Fair enough point Matt. I guess we all have personal prejudices and mine have shown up here.
Politicians dictate policies such as immigration laws, and our previous government has been extremely prejudiced against foreigners. In the early years of the Howard government, I worked for Centrelink and I saw the changes that occurred with the Howard government, and how it affected foreigners and newly arrived immigrants, including refugees. It wasn't pretty.
At the moment, most western countries are racially discriminating against anyone of a middle eastern or Islamic origin, by deliberately altering immigration acceptance at a policy level. Worse, we're seeing the general public get carried away with political lies that meet hidden agendas, because they are ill informed, or just simply racist. As I said in an earlier post in this thread, how many people give dirty or suspicious looks to those of middle eastern appearance today? I'm just picking one example of bad political policy.
I feel sorry for people like Duncan who get screwed by idiotic laws. The sad thing is that most western countries are going the same route as Australia. It doesn't help that our laws are heavily influenced by Christian beliefs, which are discriminatory to most other religions I might add.
DJDD - I find it amazing how people have such thin skins. You're basically having a go at me because I've made several statements etc, which you dislike/disagree with, so you choose to publicly belittle me by saying "rant", and then you have the rudeness to shove "intolerance" in my face? Oh please. Pot meet kettle.
Dave
Quote:
Originally Posted by matt
No worries, Dave.
It's just my belief that you can't be selectively tolerant...
As far as pollies go, I understand where you're coming from, but again, must preach a little moderation.
I have met, interviewed, got to know, many types of political animals over the many years I've worked in the media. Many fall into the category into which you have the entire bunch pidgeon-holed...but there have also been many exceptions. I've met (and know) many who get into the caper for very altruistic and decent reasons, only to be ground down by the party machine or thwarted by the ever-changing mood of the electorate itself.
Were they weak? Were they misguided in their belief that they could effect change from within? Perhaps.
What I do know is they are our most obvious hope of 'getting things done' within the confines of the democracy which exists, and surely are a better alternative than not having elected representatives.
There's good and bad in all walks of life, as you very well know, and it's not fair to brush an entire group of people because of the failings of those among them.
Cheers...and all the best.
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