you eat, how you dress, what language you speak, from where you came, or the way you look, your sexuality, or the colour of your skin. As these things are far easier to identify within people, they are also far easier to use to universally stigmatise, blame, vilify and create animosity towards others who are, "not like us"!

The Lovely Pauline is doing just that as part of her seeking power through a weak populist agenda. I am totally shocked that the Coalition (not all) is prepared to jump into the back of the Gina plane with Gina as pilot, and the Lovely Pauline as co-pilot up front, as they all fly off over right field trying to drag Australia along with them.