Monday, January 28, 2008

Let fear be our guide

I got this e-mail from a friend. 

Isn't it Time for us to get a backbone as well? 
America Needs A Leader Like This!  Prime Minister John Howard - Australia  
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. 

Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote: 'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.' 
  

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'.
 

'We speak mainly ENGLISH; not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!' 


'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.' 
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.' 


'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 
'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
 

'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.' 


Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves, American citizens will find the backbone to start speaking and voicing the same truths. 

If you agree please SEND THIS ON.

My thoughts

  • Many, who appreciate this rhetoric above, like the person who sent this to me, also lament the idea that America needs to get back to its "Christian" roots. It is hard to put Howard's words next to that bit in the Bible about "love your enemies and do good to those who hate you". The way I see it is that they seem polar opposites. So I wonder, who is moving the country away from its "Christian" roots?
  • I guess gratitude is not felt towards the natives who lived here when the Europeans arrived. If they were welcomed in they took over. If they weren't welcomed, conflict ensued and the Europeans won. Over the years each group found its way to America and in doing so, found a home.
  • It is so hard to look at ourselves and judge our own actions. It is so much easier to judge those we believe are out to do us harm.
  • Fear divides people. Love unites. Perfect love casts out fear. We all want to feel safe. I can be as guilty as anyone to want to be protective. 

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