Belly

Every word George Pell utters insults me. Few speak out against him. As R0bert has stated part of the problem is the lack of call to accountability by the moderate majority.

Are people so restrained by PC, they will not take a stand?

Maybe they are; 'whistleblowers' are often derided as bullies - simply for pointing out that the 'king wears no clothes'. I have been part of an online stoush recently where, every day I expected to see my opinions deleted and my subscription suspended for no more than speaking out. I was never rude, never un-PC. Now if this is how difficult it is for people to honestly express their opinions on a secular forum such as OLO? Then I can imagine how difficult it is to speak out against a group of which you are a part, particularly religion which has a massive emotional hold over people.

In short, there are no easy answers. However, there is no point in criticising Islam without a good hard look at all religions. For example, Nick Xenophon has with good intention focused on the tax breaks received by the Church of Scientology. He doesn't go far enough - all religions need to be brought to account starting with the biggest, most powerful religions. I don't see that happening any time soon, do you?

One of Australia's most respected economists, John Quiggin, published an interesting article on his blog yesterday that was reproduced in today's Crikey. While the article is mostly a concise explanation of why the Greens are the best choice for voters, I was struck by the truth of this footnote:

<< The one genuine example of “political correctness” in Australian politics is the one that prevents us from using the word “racist” to describe racism, but there’s no doubt that’s what it is. >>

I've also noticed that certain people react incredibly aggressively when their racism is pointed out to them. Ms Gillard seemed to be advocating this version of "PC" in her first silly pronouncements about asylum seekers, but I note that she's backpedalled a bit from her initial dog-whistles.

Full article at http://johnquiggin.com/index.php/archives/2010/07/18/the-case-for-the-greens/ . Read it and weep.

It clouds the mind of the infidel.
It is a weapon for division and conquest.
PC is a blessing from Allah.

Severin that post could have been mine I think Pell should be in prison.
And started a thread about tax breaks for exclusive brethren and the sci fi religion, but in truth all creeds stop man being one.
Doubt the post above comes from a Muslim, you never know however SOME from that religion use lies as they use air.
C J Morgan, ok I am a racist!
Not in my view but yours at least.
I think our different backgrounds [as a green you are most likely high income and private school educated]
I working class under fead under educated.
I like you vote to my beliefs and will fill out the whole senate ticket this time, Brown is not my idea of a worthy candidate.
PC I know I knew it on starting this thread, you just can not say you truly, honestly, hold the view Muslim migration is not working and never will.
Such claims must scream to you I am racist.
To me? it is concern for My country, I truly think ANY RELIGION divides us.
And while not all far too many inner City Muslim groups are as racist as ANY GROUP in history including the KKK.
I however am voting green in the NSW election Labor will not get my preference.

Belly

I knew we were on different points of the same spectrum. I don't know how Pell gets away with his indifference to children, women and his obvious fundamentalist religious roots.

As for your comment on MohammedKharr - I agree, his few posts all stink of troll.

My two cents: Political Correctness is about fake ideals and suppression of honesty.

Courtesy and respect is real.

PS

Respect is a two way street, any authority who believes s/he is entitled to respect simply for being in a position of power should note they, more than their subordinates, need to earn it first. And leading by example is a good start.

The earliest printed reference that is unambiguous in its use of 'politically correct' in its current commonly understood sense is Toni Cade's The Black Woman, 1970:

"A man cannot be politically correct and a chauvinist too."

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/287100.html