Dear Bazz,

Political commentators point out that the
"tow the boats back" line is "dangerous, illegal,
and threatens our key bilateral relationship with
Indonesia."

We're told that "in terms of safety the risks of
taking over crowded and unseaworthy vessels under
tow by a large warship are obvious. Such an
operation is tricky enough with a friendly vessel
in calm seas - but the Indian ocean is often stormy
and asylum seekers have repeatedly shown they are
prepared to sabotage their own vessels to prevent
tow-backs, placing lives at risk."

The current Chief of the Navy, Vice-Admiral, Ray Griggs
has made it quite clear in Senate Estimates,
"There have been fires lit, there have been attempts
to storm the engine compartment of the boats...there
have been people jumping in the water..."

Those are the realities. What you choose to believe
is political rhetoric. We need a regional solution
with regional co-operation.

Lexie,
What people deliberately do to suicide in open waters we cannot be held accountable. This is a risk we have to take, persons so mentally unstable ought not be accepted into Australia. They are unemployable and would become dependent on Australian Taxpayers. There are avenues to determine if they are genuine refugees before illegally boarding boats to enter Australian territory.

Josephus,

Did you say you were a Christian?

It's strange how those who identify as Christians on this forum seem to exude the most unChristian sentiments.

What was Jesus chatting about in Matthew 25.35 - 40?

http://www.bible-guide-online.com/jesus-quotes-top-ten.html

Check it out here. It's first on the list under "He takes it personally".

Poirot,

Over many years of voluntary work, all of the other volunteers and the organisers with very few exceptions have been from mainstream religions and most commonly Christians. That rule applies from mucking in to cut the grass at the pre-Kindy right on to helping people in the last stage of life. They give their time and very often their own money too, to helping the needy.

I have been surprised, but I guess I should not have been, by Evangelicals who during the floods donated their trades skills for weeks on end and used their contacts to get free gyprock and so on to re-build homes for anyone who was in need AND without any mention of their faith, ever.

I have been left with no doubt whatsoever that the splendid clergy and parishioners who volunteer and most do in some way, are the glue that holds society together.

Can they help everyone in the world? No.

Should they defend their own freedom, laws, quality of life and even sovereignty if required? Yes.

Yours was the usual smart-A insulting anti-Christians snipe to be expected of the smug and comfortable, latte quaffing 'Progressives', very few of whom seem to get around to helping anyone but themselves, ever. Although they always have plenty of intolerance and 'advice' to spread about.

Lexi, Ahhh, you have not read what I just wrote did you ?
I am fully aware of the problems of towing at sea.
For instance the bow could be pulled out the boat.
In rough conditions a heavy weight is usually attached to the middle
of the tow rope. This acts as a big spring to remove sudden jerks.
Now I am sure our Navy would be aware of these techniques.
That is why the phase "Where safe" is always included.
Here endith the first lesson.

However it frequently would be safe and would be the cheapest alternative.
However if you had read my comment you would have seen that I referred
to deportment.
Those that actually reach Christmas Island could be flown back to
Indonesia or taken by ship.

Thats what we do all the time with other undocumented persons.

GET IT !

Poirot and Lexi,

I thought you were humanitarians. Labor's destruction of the pacific solution has meant that Xmas Island has had to increase its mortuary from accommodating 5 people to 50 people to cater for all the drownings.

Turning the boats back is legal, complies with the UNHCR charter, and is not going to cause friction with Indonesia.