I don't think that anyone wants to discriminate against
our First Nations people. Despite our arguments and
the different points of view expressed in this
discussion - I get the distinct feeling that we all want to see
solutions for the problems experienced within Indigenous
communities. If we all agree on this then what remains is
for all of us to contribute constructively to make this
happen.

We can start with the first step. The referendum - by voting
YES!

It's a start we all need to make.

mhaze,

Double quotation marks can be used to show sarcasm or to identify words used as words instead of for their meaning.

Someone could write; Johnny believes Hitler was a "good" bloke. the double quotation is obviously sarcasm, or its to be taken as the opposite meaning, bad.

Paul,

You're confusing double quotes (") and single (') quotes.

Dear Paul,

I knew you'd get it.

Last night I watched the movie - "Top End Wedding."
It's now made me want to travel to the Northern
Territory to see places like Darwin, and the beautiful
Katherine Gorge, and Kakadu. But most of all - the
Tiwi Islands.

http://northernterritory.com/darwin-and-surrounds/destinations/tiwi-islands

People travel overseas - why not see what we have on our own
door-step. We just may learn something about the rich cultures
that exist on this land.

We've all heard arguments against the recognition of
the Voice to Parliament. We've all heard about how it
privileges one group and that this is divisive. That it
fails the "all or nothing test." That changes to the
Constitution should not mention any people unless it
mentions all groups.

OK. lets define the groups. There appears to be 3 groups
without which Australia would not be the Australia that
we know today. These 3 groups are - 1) Our First Nations
people. 2) Settlers from Britain. 3) non-British immigrants.

As Tony Abbott said - these 3 groups
have given Australia "Our Indigenous heritage, our British
foundation, and our immigrant character."

However if you reject the Voice to Parliament because it
does not satisfy your "all or nothing" test - are you also in
favour of changing our anthem, flag, Australia Day, and making
Australia a republic? Because of of these things also fail
the "all or nothing test."

Our national anthem is flawed - it does not mention all three
groups. The Australian flag is certainly flawed as it is selective in what it displays. As is Australia
Day - which to many is a day of mourning. Our attachment to the Crown of the UK also fails the test - it does not represent us all.

The following link gives more:

http://independentaustralia.net/politics/politics-display/all-or-nothing-including-a-first-nations-voice-to-parliament,16618