Politics - February 16th 2011

Never have I been so ashamed to call myself Australian. The furore that has erupted over the funeral of the asylum seekers who drowned off Christmas Island is utterly reprehensible. Especially the comments by the Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott - so much for Christian principles
And now Immigration Minister Chris Bowen refuses to let the young survivor of this tragedy stay in Australia with his family. Where is the humanity in this - what possible danger could a young boy be to Australia? Would it not be better to reunite him with his family and so allow him to grow up to be a valued member of our society.
(It now seems that common sense has prevailed and the young boy will be allowed to stay.)
Joe Hockey, who I usually view with some suspicion, has gone up several steps in my estimation after his public disagreement with Tony Abbott's position.

Australia Day - 26th January 2011

Another Australia Day and with it a new "Australian of the Year".

We should also remember the thousand of Aussies who also put themselves second when helping others - the ones who never get recognition.

For instance, a dear friend of ours who, despite being ill (she never tells us how ill she really is, but we can tell!) has put so much time and effort into helping others that a government department has stopped her Pension. Blind bureaucratic stupidity - did the person who did that not realise how much Australia owes to volunteers? Apparently not.

What a lucky country, indeed!