Philip S said- "You imply by showing a reference a person is wrong because they therefore don't show the opposing opinions, implying that to show a reference one should show the for and against of any subject matter."

Answer- Usually it's best to try give an "objective independent source"- usually the sources here are less than this standard. I can sort of understand those that don't see the point of providing references- they may believe that there is sufficient evidence available through simple searches to establish their point. They may believe that those that would require a reference would never accept their point anyway. There is an issue of the 350 word limit that can get in the way of providing credible arguments. Generally I give them the benefit of the doubt- if someone states something and I disagree I can provide a counter example with references if I feel it's warranted.

Joe (Loudmouth) posted, ''I typed up the 8,500 letters of the SA Protector, 2.500 pages of it, 1839 to 1913 [all on my web-site: www.firstsources.info]. "

Answer- Very good job Loudmouth. This sort of work is very important- transcribing "images of letters" to "text" so that they're searchable. In time character recognition will make this automated but that doesn't help us if we need it now! Thanks again Loudmouth- through the chair.

Dear Joe, and Is Mise,

Lots of things were done in the name of "protection."
Also not all records of everything were kept.
The following link explains. It's only the tip of the
iceberg - depending on who you read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protector_of_Aborigines

As I stated earlier - the issues are complex.
And we need to respect each other's opinions and
findings.

The Protectors were undermined by the academic do-gooders which gave rise to the activists & other insipid unemployables. The ones who suffered the consequences were/are of course the everyday Indigenous & the everyday non-indigenous by seeing their taxes wasted.

Foxy,

What about that First Nation business and, whilst I think of it, where did Aboriginal Australians get all that traditional red cloth?

Did they weave it themselves?

Dear Foxy,

Yes, probably eight thousand letters and 2,500 pages are only the tip of the iceberg. Maybe we should suspect that somewhere, there are other letters which paint quite a different picture.

Good luck finding them :). But you have to run with what you've got.

Love,

Joe