I just read your last post and most of this was written before it went up, I value your point of view. I just don’t agree with it.
Have you ever actually had a genuine refuge ask you for a $5 loan? Not an immigrant, a refugee.
I can't change the minds of those posting this horrid, shameful, clearly uneducated nonsense about boat people being a new phenomenon, and that it somehow risks our culture. Our culture was born on immigration. We are all immigrants. Not many are refugees.
Someone needs to say loud and clear, if you think the colour of your skin, or the country you were born in, should be the reason for giving compassion; then you missed the point in year 8 history.
Homelessness is a problem we should be spending more money, time and compassion on, yes. But let me put the question back on you. If that homeless person is a 20 year old white Anglo from Syria, vs. the 20 year old 5th generation Chinese/Australian, at a glance, who would you rather help? Do you help? Or is it just a nice one liner that stops you from having to actually think? Easy, just to say they’re not from here, we should help someone who is.
Pensioners who can’t afford electricity? I thought that was the evil carbon tax? Now it’s asylum seekers?
Money is not the issue here. It’s racism.
I’m 29. I’m a professional firefighter. I live in Melbourne. My name is Chris.
I point this out because I accused some of you of hiding behind the anonymous nature of the internet. Last name withheld for obverse reasons.
I have no way of knowing what posters here do to help within their own communities and I value the thought that many do much, so please do not accuse me of having not considered that point, and I thank the people whom do.
I hope for better experiences for all people, Australin's and not.
