Well done Oz!

Read this the other day...

Prime Minister John Howard - Australia

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.
A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia and her Queen at a special meeting with Prime Minister John Howard, he and his Ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown. Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state, and its laws were made by parliament. 'If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you', he said on National Television
'I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia : one the Australian law and another Islamic law that is false. If you can't agree with parliamentary law, independent courts, democracy, and would prefer Sharia law and have the opportunity to go to another country, which practices it, perhaps, then, that's a better option', Costello said.
Asked whether he meant radical clerics would be forced to leave, he said those with dual citizenship could possibly be asked to move to the other country. Education Minister Brendan Nelson later told reporters that Muslims who did not want to accept local values should clear off. 'Basically people who don't want to be Australians, and who don't want to live by Australian values and understand them, well then, they can basically clear off', he said.
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he 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.'
'However, the dust from the attacks had barely settled when the 'politically correct' crowd began complaining about the possibility that our patriotism was offending others. I am not against immigration, nor do I hold a grudge against anyone who is seeking a better life by coming to Australia . However, there are a few things that those who have recently come to our country, and apparently some born here, need to understand. This idea of Australia being a multi-cultural community has served only to dilute our sovereignty and our national identity. And as Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our own language and our own lifestyle.
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.
If the Southern Cross offends you, or you don't like 'A Fair Go', then you should seriously consider a move to another part of this planet. We are happy with our culture and have no desire to change, and we really don't care how you did things where you came from. By all means, keep your culture, but do not force it on others.
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 chose.'

[God_Chaser_007]

Hi Dave,

May I ask ... where exactly did you read this? I have seen an email similar to this which was being circulated around the country some years ago. Mind you it would be nice if this were true. Especially the part in which this country was founded on biblical principles, even the third verse in our National Anthem sings of the Holy Spirit!!

It would be nice for people (even some of our True Blue Aussies) to be reminded of this!!

GC

[Brad]

I am no apologist for John Howard. I don't like his policies and I pretty much don't like the man. Come the election on November, I'm pretty certain that he'll be voted out of office.

I am also pretty certain that what is quoted above is mostly taken out of context, is attributed incorrectly and gives a very misleading picture of the current Government's policies towards Muslims.

Check out more here: Urban Legends Reference Pages: Muslims Out of Australia!

And incidently, we are most definately a secular country. Two Governor-Generals ago we had a self confessed aetheist in the position. And here's a piece from the Sydney Morning Herald in regard to Bob Hawke, one of our most popular Prime Ministers:

To Australians, the idea of asking a politician about their religious beliefs and practices would seem impertinent, at best irrelevant. Being a non-believer is certainly not a bar to high office as Bob Hawke proved. In 1980, during a interview on ABC television, Hawke admitted: "Until I get some evidence one way or the other which is compelling to me, I'm going to have to remain an agnostic …" He was prime minister three years later.

That was from a very interesting article in regard to atheism being one of the strongest handicaps to an American holding high office.

A non-believer - say it isn't so - World - smh.com.au

And here's the breakdown of religions in Australia.

Roman Catholic 26.6%, Anglican 20.7%, other Christian 20.7%, 2.1% Buddhist, 1.5% Muslim, 0.4% Jewish, 0.8% other, No Religion 15.5%, Not described 11.7%Roman Catholic 26.6%, Anglican 20.7%, other Christian 20.7%, 2.1% Buddhist, 1.5% Muslim, 0.4% Jewish, 0.8% other, No Religion 15.5%, Not described 11.7%

[Brad]

Originally Posted by God_Chaser_007

even the third verse in our National Anthem sings of the Holy Spirit!!

God Chaser, there may have been mention of God in the original form of the late 19th century song, but when it was adapted for use as our national anthem, all references to God were removed. And rightly so.

You can see the full 5 verses here:

Australian National Anthem - Advance Australia Fair, Lyrics and Music midi

Interesting posts people.
But it's true I was there.


No, I'm just kidding. I received it in an email.
Didn't realise it may be an urban legend.

[God_Chaser_007]

Originally Posted by Brad

God Chaser, there may have been mention of God in the original form of the late 19th century song, but when it was adapted for use as our national anthem, all references to God were removed. And rightly so.

You can see the full 5 verses here:

Australian National Anthem - Advance Australia Fair, Lyrics and Music midi

Thanks. I had a look, I admit it is different to what I thought. My previous Pastor (who is now well into her 70's) would always have us sing the 3rd line on Australia Day, and I dont see it here in the original lyrics .... hmm. oh well.

[Gray]

Originally Posted by Brad

And incidently, we are most definately a secular country. Two Governor-Generals ago we had a self confessed aetheist in the position.

Don't forget the last one, the Anglican bishop who was forced to resign because of his involvement in several sexual abuse cases.

Which one would you rather have in office?

By the way Brad, which one was the atheist? William Deane was catholic...