You set up a false dichotomy. The options are not 'persecution' or 'Australia'.JDW81 said:1: As someone who works in health care I think cigarettes should be one of the first things banned. Ever seen someone struggling to breathe dying of lung cancer? I have and it aint pretty.
2: The reason they don't ban refugees is because as humans we have a moral obligation to help people who are fleeing from genuine persecution. What would you do if you were going to be murdered for your beliefs, your wife and daughters ***** then killed while you watch and your sons tortured. I think you'd try and jump on a boat to somewhere like Australia too.
3: Freedom isn't free....
There are multiple options.
The fact is by the time they get to Australia they have already been through at least one other nation that can offer them protection.
In the case of refugees foolishly jumping on boats from Indonesia - many of them have been working and living peacefully for many years in that country - far away from the alleged horrific grounds for resettlement in Australia.
It is not the case that we are denying them sanctuary. They already have it - in Indonesia or elsewhere.
We have a refugee program and if people elect to come to Australia - they can come through the proper UN program, not forced entry.
You have to ask the question, if the alleged refugees are already safe and sound in Indonesia - why are they coming?
It's not for sanctuary. It's for money.
We have no obligation to fork out money to anyone. I didn't see that in the Refugees Convention, unless you can correct me?