Peter Costello and His Comments
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I have been asked by one of my readers to discuss one of Australia's prominent politicians' comments made the other day about the integration of Muslims into Australian society. Now, of course I am never one to give up an opportunity to enlighten people about current political events, so here I go.
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The Background:
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In short, on 23 February 2006, Mr. Peter Costello, Australia's current Treasurer (and hopeful candidate of the Prime Minister's position) came out and stated, among other things:
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"Before becoming an Australian you will be asked to subscribe to certain values. If you have strong objection to those values, don't come to Australia."
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Mr. Costello is now suffering what is perceived as a "backlash" because he directed his comments at foreign-born muslims and those who practice Sharia law.
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The Problem
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Mr. Costello's comments come at a time where not only Australia, but the world, is extremely sensitive to the issue of treatment of radical muslims and their practices. Politicians are fearful that by making comments regarding the current problem, they will be seen as racist, insensitive, and inflammatory. We are seeing this in Denmark, and throughout the world regarding the cartoons. We are saw the backlash which arose from the Cronulla riots. The bottom line is that if anyone says anything at all about the muslim community, they are at risk of being branded all sorts of things.
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My View
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While I sometimes have anti-Liberal views on this website, I must admit that the idea behind what Peter Costello said is right. The way in which he said it was wrong.
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I believe that Peter Costello had every right to say what he did, but for the manner in which he did it. Is there a right way of outlining these issues at the moment? Of course not. You are always going to have people miscontruing what you say, particularly during times where the issue is red hot.
.
I know exactly where Costello is coming from because I have the ability to look past his words and understand what it is he is actually trying to say. The problem is that his comments have been placed in the context of Muslim Sharia law, rather than any law which is in direct conflict with Australian rule of law.
.
When studying law, we learn about a number of things. In particular, we are taught about the foundations of any western society - democracy and the rule of law. It is a difficult concept to study, but once you study it in depth, you learn that these very concepts underpin everything that we do as a society, ranging from our legislation, punishment, public order, and day to day living in a communal environment.
In the same conference that Mr. Costello made these comments, he also stated that:
"Anyone applying for citizenship who rejects the notion of living under a democratic legislature and obeying the laws it makes poses a threat to the rights and liberties of others and should be refused citizenship."
.
Now, put aside ANY reference to muslims.
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If someone (ANYONE) from another country who does not agree with another country's (not just Australia's) rule of law and the values under which we live, it is of course in that country's best interests to consider whether or not these people should be allowed citizenship. I am not talking about people who hold different opinions on government, every day living etc (if so, i'd be one of them!). I am talking about those people who do not agree on the VERY FOUNDATIONS OF A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, such as punishment, legal equality, public order, legislation.
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Conclusion
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My views are completely in line with the views that I held regarding the Cronulla riots. Anyone that does not obey the law, needs to be brought before the law as a consequence of their actions. Regardless of whether they are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, whatever.
.
Peter Costello was perhaps foolish to directly refer to the muslim community. However, what he said applies to everyone from the muslim community to the buddhist community, to the jewish community.
.
However, we are currently surrounded by people who arent smart enough to read between the lines, but rather, are guided by media and take statements at face value. Hence why Peter Costello is now suffering a "backlash".
I have been asked by one of my readers to discuss one of Australia's prominent politicians' comments made the other day about the integration of Muslims into Australian society. Now, of course I am never one to give up an opportunity to enlighten people about current political events, so here I go.
.
The Background:
.
In short, on 23 February 2006, Mr. Peter Costello, Australia's current Treasurer (and hopeful candidate of the Prime Minister's position) came out and stated, among other things:
.
"Before becoming an Australian you will be asked to subscribe to certain values. If you have strong objection to those values, don't come to Australia."
.
Mr. Costello is now suffering what is perceived as a "backlash" because he directed his comments at foreign-born muslims and those who practice Sharia law.
.
The Problem
.
Mr. Costello's comments come at a time where not only Australia, but the world, is extremely sensitive to the issue of treatment of radical muslims and their practices. Politicians are fearful that by making comments regarding the current problem, they will be seen as racist, insensitive, and inflammatory. We are seeing this in Denmark, and throughout the world regarding the cartoons. We are saw the backlash which arose from the Cronulla riots. The bottom line is that if anyone says anything at all about the muslim community, they are at risk of being branded all sorts of things.
.
My View
.
While I sometimes have anti-Liberal views on this website, I must admit that the idea behind what Peter Costello said is right. The way in which he said it was wrong.
.
I believe that Peter Costello had every right to say what he did, but for the manner in which he did it. Is there a right way of outlining these issues at the moment? Of course not. You are always going to have people miscontruing what you say, particularly during times where the issue is red hot.
.
I know exactly where Costello is coming from because I have the ability to look past his words and understand what it is he is actually trying to say. The problem is that his comments have been placed in the context of Muslim Sharia law, rather than any law which is in direct conflict with Australian rule of law.
.
When studying law, we learn about a number of things. In particular, we are taught about the foundations of any western society - democracy and the rule of law. It is a difficult concept to study, but once you study it in depth, you learn that these very concepts underpin everything that we do as a society, ranging from our legislation, punishment, public order, and day to day living in a communal environment.
In the same conference that Mr. Costello made these comments, he also stated that:
"Anyone applying for citizenship who rejects the notion of living under a democratic legislature and obeying the laws it makes poses a threat to the rights and liberties of others and should be refused citizenship."
.
Now, put aside ANY reference to muslims.
.
If someone (ANYONE) from another country who does not agree with another country's (not just Australia's) rule of law and the values under which we live, it is of course in that country's best interests to consider whether or not these people should be allowed citizenship. I am not talking about people who hold different opinions on government, every day living etc (if so, i'd be one of them!). I am talking about those people who do not agree on the VERY FOUNDATIONS OF A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY, such as punishment, legal equality, public order, legislation.
.
Conclusion
.
My views are completely in line with the views that I held regarding the Cronulla riots. Anyone that does not obey the law, needs to be brought before the law as a consequence of their actions. Regardless of whether they are Muslim, Jewish, Christian, whatever.
.
Peter Costello was perhaps foolish to directly refer to the muslim community. However, what he said applies to everyone from the muslim community to the buddhist community, to the jewish community.
.
However, we are currently surrounded by people who arent smart enough to read between the lines, but rather, are guided by media and take statements at face value. Hence why Peter Costello is now suffering a "backlash".
posted by KateOnTheGo at
8:02 AM
3 Comments:
I think any country, as well as its leaders and citizens, have not only a right - but an absolute responsibility - to ensure that all citizens, new and existing alike, follow the "rules of the land," I agree and support Peter Costello wholeheartedly. I wish my own country would "get" it! Is Mr. Costello available for guest speaking in other countries? Personally, I'm sick and tired of special interest groups thinking they have a right to run rough shod over everyone else!
I understand what you're saying, EC.
The problem is that Mr. Costello has backed John Howard's introduction of other bad things for this country - ie. tax issues, industrial relations issues, so he is no angel.
He just happens to be right on this occasion :)
Drat! Why can't any of them get it "all the way" right, eh? Oh well. He got one right - that's mroe than many do (grin)! Thanks for the quick lesson on your area's politics, Kate (I mean that sincerely - not always easy to tell in emails, etc.)
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