Posted by Declan on March 28, 2006, at 21:01:14
In reply to Re: I support his stance. » Declan, posted by Dinah on March 28, 2006, at 20:40:15
From what I know the USA is much more confident in accepting immigrants than Australia has been. The size and dryness of the landmass here, the fewer numbers of people, the unease about colonisation (and the right to be here), and racial anxieties (becoming less important over time, perhaps) have made this a sensitive point for Australia.
It has been the subject of bitter political division since Howard won the election before last by (in many people's minds) manipulating the unauthorized arrival of the Tampa into an election winning issue viz 'we decide who comes here, and when', and generally abandoning a consensus of generosity.
There was a vessel called in our Parliament SIEVX, and it sunk with the loss of 300 or so lives. Questions were raised in Parliament about whether Australian security people in Indonesia sabotaged the boat in order to discourage illegal immigration. (The latte drinking chattering classes grind their teeth.)
I've seen a National Geographic with grandmothers patrolling the Mexican border by night.
Declan
poster:Declan
thread:624297
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060322/msgs/625739.html