WELCOMING STRANGERS

The issue of assylum seekers and their journey through Indonesia in the hope of finding safety and hope in Australia (and New Zealand) is one that continues to dominate the media and political agenda. Images of fishing trawlers burning and survivors in bandages perpetuate the emotive agenda of refugee advocates, whilst political speak of security and economy drive politicians on both sides to call for another discussion – to build a better, cleaner way to welcome (approved and limited) strangers.

Our leaders tell us that the main issue is the “scum of the earth” (Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, AAP) that profit from the transport of assylum seekers, not the refugees. Apparently, providing a person fits within the United Nations category of refugee, and meets the requirements of entry into our ‘lucky country’, we are ready and willing to welcome them! But, those people smugglers, “they should rot in hell”. (K Rudd)

So why don’t we circumvent the people smugglers? Why don’t we put a fence around the cliff instead of a screaming ambulance on Ashmore Reef?

I know this is hugely simplistic, but surely the establishment of a refugee assessment / processing unit (with the approval and partnership of the Indonesian government) on the ground in Indonesia would be a better use of finance, not to mention it would remove the client base from the privateers (or is that pirates) that would trade on the desperation of hope-driven humanity. This refugee assessment centre could conceivably accept (or return) and transport personnel from Indonesia cheaper than protecting borders, salvaging ships and hospitalising asylum seekers. And again, it has the potential to remove the people smugglers from the scene – after all they’re the problem.

Killing Crocs

The discussion about killing all the crocs within a certain area in the Northern Territory got me thinking.

Apparently we are going to declare open season on the animals because they have killed a couple of idiots that decided that if they went swimming in croc infested waters they would be safe. Despite all the warnings, the documented stories, the experience of many others over many years and the signs that say "Don't Swim Here" - they believed that it would never happen to them. So society decides, it's not the fault of the idiot but rather the croc.

I wonder what would be said if we applied the same logic to tobacco and alcohol. Perhaps we should cull these 'killers' too, after all they are responsible for the deaths of many more idiots that despite the warnings believe that lung cancer, or liver poisoning, or death as a result of drunk driving will never happen to them.

If it isn't their fault then blame must be laid on the "crocs", mustn't it!