Pelican and Banjo,

Yes, is culture sometimes (often ? always?) an imaginative way to justify power relations, particularly gender relations, wielded and defended by those in power, almost invariably men, against those without it, almost invariably women and children.

Do culture and democracy ultimately oppose each other ? Does the struggle for equal rights inevitably develop into a battle against the cultural status quo ?

Joe

Pelican,
Now you are thinking. I have not considered the signing of a contract relating to the cancelation of the permanent residence visa for all illegal acts. Currently, a permanent residency visa can only be canceled if a conviction carries a sentence of 2 years or more. No deportation if citizenship is obtained. We are most tolerant, I recall an instance wher a bloke appealed his deportation after being convicted of drug dealing and won, because he had fathered a child while here and the court felt it would be unfair on the child.

Still your suggestion is worthy of consideration.

I think that if we do not soon start prosecuting the parents for FGM and we start charging later, the argument will be that as we have never done anything about it, we condone it and it is now acceptable within our culture. Probably the same applies to polygamy and forced marriages. Did I not hear our former PM say that to do nothing is to condone or accept it, about something I cannot remember what.

We either get our authorities to uphold our laws and social standards or we stop importing those that thumb their nose at our society.

Lest we not forget, young and old Aussies
whether born here or overseas, irrelevant, do take one moment to read, when you're ready please!

Our 'diggers' along with the 'Kiwis', some 'Europeans', and 'middle easterners' fought alongside one another in unity, throughout many wars on different shores, to stand up for the downtrodden, children and adult lives most at risk; how quickly all nationalities forget, about our anscestors, the unity "and I'll cover your back" that did exist; 'tsk tsk'.

A tear in their eye, from up above, watching today's racism, disrespect, sexism and degradation on both sides
some young into drugs, behaving like 'mugs', harming and thieving, not in the name of religion or original cultures
you young were taught better, no excuses, wake up! Know yourselves, cease the playacting as vultures.

Show a bit of respect and love for your Forebears, take pride in your family name and stamp upon this earth yon Aussie, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, Indian and European people, any other background, shall I continue to hound?

Were you not taught some honesty, respect, kindness and consideration by a role model, your father, mother, sister or brother? Its of no use creating racist barriers, degrading others, breaking the law, O Ye of little character, constantly running for cover!

What ethnicity or groupings do in the long run, is to alienate people within the workplace, communities and socially,
it is up to you as the new generation to say 'lets be honest with ourselves, we were taught better', shouting "Unity" we are all Aussies' vocally.

Certain races, breed, familiarity resulting in contempt, wars re-commence, old problems resurface, why repeat and re-invent?

Another generation beyond yours has to be taught what's right from wrong, when you're old it's too late, what will be the consequences of all your attitudes, behaviour, actions and hate when sick, elderly and frail, young Cobber and Mate?

A little (poem)? I put together a few years back, directed more towards some of today's young generation.

Best wishes.

More than pleased to see loudmouths contributions.
It can be lonely coming from the left and being amazed at the blindness to some.
Not new, another generation had those who at first supported Hitler.
Then my mob dreamed of communism while Russia slaughtered even more than Nazi, mostly its own.
Others will live to question todays idea that no threat exists.
And that equality for females, freedom of religion was for every one ,not forced belief or death.
The best intentions,if worn like glasses with blinkers can lead to deep mud.
In time, maybe soon, China and Russia will see the threat far clearer we can expect fire works.
In time too,we will be reminded that those who looked saw this impending trouble clearly.
Raw mustard, my grammar is bad,but you have deeper problems and I would not swap.
Your need to be seen as hot stuff is hidden by your display of foolishness.

Banjo
I was thinking more of a probationary period rather than a cancellation of a permanent residency visa. Once you are a citizen you are a citizen as I see it. Then the judiciary needs to do its job.

Pelican,
A normal immigrant receives a permanent residency visa before actually coming here. One must be here for 4 years,or maybe 5, before appling for citizenship. It is during the PR period that deportation can take place if convicted of an offenceand jailed for 2 years or more. The Minister may have other discretionary powers as well.

I see that as a probationary period, but of course there are some who never take out citizenship. The only difference I see is that citizens are required to vote and cannot be deported.

There was an inquiry into criminal acts by non-citizens some years ago and there was no change recomended.

Our politicians seem reluctant to enforce our laws in some instances and unless they do enforce it is for show purposes only.

That is why I am advocating a discriminatory immigration policy.

In relation to FGM, I will raise the issue before the next state election and see if I can generate discussion or get a firm comittment from one of the major parties.