Davd F,
Your brand of compassion could best be described as "xenophilia" and racism.
Poirot,
Fairfax,the ABC, HREOC, the RAC and UNHCR are not reliable sources of information regarding the character of illegal immigrants, and yes they have options, going home as directed ends their predicament in short order.

David f,

Your Australia-bashing has nothing to do with the topic. Your 'compassion' card shows your naivety and weakness. Peoples' individual compassion is directed as they see fit, not by you. I unashamedly have no feelings whatsover for so-called refugees who pull the wool over the eyes of people like you.

Your own assertion that we should be alleviating 'desparate situations' in some countries is a fine example of imperialist arrogance; your claim that Australia has not done its fair share is nonsense; your ignorance of the existence of non-disclosure laws already in place for government employees is appalling; you have no evidence that turning back illegals has seen more oppression, even death or, for that matter, any oppression in the first place.

You are able to go on about 'compassion' and deem me to be 'mean. I am able to say that people like you, constantly critisizing their own country on behalf of people they know nothing about, should be ashamed of themslves,

Dear CH,

I tried to point out the fact that Europe is
very adamant about sticking to their international
legal and human rights obligations. Australia is not.
Also there are big differences in the way Europeans
treat people compared to the very harsh policies that
our current government has enacted. This is not something
that is made up. This information is available on the web
and through various sources, including the article by
Alecia Simmonds that I mentioned earlier.

I realise that you do not understand my feelings on this
subject and the reasons for them. Perhaps if you were to do
some more research on the topic - you may see what it is
that we as a country - can do better.

Dear ttbn,

Australia bashing?

In Australia we have a great degree of freedom of speech. That comes with an obligation. The obligation is to use that speech to make things better. If we see that our country is doing wrong it is our obligation to point it out in the hope that the wrong will be corrected. In a totalitarian country we must be silent at the risk of punishment. When Australia punishes people for speaking out about what is happening in the detention centres the government is acting like the government of a tyranny where people must be silent. When I point out the wrong actions of the government I am speaking as a good citizen who recognises my obligation to speak out against wrong. Wrong does not become right when the wrong is committed by government. Australia does not have to continue the loathsome policies of the Abbott government in regard to asylum seekers. I can only hope enough other concerned citizens will add their voices so the policies will change.

Dear David F.,

I will add my voice to yours any time.

I'm sorry Foxy but it looks like you are trying to 'talk down' to me and I don't appreciate it. For example: "Perhaps if you were to do
some more research on the topic - you may see what it is that we as a country - can do better."

I have done my research and come to my own conclusions, which although are different than yours, are every bit as valid? I think what 'we as a country' are doing with border protection is better than what other Western countries are doing.

Its the condescending and superior stance combined with the diversion tactics of not answering a direct question with a to the point answer that puts us at such odds. I mean no disrespect to you when I ask you a question, and each time I receive your reply I think, why couldn't she just answer it.

I regard you as a nice and intelligent person, but I really dislike your inclination to argue from what appears to be a high horse position. I'm not saying this with an intention or expectation of changing you, I'm just sharing what it feels like to me, to read your replies to my questions.