Agent 5, to whom Walt has been related by marriages, sent Walt a comment on the decision of the Australian government not to accede to Muslims demands that their people, even though they're in Australia, be subject to Sharia law administered by Sharia courts.
The writer attributes the remarks to Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Here's the text.
Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
[Prime Minister] Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:
"IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.
"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.
"We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!
"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.
"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.
"This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE.
"If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted."
I thought I'd read those words before. And the style of the rant sounds more American than Australian. So I went back through the archives, and sure enough, it's the old "American Air Force veteran's letter", which has been circulating in cyberspace since 2002.
In August 0f 2009 I told you how elements of the first letter were combined with a speech by then Australian Prime Minister John Howard, resulting in the version which we now see. Julia Gillard never uttered these words, but I'm sure many Australians -- and Americans, Brits and Canucks -- will agree with the sentiments.
Coming next: What the Attorney-General of Australia really did say!
No comments:
Post a Comment