Absolutely correct Foxy.
It appears that some forum members seem to forget they are all descended from foreigners who migrated to Australia for whatever reason.

Yuyitsu was correct. Those that drag other ships back out to sea against their will are pirates. And Australia should also hang it's head in shame, because instead of 'stopping the boats' to save people from drowning, they are the first of a number of countries to push boats back out to sea where the occupants will either starve to death or drown anyway.

What an absolute disgrace.

Foxy says "because as many political commentators have pointed out - the answers lie in understanding the situation and trying to come up with better responses to meet the overwhelming needs asylum seekers face."

Why should anyone meet their needs? If we open the borders and allow unlimited access, eventually 100,000 or more will come. When the word is out, Australia is open it will be a free-for-all. Oh, you say, I don't mean open borders for unlimited numbers to flock in... well what's the cut off point? For those of us expressing support for the current government policy, we have already reached the cut off point. Why is your cut off point any different to ours?

Foxy also quotes "a recent poll conducted by the Australian National University (ANU) posted in the Sydney Morning Herald more than 80 per cent of Australians think immigrants are good for Australia despite what a small number of ranters would have us believe."

Foxy / Suse - Why not do your own random survey and go into any shopping mall and ask 10 people if we should throw the borders wide open to all comers? Ask if they have any problem with the number of Muslims doubling in this country via boat people arrivals? If you get 8 out 10 agreeing with the above poll, I'll run around the block naked waving a rainbow flag.

Hippie, I have never seen anyone saying to open our borders to everyone?
You are being hysterical.
Of course every country has to have a cut of point, and that is why we elect politicians to make these decisions.

I ask you one question. Do you agree with the current actions of some Asian countries to turn back out to sea boatloads of obviously starving, dehydrated and sick people?

Dear ConservativeHippie,

Please don't put your words into my mouth.
That's no way to debate. Read what was actually
said - not your own interpretation of it.

The point being made was simply there has to be a
better, more humane way of tackling the asylum-seeker problem.
Our current polcy of concealment, silence
and obfuscation has been referred to as a "mushroom
policy." Keep them in the dark and feed them BS.
It has been widely criticised - and it is one of
which all of us should be ashamed.

If you approve of what our current government is doing
regarding asylum seekers. That's your right. Just as
mine is to disagree with you.

Dear ConservativeHippie,

If you want to run around the block naked carrying a
raibow flag - don't let me stop you.
I prefer to spend my time somewhat more constructively.

To Suse & Foxy, it is a sad state of affairs that thousands of people are so desperate that they are willing to get on a leaky boat with too many others, in the hope they will end up somewhere that will take care of them. And its sad some of those boats sink and many die.

But as long as the boats are being rescued the people will keep trying and some will continue to die. Those getting on boats need to be discouraged. Perhaps First World governments need to actively encourage the Third World nations people are fleeing, to offer tolerance and better living conditions for their poorer inhabitants.

I don't have the answers but I also can see the current situation right around the world is dire. You can't have millions of Africans entering southern Europe without associated negative flow on effects. Its the same in Thailand, Indonesia, and here in Australia. If the number of migrants wishing to enter another country goes unchecked, word gets out 'this country will accept you' and the hordes follow. At some point every country has to say "sorry, we've taken all the refuges we can afford to, both financially and socially, the border is now closed."

The only real difference I see between you and me, in these discussions is the number we are willing to accept. I feel we have taken enough unexpected/unauthorised arrivals already. I'm happy with the governments willingness to take a designated number of refugees every year (which I believe is around 20,000); but I am totally against encouraging people to risk their lives by travelling across the sea in the hope if they get to our shores, we will welcome them with open arms.

con't...