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Today's post is about Australia's brave and outspoken 27th Prime Minister, Julia Gillard. Born in Wales in 1961, she and her family moved to Australia in 1966 in hopes of improving Julia's respiratory problems (and the family's economic prospects). Like most migrants from the U.K. at that time, they arrived by boat. Active in student politics studied at the University of Adelaide in 1982 she was elected vice-president of the Australian Union of Students. After moving to Melbourne, she graduated from the University of Melbourne with Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees in 1986.
The decision by the French government to ban religious head coverings has angered many fundementalists, but Gillard has gone even further. Here's the content of her recent speech regarding Islamic immigrants in Australia: "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, trails 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 to 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.
Looking forward to your comments...
I so admire Julia Gillard. I wish the President of the United States shared the strong stand on immigration and integration that Ms. Gillard proclaims. She is not only a testament of personal strength, but should be considered a beacon of leadership to presidents, Imans, chancellors and prime ministers around the world.
ReplyDeleteThank you for writing about Ms. Gillard. May she live long, continue to govern well and enjoy good health and prosperity.
My sentiments exactly. : ))
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