Arcticdog,
I don't consider Sheik Al Hilali extreme. He represents the mainstream muslims.

Last friday, on this thread, Boaz-David Posted a link. Have a look at that and not only the video but the postings of the young muslims and you will see what they say about Australians.

I see the Serbs and the Croats were at it again today, at the tennis.

Multiculture in action. Yep, multiculture is great and all cultures get along just fine. Last time these ethnic groups got together at a soccer match, in Sydney, the torched cars and fired guns at buildings, and smashed all the windows of a bus. Lovely people?

They are 2nd or 3rd generation born here, and their kids are taught the same, just like the muslim kids.

Did Howard appoint Hilaly to the Muslim’s religious body? If so, then Howard shouldn’t have to ask the Australian Muslims to take action- he should.

I’d love to see a complete, independent translation of what Hilaly said- all I have found is edited transcripts. Can we trust the media to have presented the facts in an unbiased manner and in context?

Arcticdog, good question: what needs to be done?
It’s obvious that there need to be some changes or things will remain as they are.

Thoroughly knowing all text in the Koran should not anymore qualify a Mufti or Imam to guide and educate followers of Islam.
It’s insufficient- the Koran’s history needs to be taken into context; there needs to be the realisation that ‘times, they are a-changing’.

The trouble with religions is that they are stagnant and immobile. (Fundamental) Religions usually are not about finding the truth; they are more about accepting and covering up outdated data, myths, dreams and legends.

Perhaps we can brainstorm or make suggestions to what should change:

1. Future Mufti’s and Imams will be required to study the subject of ‘Western history and Philosophy’ along with Islamic studies to be able to qualify for the position. They are very influential and so they should understand the culture where they preach. Only then they will be able to take what they teach into context of THIS era and this society (not the 7th era in some Arabic country).

2. Australian government is to offer this study packet at Universities in major cities.

3. Mufti’s and imams must have lived and worked in Australia for at least 5 years to be appointed so they can be reasonably familiar within the Australian multi culture society, democracy, and this modern era.

Any other suggestions?
Having made these suggestions, in no way do I say that Christian religions are perfect :)
PS
Banjo, I dare say that the British have a history of being the world’s worst hooligans when it comes to sport, especially soccer.

Oh Dear, arn't you all in a funk ? Just cause some twit made some stupid comments ?
I've read all the comments here and it strikes me with the exception of just one or two, the rest have simply been unable to see the wood for the trees.
Firstly, yes, it's 100% correct, the white man stole this country from the aboriginal. No argument there.
Secondly, the poor bloody convicts had a say in coming here did they ?
Now what does that say of the old Mufti's knowledge of Australian history and more importantly, the U.K.'s ?
Thirdly, the good old labour party and more specificaly that wondeful guy all Australians love, Mr Hawk, were the ones who allowed this immigration act to let these guys in the first place.
Fourth, how come, Australia's deputy Sherrif has done nothing about the issue ? In fact it would appear, this little weasel is using the issue to gain political mileage for himself against Muslims all under the aspices of Terrorism. He's very happy the old Sheik is spoutin his mouth off, doing him a big favour in fact. Hmm, I wonder, whether these two are in cahoots ?
Fifth, dunno whether many posters here have noticed, but lately there are more then a few Black people arriving within our communities.
Black like in Ethiopia/Somalia ect, ect.
Now I wonder which party is in power right now that is allowing this ?
Give you one guess.
I'd love someone to convince me, these good folk are going to integrate into our community seamlessly.
Specially when we alreadyhave many reports coming in of our Indigenous inhabitants objecting most strongly against these interlopers.

So we stole it from the blacks? and you are concerned that the blacks are stealing it from the blacks?
Some deep investigation of the subject would show you SOME Muslims intend to take it from us all!
How can you write as you do yet be little concerns about a comunity leader who thinks like this insane bigot?
Remember he is a comunity leader how else would you have us think?
Multi culturism can work, but biggotry has to be highlighted on both sides.

It may be of interest to see how Islamic media and schoolbooks portray non-Muslims. I hope that things are different in Australia.

http://www.adl.org/main_Arab_World/arab_media_portrayal_jews.htm

http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/myths/mf15.html

If these are true accounts of what passes for education in these countries then it would explain why the hatred is so intense.

Christians against Muslims and Muslims against Christians, the old story is replenished again! Can anyone see by connecting the dots, that this is just part of the "Worldorder" play-out?
Generally what happens next is a b#$%^&g, firearms-control, war etc.
Shi$sturring is what I call it. Multicultural does not work anyway,whoever believes in it ,is supporting the worldorder scheme.
Australian aboriginals should be cherished and supported,not with money directly but by understanding their plight with survival.We are treating apes and monkeys better than human folks and that is a shame.