PM's Sad And Selfish Christmas Message
December 25, 2002
Letters - The Age
What a sad, sad Christmas message from our Prime Minister (The Age, 24/12) - built, as it is, on smugness, insularity, "resilience and stoicism in the face of adversity".
Who do we feel for but ourselves and "citizens of other nations who have shared our loss"? What about those have who suffered their own losses that are not ours?
Who do we remember but "all who have fought for Australia's sake in different theatres of war"? What about those who gave of their time, energy and health in the cause of unasked-for medical help for others?
We think of "Defence Force personnel", and we want to uphold the principles of "justice, peace and security upon which our nation was founded". But what about generosity and charity?
I was raised to believe that Jesus Christ promoted forgiveness and understanding, generosity and giving of self for others. This PM does not represent any sort of Christianity that I understand. What is especially sad is that he doesn't seem to know the difference.
Fred McArdle, West Brunswick
Why I won't enjoy my Christmas meal
While all those Australians who believe that imprisoning children, ignoring the desperate and turning away the victims of violence and oppression is "border protection" sit down for their self-satisfied Christmas dinner with their own kids and grandkids, would they spare a thought for the kids in Woomera and Baxter? Or at Villawood, Port Hedland, Christmas Island, Nauru and Manus Island? And what of the ones in Maribyrnong?
These children have committed no crime, they are not criminals, they are victims and we need to hang our heads with shame. Personally I have cancelled Christmas proper this year because I fear I would choke with disgust and weep with despair at the sound of "goodwill to all men" or "Merry Christmas".
Marilyn Shepherd, Kensington
Pity's fine - but don't be selective
Many Australians will do more than merely think of the children at Woomera, etc when they sit down to their Christmas dinner today - they will also be sparing thoughts, prayers and money for those who live and die in climates of religious persecution not only in a string of countries with Islamic laws, but in other countries as well.
Those persecuted because of their Christian beliefs - including in Indonesia, with its supposedly "enlightened" constitution and "liberal" government - would be happy to set sail for Australia, if only they had the means and opportunities seemingly readily available to large numbers of pseudo refugees arriving in this country.
Religious persecution also occurs in Communist China and Vietnam, claiming the lives of close to 200,000 innocent persons - including children - each year.
So don't let us be selective when it comes to sparing thoughts. And let us also maintain a sense of proportion.
Henk Verhoeven, Beacon Hill, NSW
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