Let us rejoice..in what is really happening

I am not a refugee but I am an immigrant to Australia. I note that in the more than forty years I have lived here every generation of immigrants has been viewed sceptically and  with cynicism. At the time I came to these shores, Italians and Spanish immigrants were regarded as a profound threat  to our lifestyle. Well that was wrong then! 
They appear to have entered Australian society and been hardworking, their culture, and society has deeply enriched our quality of life
Then there were the Vietnamese and the Cambodians. To some they spelled out the end of Australian society.  Next time you go to the doctor ask yourself where we would be if these devastated families had not encouraged their children to succeed and to be good Australians. To get good education and, indeed, to succeed!
I have encountered the Iranian, Sri Lankan and African communities who are in the process of doing likewise.
I don’t want to be naïve and suggest that everyone coming to Australia has been without problem, but it does seem to me that our recent history tells us that no one comes to these shores, girt by sea, wanting to ruin this country.
So I will be voting for those who tell me, not that they are repelling refugees, but to those who are telling me that they believe that those who are fleeing to Australia need to be encouraged to fulfill their potential. And by extension, to continue the history of this nation which is not only young but free and is deeply enriched by those who seek sanctuary and security for themselves and their families here

Compulsory viewing

Took advantage of half-price day and the Oscar victory to go and see "The Hurt Locker". I had suspected this was an important film and it is.

In my opinion compulsory viewing for anyone who thinks they need to join the armed forces, or when we are thinking about invading another country.

My mind went back to the seminal film Full Metal Jacket, but I thought this was much more important than that. Or maybe our world has degenerated between Vietnam and Iraq. Interesting too that Vietnam films were made 20 yeard after that war ended, while Iraq fils are made while war is going on.

Its premise is that war/violence is a drug. And it makes a good case. Its addictive and mind-altering nature is quite alarming, but believable. Too-believable at times.

And amidst all that there is the awful sense of the incredible waste.