Perhaps we should build special 5 star complexes for these poor, demanding, people!
The Latvians I know, who had their lands and farms and all personal possessions and "wealth" commandeered by the Russians, and many of the men having being forced to serve in the German army meawhile, came out here and lived in stinking hot and freezing cold left-over WW2 Army Huts.
One family's heritage of the family farm, which had been in the family for generations, is now forever lost, buried, together with their valuables and all their sentimental possessions, under the ashphalt of an airport the Russians built after all their property was confiscated.
These people came to Australia just after the War as genuine refugees, with absolutely nothing. No welcoming relatives with the money, and secret acontacts, to help them pay for people smugglers. And, to their sorrow, they have never been able to afford to go back to Riga and see their native land, which leaves them broekn-hearted, although they say nothing. And what is there to go back to? Their families and memories are lost and gone forever.
The thought of these valiant people coming here and complaining, and rebelling, and smashing up their accomodation, would never occur to anyone.
The early migrants from Sri Lanka in the 50's and 60's were the same. The men went out and worked at anything - one man, previously from a well off family, drove trams for a living so his children could get a better education here. And he was happy - and made good friends here over the years. Their women, unskilled, went out and worked in factories, or whatever work they could get. They, too, many of them, had left a comfortable life in Sri Lanka for the sake of their children. Their road was tougher as they suffered much racial discrimination. As I have said, the Sri Lankans have to pay a $20,000 bond if one of their relatives wants to come here for a short visit. Amount forfeited if the visitor does not leave on the required date! Most of us would have trouble having to suddenly come up with $20,000 cash to pay over for a relative to visit. Plus accomodate them, feed them, and take out health insurance for them, as is required of Sri Lankans who are Australians!
Yet our friends on Christmas Island just expect the best of everything, and to be allowed in immediately, with full rights, more rights than we have (legal, welfare, etc) and complaining and torching property if their digs are not up to scratch as they require them to be!
They can take their appeals up to the High Court on our Legal Aid with the help of bleeding heart lawyers - who would never in a million years take one of us on with any such pro bono work! Talk about double standards!
These people's pride and determination would never allow them to live here dependent on welfare. They worked - and worked hard! And raised their own kids at their own expense - not on Centrelink cheques!
They have assimilated, and all that I know of are highly regarded as ideal Australian citizens in all aspects.
Parliament resumes today. More Gillard screeching. Think I'll give it a miss. Wonder if she'll drink out of a beer bottle whilst on TV today? SO becoming of a Prime Minister!
