A Predictable Response
A few days ago, Australian Prime Minister John Howard spoke out against Muslims who refuse to integrate into Australian society by not learning English, and not doing enough to adhere to Australian customs of equality for women. The response has been entirely predictable.
Islamic leaders are trying to gag Prime Minister John Howard from speaking out against Muslims who refuse to integrate, threatening that any criticism of their culture could lead to another race riot.But Mr Howard refused to back down – writing exclusively in today’s Saturday Daily Telegraph that he believes a minority of Muslims must do more to fit in here.
The head of Mr Howard’s own Muslim advisory council, Dr Ameer Ali, yesterday tried to shut down debate on whether Muslims should learn English and treat women as equals by raising the spectre of the shameful Cronulla riots.
Dr Ali warned: “We have already witnessed one incident in Sydney, in Cronulla. I don’t want these scenes to be repeated because when you antagonise the younger generation they are bound to react.”
Exactly the point that Prime Minister Howard is making. There are certain things that might be acceptable in Muslim countries – such as perpetrating violence in response to things you do not like – which are not acceptable in Western countries like Australia.
I would suggest that the Islamic leadership in Australia is part of the problem, given that they are threatening violence, rather than preaching tolerance to their communities, and emphasizing the democratic means for expressing their opposition.
About the Author
An Australian immigrant to Israel, Aussie Dave has been blogging since early 2003.Filed Under: General
What’s even more interesting is the opposition’s silence. In fact the opposition’s Immigration Minister came out and said that Howard’s comments were not extreme.
This indicates to me that Howard has the majority support of Australians on this issue. Otherwise, the opposition would be jumping on it.
I only hope, as an Australian, we can take this issue of radical Islamists further out in the open. We need to challenge the so-called moderate Muslims to stand with us, instead of crying victim. They can be our greatest defence against these radicals. Either they are with us, or by their silence and complaining, supporting them, even without explicit intention.
The chattering classes are finally under challenge
Hmmm, I am surprised and pleased by the general comments coming out of the Australian government, despite the horrid dhimmitude of Victoria.
Is the average Ozzie getting the danger of it yet, though? IIRC, the media began dealing with the various problems with Muslims in Australia since that gang-rape-in-the-name-of-Islam thing… although initially it was shown as a “race” thing.
Glad to see Howard taking a stand. He’s recognized a serious threat to Australia and is meeting it head on.