Sorry if this has been posted already. I think it is interesting, and to be honest, refreshing. I hope other world leaders follow suit.
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=15731Australia Draws The Line With Muslims
Bill Haymin
Bill Haymin
October 30, 2006
Reuters-The 2004 London Tube bombing raised domestic terrorism concerns in countries with large immigrant Muslim populations, such as Australia. In its wake, Australian Prime Minister John Howard held a two-hour summit with moderate Muslim leaders in Canberra to work on a national strategy for addressing intolerance and the promotion of violence, during which issues such as the curriculum of Islamic schools and suggested measures for vetting imams were discussed.
Muslims who want to live under Sha'ria law were told to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. Prime Minister John Howard and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face 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 Sha'ria law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," he said on national television.
Howard angered some Australian Muslims by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Asked whether he was prepared to "get inside" mosques and schools to ensure there was no support for terrorism, Mr Howard was blunt.
"Yes, to the extent necessary," he told Southern Cross radio. "I have no desire and nor is it the Government's intention to interfere in any way with the freedom or practice of religion.
"We have a right to know whether there is, within any section of the Islamic community, a preaching of the virtues of terrorism, whether any comfort or harbor is given to terrorism within that community.
"Immigrants, not Australians, must adapt. I'm tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. 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 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. As Australians, we have our own culture, our own society, our 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 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; all we ask is that you accept ours and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us. 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 if you complain about our flag, our pledge, our Christian beliefs, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of our other great Australian freedom, ‘The Right to Leave'!" "Copyright 2006, by the Levitt Letter.
This article was taken from the November 2006 issue of the "Levitt Letter.
Oh that we would have a stalwart American President, governmental leaders and a majority culture of people, that would believe and act out these comments by Australian Prime Minister John Howard . But sadly that is not the case. Our President, governmental leaders, and many of our people have a different agenda for our soon to be deceased sovereign nation, the "un-United States of America." How does that famous and important saying go?... The price of Liberty is - eternal vigilance.
The Levitt Letter, was started and founded by now recently deceased patriarch, Messianic Jewish Bible teacher and Middle East commentator of his day, Zola Levitt, of Zola Levitt Ministries.
www.levitt.comIt is a very important, reliable and cogent, Jewish/Christian perspective of the Middle East with commentary from many other Knowledgeable and prominent people.
By Bill Haymin, 2006
