Muslims in Australia

Submitted by Ken Gunn (Australia), Dec 14, 2015 at 22:26

Dear Daniel,

I was pleased to read your article in the latest Weekend Australian re Muslims/Islamists. I have thought long and hard about these issues.

I don't consider myself to be racist (who does?), but I do reject bad behaviour by members of any race – including ours. My door is open to people of any race who do not seek to do us harm –irrespective of their skin colour. I know that raising the proportions of a minority can lead to friction, but we seem to have handled that pretty well on the whole. I am old enough to remember the dire predictions of Enoch Powell in the UK about 'blood on the streets' if too many immigrants were allowed in from African countries and from the Sub-Continent. Many of these came to pass.

I don't ever remember being asked for my opinion or my vote on who should be allowed to come into this country to live. That decision was made by those in power and without reference to me.

How well I remember the antagonism to the immigrants from Mediterranean counties when I was a youngster. There were frictions and resentments at times, but nothing on the scale we now face.

The ridiculous beliefs of the extremist Islamists defy logic. The idea that God wants one brand of Muslim to kill another brand on his behalf is absurd. It's a bit like the Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland in recent times. If God (Allah) truly wanted this, I believe he would have the power to do it himself. It's a stupid feud given the petty differences between Sunnis and Shiites.

What really gets up my nose is the arrogance of some Muslims who believe that it is OK for them to set up a separate way of life here in our wonderful country. We should not expect them to assimilate, and we should tolerate their barbaric treatment of women and their determination to install Sharia Law. This is unacceptable !

We were running our country just fine. In our generosity we allowed them to come in. Now it is up to them to blend in and keep our values that made Australia such a desirable destination in their eyes.

Changes I would like to see include;

An understanding that we offer asylum to genuine refugees only, and not economic refugees unless they come through the official channels .

An acceptance of the idea that they should return to their country of origin once (with our help) it has become safe again.

Citizenship should take years of good behaviour and require an application that includes a declaration that they will assimilate, and will be tolerant of others religions and customs, and will treat women respectfully , and will obey our laws and accept our values. Any breach – such as convictions for crimes or terrorism or hate-speech, or female genital mutilation would mean they have not abided by their commitment and would negate their citizenship. I know we are part way towards this aim, but I feel the time required and the penalties should be stricter.

Citizenship in Australia is such a desirable aim that many, many people have died trying to reach our shores. Let's dictate more stringent conditions upon those who seek to join us - for our own sake as well as theirs.

I would welcome evidence from the Muslim community that they are prepared to bring extremists in their midst back into line. I would welcome assurances from the mainstream Muslim population that they do not require us to install Sharia Law. I would request this as I hear many reports that Muslims believe that it is a requirement of their religion that Sharia Law be imposed. They should agree not to attempt to reverse our separation of Church and State. They should also support an expectation that assimilation is a necessary requirement for entry. This includes learning English.

When 'guests' start to dictate 'house rules' it is time for them to leave !

Sincerely,

Ken Gunn

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