Ammonite,

"...lowest common denominator..." - precisely!

Your example of the Howard Government slavishly following Georgie off to war is a good case in point. I'm also reminded of the Guantanamo effect - where ordinary American's (and others) sensed that sort of operation was against everything they'd so-called "fought for" during wars, and yet no mass protests - nothing - except the usual voices in the wilderness.

Again, it's perceptions that count. Tell a population they are in constant danger and continue to ramp up the "crisis" and voila!, you can do as you please.

Poirot

I forgot to add that governments can easily ignore the majority view when it suits them. Somehow (via media, corporate interests and persistent government message), over the past decade, the majority view has been skewed to fear a handful of boat refugees.

Western democracy supported by fear, greed, ignorance and so easily manipulated.

And, in spite of the GFC, Australia still has one of the world's best economies and freedoms - we have such an abundance and no appreciation.

I don't think anyone takes into account the normal business growth of
any business over time.
I clearly remember seeing a news item of a ship about 10,000 tons or so
arriving in Italy. It was packed, standing room only, with illegal
immigrants. There must have been a couple or so thousand on board.

Am I the only one who sees that as the logical conclusion if a tough
stand is not taken ? If they can run a successful business with small
boats think what they could make with large ships. Tens of millions a trip.

Bazz you are far from the only one who understands this truth.
I question in thread after thread this threat and others understanding of it.
For my views honestly held and thought out, on this issue and the greens I am seeing Friends leave me.
How very strange! groups claiming fairness equity honesty refusing to talk to those they disagree with.
If up to 5.000 boat people come here now, to face internment possibility of being returned home.
How many will come if no internment and a place here is assured, it could in ten years be a hundred thousand a year.
Why do we ignore the radical nature of some linked to the refugee movement, their history of protesting with extremists.
The phone links they have with boats and refugees before they get on the boat.
How do we rate those who remain waiting in camps.
Those with out the funds to pay criminals to bring them here.
Why do we let them jump the waiting lists , because they can pay? how about a debate on the part minority's are playing in this and far too many other matters.
We must, if nothing else, take the 4.000 in Malaya 90.000 wait there, but confront the concerns of all Australians not just the minority's or forget democracy if it exists only to roll the many on behalf of the few it is dead.

It can get much worse than just organising ships.
Piracy happens regularly in Asian waters. Even loaded oil tankers have
been seized and the cargo flogged off in Chinese ports.
Visualise the further desertification of China, shortages of oil, gas
electricity and food.
The combination of millions of hungry unemployed people and experienced
pirates, what would you expect to happen ?

It just would not be possible to tow them back with a patrol boat.
It could easily be a 30,000 ton passenger ship.
It would not be the first time, remember the Exodus ?
It would have to include armed action.
Boarding would be very dangerous and out of the question.

Ammonite and Poriot,
I want the boats stopped from coming and to do that we only need to not give them what they seek, and mean it. It is not fear that most Aussies do not want them here, it is the fact they are conning us and are gate crashers.

You both appear to support the continued arrival of the boats. So I assume you care not about the ones that do not make it, and drown on the way.

If you do care about the welfare of these people, then how would you handle the situation and how many do you think we should accept. What about the others languishing in camps that do not have the money to pay smugglers?

Interesting to hear what your policies would be.