The Australian 9/7/2010
Apparently it is perfectly okay to have an irrational fear of boat people these days. I’m not the Prime Minister, or a psychologist, but I can’t help thinking that pandering to an irrational fear isn’t the best way of sorting it out. We aren’t being swamped by boat people. Most of them turn out to be legitimate refugees. The most efficient way of dealing with their claims would be to do it in Australia. Beating up on these incredibly vulnerable people will not do anything to stop the root cause of the problem, and to do so is (yes, I’m going to say it) downright unAustralian. Deep down I think we all know that we’re not going to stop people smuggling until there is a worldwide change in human nature, and I’m not holding my breath. While we’re waiting for world peace and an end to world poverty, perhaps some sort of regional or global formula for humanely, fairly and efficiently dealing with refugees wouldn’t be a bad idea at all (yes, the mythical queue!) however, again, breath holding is not advised. In the meantime, a little more of compassion and a little less xenophobia might help make the world a slightly better place, or failing that, some decent, brave leadership from politicians who really should know better wouldn’t go astray. …okay, I’m not holding my breath on that one either.
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“Pandering to an irrational fear isn’t the best way of sorting it out.”
Couldn’t have said it better.
Finally, some sensible comment on a difficult situation. And a great cartoon.
If the pollies can’t lead maybe the cartoonists can. Thanks Jon, keep them coming. BTW when are you standing for election?
Jan, I daresay it’s a damn sight easier drawing funny pictures about stuff than actually doing the stuff, so I will stand for parliament the day that reverse global warming causes a frosty day in hell. If that solemn undertaking proves to be a complete lie, then I will have passed the first test of a politician and I hope I can rely your vote.
Jon I am holding my sides (with laughter)and breathing easy. We shoud certainly fix our own problems before pouring vast amounts of money into lost causes as is so obvious when viewing the hordes of Africa, India and China.