Ohhhh Hindsight.....

While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure wh at to do with you.'

'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.

'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.'

'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the senator.

'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'

And wit h that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. Th ey play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises...

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St Peter is waiting for him.

'Now it's time to visit heaven.'

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'<>
The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell.'

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

'I don't understand,' stammers the senator. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning...... Today you voted.

Empty Words...

Much has been made in recent years of the concept of support for our troops. Some of the blogs that I have read were almost laughable to me. One statement in particular has always stood out... "Supporting the troops means eating PB sanwiches for a week so I can afford to send more care packages". Would you really do that?? I'd be sick by the end of the week, certainly sick of PB sandwiches!!

I spent a considerable portion of my offline time mulling this over. I began to speak to refugees new to our country and a realisation came over me. I am 100% behind supporting the troops, I don't think I need to explain myself there. Yes, I believe a bumper sticker or pin is supporting the troops if that is what you can afford. Of course, I believe that eating PB sandwiches for a week is also supporting the troops, but how many of us support what they are actually doing??

Last year the UN called on the west for a 19,000 strong force to assist in areas including the Sudan, where there is violence on an almost incomprehensible scale. The call was declined by then Prime Minister Howard and will not likely be heeded by Rudd after he has finished slashing the Defence budget to pieces. The simple realities for many of our countries leaders at that time was that we are already stretched way to thin, primarily across the Middle East, to support this request. I have since followed the situation in the Sudan with sadness and pure frustration. If ever we were to question the true meaning of human misery, we have only to look in that direction and see for ourselves. I get to see it every day. In my line of work we have daily contact with Sudanese, Lebanese and Middle Eastern refugees. One mother told me of growing up in a constant war zone, watching people die, homes burn and people roaming the streets with guns for the first 10 years of her life.

Every war is like any story in that each has 2 sides. There is the conflict and then there are the innocent victims. EVERY Soldier I have spoken to speaks of the heartbreaking sights they witness on a daily basis, displaced families, children killed and maimed or at risk of their lives for venturing outside. We have witnessed Community Centres and schools opened to support the local population as all around them their lives are torn apart by attacks from their own countrymen. How many of us have sent packages in support of these ventures?? I'm guessing there wouldn't be many among us who have not supported these causes in some way.

A couple of weeks ago I was at the plaza doing some shopping before meeting a friend to catch a movie. As I walked down a walkway, window shopping I spotted a stall for UNHCR. I stood for a moment watching them try in vain to catch the attention of people walking by. I must have watched for close to 5 minutes as each person who walked past dropped their head or averted their eyes as they walked past. I actually looked at the bags in my hands and thought about my reason for being there. How good is my life that I have these options?? And so I walked straight to the stall and told them to sign me up. Now, we all know I am no great fan of the UN but this made such an abundance of sense to me. I could send food parcels or clothing or whatever I felt was needed but what I can do with $25 a month and what they can do is so different. This from the UNHCR website......

Single donation $105 can provide enough blankets for seven families $142 can provide a household kit for a displaced family in Darfur $325 can provide fuel efficient stoves for 50 families as well as training on their usage To become an Action Partner and provide ongoing protection and assistance to refugees, please complete details below. $25 per month can provide 50 mosquito nets to protect against malaria $30 per month can provide clean safe water for refugees $50 per month can provide all season tents for 5 families

I have always been sceptical of these aide organisations and in the past it has prevented me from donating, but I can now ask refugees and find out for myself that our donations DO help these people.

This is one of the many refugee camps stretching across areas such as Chad, Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Angola and Zambia.

Many of these camps are surrounded by barbed wire to protect it's inhabitants from Militia and rebel forces.

The War in Darfur (called by some as Darfur Genocide) is a military conflict in the Darfur region of western Sudan. Unlike the Second Sudanese Civil War, the current lines of conflict are seen to be ethnic and tribal, rather than religious.[1] One side of the armed conflict is composed mainly of the Sudanese military and the Janjaweed, a militia group recruited mostly from the Arab Baggara tribes of the northern Rizeigat, camel-herding nomads, who are opposed to religions other than Islam. The other side comprises a variety of rebel groups, notably the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement, recruited primarily from the land-tilling non-Arab Fur, Zaghawa, and Massaleit ethnic groups. The Sudanese government, while publicly denying that it supports the Janjaweed, has provided money and assistance to the militia and has participated in joint attacks targeting the black African tribes from which the rebels draw support.[2] The conflict began in February of 2003. Read more here

Iraq Appeal Situational Overview The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to be dire. UNHCR estimates there are some 2.0 million Iraqis displaced internally, and up to 2.2 million in neighboring states, particularly Syria and Jordan. The internal rate of displacement is continuing at a rate of some 40,000 to 50,000 a month. Many were displaced prior to 2003, but an increasing number are fleeing now. Large numbers of Iraqi refugees are poor and live in low income areas. There are reports of women and young girls forced to resort to prostitution or survival sex and children forced into labour or other forms of exploitation in order to survive. Australia for the UNHCR has launched its Iraq appeal in aid of those displaced by the conflict and ongoing unrest.

So the question I asked myself in those moments before signing up was 'What would $25 a month mean to me'??

• If I was a smoker, 2 packets of cigarettes (so I would be healthier for helping)
• If I was a drinker, that would be 2 1/2 cans of Jacks at the pub (once again I would be healthier for helping)
• 2 large pizzas
• A TShirt
• A latest release cd or dvd
• Half a pair of jeans
• 2 tickets to see a movie

I think I can do without any one of these things to help people.

Success in any one of these regions needs to be a partnership between our military forces and ourselves. Every one of us can become a part of this partnership by assisting in the support of the people injured, displaced and traumatised by the conflicts in their regions. As our forces stabilise their regions, we can assist to stabilise their lives.

AC

Because Some Things Are Just To Funny Not To Pass On

YOU MAY BE A TALIBAN IF….......


1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer.



2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can’t afford shoes.



3. You have more wives than teeth.



4. You wipe your butt with your bare left hand, but consider bacon “unclean.”



5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.



6. You can’t think of anyone you HAVEN’T declared Jihad against.



7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.



8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.



9. You’ve ever uttered the phrase, “I love what you’ve done with your cave.”



10. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least one.



11. You bathe at least monthly whether necessary or not.



12. You’ve ever had a crush on your neighbor’s goat.

A Time To Stand

Thousands of years ago a young man chose to die a painful death to atone for the sins of many. It was an honorable death, albeit one which occured in the most dishonorable of circumstances. A betrayal, an unecessary uprising that amounted to little more than a witch hunt, a slanted court that allowed this man to be prosecuted by an angry mob and a conclusion that would have led many to openly breathe a sigh of relief. The man who would be the King of Kings was gone, and no longer a threat to those who would rule, perhaps not through the most legitimate of avenues.

Through history we have witnessed this scene play out a thousand and more times. In the majority of cases the reasoning behind that which makes them the threat has changed from one of religious belief to one of political standing.......Until now.

It is interesting to note how closely linked Religion and Politics are. In Australia some years ago there was a campaign by a number of Politicians to stamp out Abortion. We have all seen this, every country has their politicians who are anti abortion. The scene played out as it always has and will always do. The rights of a woman to make the decision about what happens with her own body against the rights of an unborn child to take that first breath. Interestingly all of these Politicians were male and therefore would not have a womans understanding of the need for that right to make often painstaking decisions about whether to terminate that life. The other point that was interesting to note was that all of these men held strong religious conviction. All were actively involved in their churches and making political decisions based on those religious convictions. Now, I am not here to make a judgement over whether they were right or wrong in their beliefs. Each of us is born with the inherent responsibility to make decisions for ourselves about our beliefs, our lives and how our actions will impact on those around us.

Personally, I believe your relationship with your God is a personal matter between you and them and is best kept that way. Yes, I am the first to admit I am rude to any person that stands on my doorstep offering me Salvation and to lead me on the path to eternal life. Quite simply, if I held a desire to attend church I would do so.

And this is where my issue with organised religion stems from. More often than not we are born into religion. The beliefs of our parents and family become our own, sometimes willingly, sometimes not. Those who follow organised religion will often be the first to persecute the religions of others because their beliefs differ from their own. Centuries have changed organised religion, pacified it to a small degree. Never again did we believe we would witness the bloody crusades or the enforced acceptance of one religion and it's beliefs. At one time I myself would have fallen victim to the religious beliefs of some due to my looks. Women with red hair, blue eyes and prominent birthmarks were routinely persecuted in the belief that they were witches attempting to lure righteous men from their homes and their wives and enslave them. We can look upon these beliefs now and laugh because the concept of terminating a person based on their looks and your religious beliefs is a now a crime.

And yet, we are now seeing a resurgence in religious fanaticism that has caught us effectively unaware. This is not a new war, simply the latest battle. Christians and Muslims have been at war since the beginning of time. While neither can realistically claim the title of the Religion Of Peace, both believe so strongly in what they stand for that they would die for it. The most prominent difference seems to be that one will die defending their religion while the other will die enforcing it. While one religion glorifies life, the other glorifies death.

Religion has never been the underlying factor with regard to war. That is predominantly greed that is simply masked by religion. If we look at this latest of battles we see the likes of Osama Bin Laden preach the word of Allah to the weak minded and glorify them as they take their own lives and those of innocent victims whilst he hides, amassing a fortune. And all in the name of the Religion of Peace.

Many with no understanding of religion at all will come together to protest against our elected officials and their decision to take a stand against the Middle East. They will further display their ignorance by comparing these elected officials to the likes of Adolf Hitler. These actions merely serve to demonstrate that they also lack any knowledge of history as well. Whether we are willing to accept it or not, religion and politics have become entertwined. All around us those with the courage and conviction to fight deploy to face the enemy on their own soil. Each has their own set of beliefs and convictions, their own reason to fight. These reasons are as individual and personal as the men and women themselves. And yet, they fight for our right to choose our own religion or indeed, our right not to choose religion at all. Their personal beliefs and convictions are so strong that they would die defending them. Their belief in the fundamental right to choose, overwhelms their fear of battle. Their belief in, and love of, their country and their way of life fuels their desire to win.

Each day, these brave warriors face an enemy who equally believe in their religion and their struggle. While the enemy destroys their own cities and murders their own countrymen and women, these warriors will lay down their lives to defend them. They will leave their families, their lives and everything they fight so hard to defend and travel across the world to fight for those persecuted by their own people. They will display on a daily basis, the belief, the hope and the possibility of self sacrifice that many attribute to the Chrisitan faith.

But to many, this is not a fight for religious conviction, merely a struggle for humanity. It is a war fought on many levels, from the battles in the streets of the Middle east, to the random acts of terrorism on our home soil, from the riots in the streets across the world from those who believe they are being persecuted based on their religion, to the enforced lessons on Islam in our childrens schools, from the so called 'Electronic Jihad' that has been threatened in recent months to the propaganda wars in our media. The stark reality here is that no one will escape this struggle. From the innocent victims of these random acts of terrorism and their families to those left behind when Soldiers deploy. To the grieving family and friends of fallen warriors to our children witnessing the war through the media.

In every country, despite religious or political conviction, every person will be touched in some way by this struggle.

Perhaps it is time for us to lay aside our misgivings about our countries Leaders, our reasons for being at war, our lack of faith in those around us. The time for ignorance and denial is long past. We can not allow the senseless bloodshed to continue and through our stubborn denial of the realities of this war, that is exactly what we are doing. If we can educate our children about Islam in our schools, surely we can educate them as to the reasons why people are fighting for them. It is time to show unslanted, fact only views and information. Now is the time for people to seek real answers.

The outcomes of this war need to become the responsibility of everybody.

AC

Just Makin the Point.....

Now, anyone who knows me, knows I'm not a great fan of the UN. I'm still at a loss as to what these people actually do, apart from mouthing off...Like this guy.

Diggers in Iraq symbolic: Blix John Lyons | November 07, 2007 FORMER chief UN weapons inspector Hans Blix has described the 500 Australian troops in Iraq, at the centre of the political debate between the two major parties, as being of "political and symbolic value". Hans Blix, who will receive the Sydney Peace Prize from Paul Keating, says Australian troops in Iraq are of "political and symbolic value". Picture: Alan Pryke The reference came yesterday when Mr Blix was asked whether there was any real difference between the policies on Iraq put forward by John Howard and Kevin Rudd. Asked whether 500 soldiers could make a crucial difference to the future of a country such as Iraq, the former Swedish diplomat said: "I don't think so. They (the US) have over 140,000 people in Iraq and then on top of that presumably a lot ofcontracted people, so I don't see quite that it has more than the political and symbolic value." Last night, Labor defence spokesman Joel Fitzgibbon said he would never describe Australia's troops as symbolic but added: "I am not surprised by his comments." "I think Hans Blix has vindicated the Labor Party's position on Iraq," he said. "There is no doubt these resources could be better utilised elsewhere." Mr Blix was the UN weapons inspector who warned against an invasion of Iraq after his team was unable to find any weapons of mass destruction from about 700 searches at 500 different sites. He is in Sydney to receive the Sydney Peace Prize tomorrow. It will be presented by former Labor prime minister Paul Keating. The Opposition Leader has said Labor, if elected, would withdraw the 500 soldiers in the overwatch battle group based at Talil in southern Iraq and move them to neighbouring countries. The Prime Minister has said those troops would be kept in Iraq but dispersed to other parts of the country. "I would have thought the presence of foreign (non-American) troops in Iraq, the value of it is that it somewhat improves the appearance of a multilateral operation, rather than anything else," Mr Blix said. Read more here

And for that we're going to give the guy a medal??? Makes sense.

I am, of course, well aware that our contribution to the Middle Eastern conflicts seems unimportant and in numbers alone insignificant. But let's look at those numbers for a moment...

Australias entire population is approx 20,434,176 (as of July 2007)

The United States population is 301,139,947 (as of July 2007)

Our Military Force has 51,000 fulltime and 19,400 Reservists. Australias entire force is 70,400 Personnel. The United States deploys twice the amount of Personnel in one country at one time. There are currently approx 140,000 United States Service Personnel deployed to Iraq alone. The United States full force is somewhere closer to approx 1,426,713 personnel who are currently on active duty in the military with an additional 1,259,000 personnel in the seven Reserve Components.

It is beyond my comprehension that someone charged with the responsibilities that Mr Blix was, with the threat of war hanging over his head as he searched for WMDs, can not understand that Australia can simply not commit a force as large as that of the United States.

Current operations Current ADF deployments. Deployments of over 1000 personnel are coloured red, deployments of between 999 and 101 personnel are coloured orange and deployments of 100 or fewer personnel are coloured blue. In July 2007 around 3850 Australian Defence Force personnel were deployed on overseas operations. An additional 450 personnel were also deployed on domestic maritime security tasks.[23] While these deployments have placed pressure on some elements of the military, and particularly the Army, the ADF is not currently 'overstretched'.[24] The ADF currently has two-large scale deployments in the Middle East. The ADF's contribution to the rehabilitation of Iraq, Operation Catalyst, forms the largest ADF deployment. As of July 2007, 1575 ADF personnel were deployed to the Middle East as part of this operation. The other main ADF operation in the Middle East is Operation Slipper, Australia's contribution to the international coalition against terrorism. In July 2007 approximately 970 ADF personnel were also deployed as part of this operation.[25] The Australian force in Afghanistan will be expanded to more than 1000 personnel over 2007 and 2008.[26] The ADF also maintains three small contributions totalling 52 personnel to peacekeeping operations in the Middle East and Africa. Read more here

So Mr Blix, whatever the reason the Diggers are there as part of the Multi National Force. They're doing their jobs and they're doing them well. Australia is contributing what they can, where they can and their efforts are far from 'symbolic' for those of us waiting at home for their return. To us, be it 5 or 500, they are heroes. They have our respect and gratitude for any and all of their contributions to our countries future well being.

AC

A Genuine Aussie Hero - Matthew Locke

Australia has lost another of its Diggers this week, Sargeant Matthew Locke of the SASR Unit. Sgt Locke died as a result of small arms fire while fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Leaders salute 'genuine hero' of SAS GENERALS and politicians alike yesterday paid tribute to SAS Sergeant Matthew Locke, killed in Afghanistan on Thursday, hailing him as an inspirational leader and a genuine Australian hero. A two-tour veteran of Afghanistan and a Medal of Gallantry winner, the father of one from Perth was fatally wounded in the chest while leading a patrol of SAS soldiers against the Taliban. "The nation today has lost a genuine hero. The army has lost a gallant and respected soldier," said Chief of Army Lieutenant General Peter Leahy. "Our Special Air Service Regiment have lost a comrade and a mate and his family have lost a loving husband and father." Sergeant Locke, who leaves behind a wife, Lee, and a 13-year-old son, had extensive experience in East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was one of the finest soldiers in the army, said Australian Defence Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston. Sergeant Locke joined the army in 1992, was posted to the 5/7th Battalion and joined the SAS in 1997, where he quickly earned the respect of his fellow soldiers. "His attention to detail was incredible," one trooper told Sydney's Daily Telegraph. "Matty was one of those blokes that everyone in the army seemed to know -- he was one of those blokes who got on with everyone. "He was a quiet achiever, a good team player and a very smart bloke." The death of the SAS patrol leader -- the second Australian combat fatality in Afghanistan in less than three weeks and the third since 2002 -- will not change the Howard Government's commitment to stay the course in Afghanistan or Iraq. Expressing sorrow at the death of a "very courageous soldier", John Howard said yesterday there would be no weakening of his Government's resolve to continue the war on terror. Taking a pause from campaigning, Mr Howard and his wife, Janette, made a private visit to Campbell Barracks at Swanbourne in Perth, the home base of the SAS Regiment. The Prime Minister said Sergeant Locke, aged in his 30s, had died "fighting for his country in a just cause". "It's not going to alter the attitude of the Government towards the commitment in Afghanistan," he said. "It's very important we contain terrorism in that country, it's very important we contain terrorism in Iraq, and the worst thing this country could do is say it's all too hard and give up." Earlier, Labor leader Kevin Rudd said the thoughts, prayers and condolences of the nation were extended to Sergeant Locke's family. "I have conveyed to the Special Air Service Regiment commander the condolences of the Opposition over the loss of one of their own," he said. "This is a tragedy for the family and a great loss to the nation." Defence Minister Brendan Nelson praised Sergeant Locke as a highly decorated soldier but echoed Mr Howard's comments, saying: "Under no circumstances should the Taliban think this will weaken our resolve." Governor-General Michael Jeffery, a former SAS commander, described the soldier as an "absolute professional". Last December, Major General Jeffery awarded Sergeant Locke the Medal for Gallantry.

Sgt Lockes death has served as a stark reminder of the risks our Service Personnel take every day and yet, the Deaths of Trooper Pearce and Sgt Locke - just 3 weeks apart - have not served to strengthen the resolve of the Australian people. Instead of uniting int heir support of our forces, the country seems to be calling for them to be returned home. How does this honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country??

TO BE AWARDED THE MEDAL FOR GALLANTRY SERGEANT MATTHEW LOCKE Campbell Barracks, SWANBOURNE, WA, 6010 For gallantry in action in hazardous circumstances as the second-in-command of a Special Air Service Regiment patrol in the Special Forces Task Group whilst deployed on Operation SLIPPER, Afghanistan, in 2006. During the conduct of an operation, a patrol, with Sergeant Locke as second-in-command, were tasked with establishing an Observation Post in extremely rugged terrain over looking an Anti-Coalition Militia sanctuary. After an arduous ten hour foot infiltration up the side of the mountain, the patrol was called into action to support elements of the Combined Task Force Special Forces patrol that were in contact with the Anti-Coalition Militia in the valley floor to their north. After the engagement, Sergeant Locke’s patrol remained in their location and was the only coalition ground element with visibility of the target area. During the course of the next day the patrol continued to coordinate offensive air support against identified Anti-Coalition Militia positions in order to further disrupt and degrade the enemy’s morale. During the afternoon, the Observation Post became the focus of the Anti-Coalition Militia who made repeated attempts by day and night to overrun and surround the position. In one such incident the Anti-Coalition Militia attempted to outflank the Observation Post and Sergeant Locke without regard for his own personal safety, led a two man team to locate and successfully neutralise the Anti-Coalition Militia in order to regain the initiative and protect his patrol from being overrun. This particular incident was followed by another Anti-Coalition Militia attempt to manoeuvre to attack the patrol Observation Post from another flank. Sergeant Locke, again with little regard for his personal safety, adopted a fire position that was exposed on high ground which dominated the planned Anti-Coalition Militia assault. Whilst deliberately exposing himself to intense rifle and machine gun fire from the Anti-Coalition Militia, he again neutralised the lead assaulting elements whilst suppressing other Militia until the arrival of offensive air support. Whilst still under sustained fire, Sergeant Locke then directed indirect fire to effectively neutralise another Anti-Coalition Militia advance on his patrol’s position. The courageous and gallant actions of Sergeant Locke were instrumental in regaining the initiative from the Anti-Coalition Militia and allowing the successful exfiltration of the patrol on foot prior to first light the next day. Sergeant Locke’s actions of gallantry whilst under enemy fire in extremely hazardous circumstances, displayed courage of the highest order and is in keeping with the finest traditions of Special Operations Command-Australia, the Australian Army and the Australian Defence Force.

Sgt Locke returns home....

CPA 408/07 Wednesday, 31 October 2007 SERGEANT LOCKE RETURNS HOME Fallen SAS soldier, Sergeant Matthew Locke, was returned to Australia today to be met by family and colleagues at RAAF Base, Pearce in Western Australia. In a solemn and dignified ceremony, soldiers from Sergeant Locke’s SAS battalion formed a Guard and Bearer Party on the tarmac where they met the C-130 Hercules aircraft and carried the casket to a private room. The private occasion allowed those close to Sergeant Locke to pay their personal respects to this brave soldier. The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy, and Commander Australian Special Forces, Major General Michael Hindmarsh, attended the ceremony and paid tribute to Sergeant Locke on behalf of the Australian Army. “We in the Army extend our heartfelt sympathies to Matthew’s family during this difficult time,” said Lieutenant General Leahy. “The Army has lost a courageous soldier, a respected colleague and a mate. We will miss him.” Major General Hindmarsh described Sergeant Locke as a professional and dedicated soldier who was a valuable member of the SAS. “Matthew has made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation. His loss will be felt by all members of the SAS community and he will never be forgotten,” said Major General Hindmarsh. Members of the Special Air Service Regiment carry the casket of their colleague Sergeant Matthew Locke to his family for a short ceremony,after his arrival under escort from Afghanistan.

Sgt Locke is laid to rest...

THE FUNERAL OF SERGEANT MATTHEW LOCKE Mourners congregated at Perth’s Karrakatta cemetery today for the funeral of Sergeant Matthew Locke, who was tragically killed in Afghanistan last week. Sergeant Locke’s wife and young son were joined by their large circle of family and friends and by past and present members of the Perth-based Special Air Service Regiment. On hand to pay their respects to the SAS soldier were His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffrey, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia, The Hon. John Howard MP, Prime Minister of Australia; Mr Kevin Rudd MP, Leader of the Opposition; The Hon. Bruce Billson MP, Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence and Mr Joel Fitzgibbon MP, Shadow Minister for Defence. The Chief of Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, The Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Peter Leahy and the Special Operations Commander Australia, Major General Mike Hindmarsh, were also present to pay their respects to a fallen hero. During his 16-year military career, 10 years of which was spent in the elite Special Air Service Regiment, Sergeant Locke completed active service in a number of operational theatres as well as being awarded the Medal of Gallantry last year for his gallantry in hazardous circumstances. The cortege carrying Sergeant Locke’s coffin was met at Karrakatta cemetery by an SASR honour guard. At the conclusion of the sombre service, the honour guard fired three volleys and a bugler played the Last Post in tribute to the passing of one of the nation's finest soldiers.

And to truly do Sgt Matthew Locke honor, John Williamson sang 'True Blue'

Hey True Blue, don't say you've gone Say you've knocked off for a smoko And you'll be back later on Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue Give it to me straight Face to face Are you really disappearing, Just another dying race, Hey True Blue. True Blue, is it me and you? Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo? Is it standing by your mate When he's in a fight? Or will she be right? True Blue, I'm asking you... Hey True Blue, can you bear the load? Will you tie it up with wire, Just to keep the show on the road? Hey True Blue, Hey True Blue, now be Fair Dinkum Is your heart still there? If they sell us out like sponge cake Do you really care? Hey True Blue. True Blue, is it me and you? Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo? Is it standing by your mate When she's in a fight? Or will she be right? True Blue, I'm asking you... True Blue, is it me and you? Is it Mum and Dad, is it a cockatoo? Is it standing by your mate When he's in a fight? Or will she be right? True Blue ... True Blue. True Blue Steadfast loyal Australian who displays the Aussie ideals of a fair go for all, mateship, having a go, and solving problems.

Rest easy Soldier, knowing you will not be forgotten by a grateful nation.

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sgt Locke

AC

Hotel Rwanda

One of the most often refuted aspects of the War in Iraq is the Wests and specifically Americas reason for being there. The arguement of Liberation versus Occupation, Blood for Oil, the Bush Legacy and on it goes. I wonder, does anyone ever stop to think what would have happened to many who found themselves in the midst of Ethnic Cleansing if the West had never intervened??

For those who found themselves at the wrong end of Ethnic Cleansing the 'Occupation' by America and Coalition Forces is a light, an ongoing reminder that others are aware of their struggle and are willing to intervene. That we will not repeat the mistakes of 1994 when up to a million Tutsi and moderate Hutu men, women and children were slaughtered during a 3 month ethnic cleansing rampage in Rwanda.

I watched the movie 'Hotel Rwanda' tonite. For me it was particularly hard as I looked at the faces of the children on the screen and thought of the Sudanese children I see in my line of work. The 4 year old who told me of the night the police took his father away or the 6 year old who remembers seeing his father shot. The parents who collect their children covered in horrific scars. For those who have no idea what I am talking about here is some information.

The Rwandan Genocide was the 1994 mass killing of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutu sympathizers in Rwanda and was the largest atrocity during the Rwandan Civil War. This genocide was mostly carried out by two extremist Hutu militia groups, the Interahamwe and the Impuzamugambi, during about 100 days from April 6 through mid-July, 1994. At least 500,000 Tutsis and thousands of moderate Hutus died in the genocide. Some estimates put the death toll between 800,000 and 1,000,000. In the wake of the Rwandan Genocide, the international community, and the United Nations in particular, drew severe criticism for its inaction. Despite international news coverage of the violence as it unfolded, most countries, including France, Belgium, and the United States, declined to prevent or stop the massacres. Canada continued to lead the UN peacekeeping force in Rwanda, United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR). Despite specific warnings and requests from UNAMIR's commanding officers in Rwanda, before and during the genocide, the UN Security Council refused to send additional support, declined UNAMIR's request for authorization to intervene, and even scaled back UNAMIR's forces and authority. The only foreign entity to directly intervene was the French government, which sent troops not to stop the genocide, but rather to protect the genocidal Rwandan armed forces from the invading rebel force that ultimately ended the bloodshed. Link

Essentially the world sat back while up to 1 million people were needlessly slaughtered. One man attempted to take a stand and was responsible for saving the lives of over 1200 Tutsi and Hutu people. His name was Paul Ruseabagina. This unlikely hero became the Manager of the Hotel Des Milles Collines when the previous Manager fled in the wake of the attacks. Desperate to spare his wife and children who were all Tutsi (Paul himself was of mixed heritage being both Tutsi and Hutu), he brought them and some of his neighbours to the hotel. As more fled the war torn country the hotel was left to the refugees. They had little food and anything of value was used to bribe the police forces into protecting them or the Hutu Militia men into sparing their lives. Still, Paul never gave up, he fought for these men, women and children when no one else would.

Paul Rusesabagina (born June 15, 1954, pronounced [ɾusesabagina] or [ɾusesabadʒina]) is a Rwandan who has been internationally honored for saving over 1,000 civilians during the Rwandan Genocide. He was the assistant manager of the Hôtel des Mille Collines, before he became the manager of the Hôtel des Diplomates, both in Kigali, Rwanda. During the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Rusesabagina used his influence and connections as temporary manager of the Mille Collines to shelter over 1,260 Tutsis and moderate Hutus from being slaughtered by the Interahamwe militia. His story was the basis of the Academy Award-nominated film Hotel Rwanda (2004). He currently lives in Belgium with his wife Tatiana, 3 children, and adopted nieces. He drove a taxi in Brussels, and three years after he arrived in the Belgian capital, he opened a trucking company. Link

So with all this in mind did we do the right thing when we entered Iraq??

Bill Clinton later remarked in an interview that he believed sending in a force of up to 5500 Peacekeepers may have saved the lives of up to 500,000 people. His inaction allowed the ethnic cleansing to continue for 100 days.

Faced with the same dilemma some years later a somewhat more astute President Bush decided to intervene and become an active part of attempting to end the ethnic cleansing and genocide in Iraq. It has cost the lives of many brave men and women and saved the lives of countless others. It has given people a sense of hope in a country where fear and despair are a way of life. At least this time we did not take the road of complacency. The West did not turn a blind eye as people died needlessly.

AC

Update: Indigenous Elders Threaten to Hold Tourism Hostage...

Indigenous Elders have threatened to with hold the rights for tourists to climb Ayers Rock (known to them as Uluru) in reponse to Prime Minister Howards plan to save their communities.

I have to tell you, I am having trouble processing the attitude of those with the most to gain from this plan... The Indigenous Communities themselves. The Government is funding the plan to regain control so the Communities will not be out of pocket. In fact, they will gain necessary services that will ensure ongoing support and care to the women and children and rehabilitation, substance misuse support and counselling to those in need and a safe environment for all.

This was the response from the Communities...

Welfare groups accuse Howard of welfare 'land grab' Patricia Karvelas June 26, 2007 WELFARE and indigenous groups have accused John Howard of using child sex abuse as a smokescreen to cover a land grab in its effort to resume control of Aboriginal lands in the Northern Territory. A group of ninety organisations and individuals yesterday described the Prime Minister's move to take control of NT indigenous communities to crack down on child sex abuse as a Trojan horse and said it was possible to deal with the problem without seizing control of land. They voiced their concerns in a letter delivered yesterday to Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough. It came as Mr Brough began to flesh out his plans for the takeover of 60 indigenous communities and as West Australian Premier Alan Carpenter was left as the last state leader not supporting after it was backed by Queensland Premier Peter Beattie. Mr Howard announced his planned indigenous intervention last week, declaring abuse of children in indigenous communities a national emergency. Pat Turner, a former head of the now defunct Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission and a former senior bureaucrat in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, today warned that Mr Brough was drawing too heavily on his military background to implement the government's plan. “We believe that this government is using child sexual abuse as the Trojan horse to resume total control of our lands,” Ms Farmer said. “No compensation will ever, ever replace our land ownership rights. “We are totally against tying serious social needs to our hard fought land ownership and land tenure.” Link

It is beyond disgusting that 'Land Rights' are being put above the safety and welfare of the children of these Communities. Just so those from other countries understand, few of the people who are up in arms right now about the 'Land Rights', actually live on the land. There are also significant amounts of money paid out in mining and tourism royalties to the 'Traditional Land Owners' each year. The Government and Mining Companies have been in consultation and negotiation with the Indigenous Communities for years over these land right claims.

Quite simply, the Indigenous Communities seem to want to do little to assist with the Prime Ministers plan. This plan is radical and imposing but is designed to stamp out a scourge that is either killing or emotionally and physically harming children. It is a situation that has been around for so long it almost seems normal to some and that attitude needs to be turned around.

While Youthworking in the town where I live I dealt with something that has stayed with me. The children and youth have very little regard for life. One 10 year old I was familiar with fell between two train carriages one night while he and some mates were jumping off a train bridge onto a moving train. A third of his body was ripped away, he lost a leg and part of his bowel. 2 nights later, while his life still hung in the balance, I caught his mates back on the same bridge. One of the kids, a 12 year old I knew quite well, came over when I called out. I asked what the hell he thought he was doing and he laughed. They were having fun and had no regard for what had happened to their friend.

These young people see abuse and death on a regular basis and sadly, seem to have become immune. I personally, was thrilled to hear of the Prime Ministers plan and will continue to hold out hope for the children.

A_C

PM Howrds Seeks To Rectify Australias 'Shame'.

Radical new laws and severe crackdowns in Aboriginal Communities across the Northern Territory, which include a prescence by both the Australian Defence Force and Australian Federal Police, are due to begin this week amidst public outrage and accusations of racial discrimination.

These crackdowns include a system that ensures children are adequately fed, clothed and have recieved medical checks from welfare money that is designated for their care, a ban on alcohol and hardcore pornography, compulsory regular health checks for children, regular attendance at school and severe punishments for those who molest, abuse or physically and emotionally harm a child in anyway. Makes sense right....?

Well, apparently not. Australia is now facing a state of emergency with an added dilemma... Our Aboriginal Communities are in dire straits. Women and children are being routinely abused and assaulted, welfare money designated for the care of children is being used to buy alcohol, cigarettes and other substances, children are poorly fed, not clothed against the weather, poorly supervised and uneducated and this is the least of their problems. Their biggest problem is those who insist on calling this the next 'Stolen Generation'.

The use of the term 'Stolen Generation' is undoubtedly the reason this has continued for so long. While there are some who see fit to criticise the timing of PM Howards radical new crackdown, the simple fact is that the issues surrounding the original 'Stolen Generation' still abound and still haunt our government. While PM Howard withstood public pressure to 'Say Sorry' to the 'Stolen Generation', many others bowed. This set up a culture, whereby this criminal behaviour was allowed to continue because politicians were aware of the likely outcomes. That is that those 'stolen' would int he future, seek financial restitution from the government from the 'pain and suffering' caused by being removed.

My opinions on this matter stem largely from my own experiences with the people and children from these communities. Yes, I have worked in Aboriginal Communities all over South Australia through different agencies and in differing capacities. I also personally know members of the 'Stolen Generation'. Men and women who went on to become Lawyers, Teachers and Health Proffessionals. Those who do not believe our Prime Minister owes them an apology but more so, that they owe those who came before him a debt of gratitude.

The 'Stolen Generation' debate is one that will likely continue for years to come. My greatest issue with this is that it impedes the implementation of bans and laws that can literally save childrens lives. That is wrong. Every day we procrastinate another child is raped, another young girl impregnated, another child beaten or forced to witness their mother being beaten.

From the Australian Newspaper....

Federal police to begin abuse crackdown tomorrow June 24, 2007 AUSTRALIAN Federal Police officers will arrive in the Northern Territory tomorrow as the first step in a radical plan to stop child abuse in indigenous communities. And more police, backed up by Australian Defence Force (ADF) troops, will be in the NT within a week as part of the federal government's sweeping attempts to restore law and order. Prime Minister John Howard and Indigenous Affairs Minister Mal Brough, who developed the strategy to take control of the troubled NT communities, said making the communities safe and law-abiding places to live was the first priority. Medical examinations of all children under 16 would follow once violence was under control and alcohol and X-rated pornography were removed from the communities. "The biggest single problem in these communities is that the women and the children are scared to death of complaining about the violence and the molestation," Mr Howard told the Ten Network. "And unless you get police on the ground, unless you establish the atmosphere of physical security, or a greater atmosphere of physical security, nothing is going to change and that is the first and most important requirement." Link

Nurse Anne Shepherd talks to Geoffrey Barnes in Geyulkan yesterday while Rosaleen, left, and Jake look on. Picture: Peter Eve Town at the coalface in fear of overflow Ean Higgins June 23, 2007 AS a nurse working in the Northern Territory, Anne Shepherd found herself driven to distraction at the failure of authorities to crack down on sexual abuse of Aboriginal children. "I had indigenous women come to me and tell me their stories," Ms Shepherd told The Weekend Australian. "I passed that information on, but nothing was done about it despite many attempts. "They made me feel like I was being interrogated. I hit a blank every time." Now, Ms Shepherd is Mayor of Katherine. She loves her town of about 10,000, which she says is a great place where most people, black or white, are law-abiding. But she says there is still too much child sexual abuse in her town, particularly black-on-black molestation fuelled by alcohol. The Territory Government has, despite her repeated entreaties, been almost useless in providing more resources to help her cope with grog and drug problems and ensuing violence, particularly among Aborigines who flock in from remote communities. "I sincerely believe that the Chief Minister wants action," Ms Shepherd said. "Unfortunately, all we get from most Northern Territory government departments are excuses and endless reasons why things can't happen." Ms Shepherd is not a member of a political party. In principle, she applauds the Howard Government's proposal to shut off the "rivers of alcohol". But she fears Mr Howard's alcohol ban will, given the reality on the ground, not work on its own, and is more likely to exacerbate problems, including child sexual abuse. Ms Shepherd points out that part of the problems of her town ironically stem from existing alcohol bans in the dry Aboriginal communities around Katherine, ranging from 50km to 600km away. With Katherine their regional hub, Aborigines come in for shopping and medical services, and many buy grog they can't get in dry communities. Some don't make it back. "At any time we can have 300 or more visitors from Aboriginal communities sleeping in doorways and drains, many severely affected by alcohol," Ms Shepherd said. There is a town camp owned by the Territory Government and leased to an Aboriginal-run community organisation, but it's a dangerous hell-hole with tension between those who live there permanently and visitors from other clans. "It has not been properly managed in the past, and although the current manager is doing his best, it needs to be safe for temporary residents," Ms Shepherd said, adding that she worried for the children there. When Ms Shepherd visited a camp called Geyulkan yesterday, there was no one sober enough to string together more than a sentence. But the message still came through as she talked to Geoffrey Barnes, who pounded his breast, saying "I'm hurting in here". "They are expressing their grief, their loss and the fact that they don't like living like this," Ms Shepherd said. The federal Government's policy of imposing further prohibitions on drinking in the communities would only displace more of the problem to Katherine, Ms Shepherd said. In some respects, the dangers of alcohol abuse and violence are then even worse, because the discipline and lawfulness imposed by traditional leaders in some well-run remote communities have no effect when their people come to Katherine. Katherine remains hopelessly under-resourced to deal with the alcohol problem as it is and needs federal government help, Ms Shepherd said. Alcohol has to be attacked, but as part of a broader indigenous strategy, she said. "It's homelessness, dispossession, and the hopelessness of their lives." Ms Shepherd observed that whites in the Territory were also notorious drinkers, and even though she feared she might be "run out of town" for proposing it, the answer might lie in restricting alcohol consumption across the board through reduction of licences, opening hours and so on. "We may all have to feel a bit of pain," she said.

This is the full report (yes, all 320 pages of it) Ampe Akelyernemane Meke Mekarle “Little Children are Sacred” In our Law children are very sacred because they carry the two spring wells of water from our country within them

As leaders spar, Red Centre ready to save children Jamie Walker June 25, 2007 ASK Stuart Gaykamangu about his life and his hopes for the future in Australia's Red Centre, and he'll tell you what the politicians don't want to hear. He doesn't particularly care if John Howard is right and the premiers are wrong as they pursue their escalating turf war over indigenous affairs. He's a proud Amata man, who's standing tall with his year-old daughter, Talish, perched on his shoulders as that "Rann fella" talks the talk about all the money his state Government has put into the school and a new pool for the kids. Mr Gaykamangu will tell you, in his shy and hesitant way, that these are good for Amata and the surrounding APY (Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara) lands of northwestern South Australia, and that it matters not a jot whether it's the Prime Minister or Premier Mike Rann who does the honours at their opening. He'll say people are grateful the petrol sniffers are off the streets, and that a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre is finally being built on the township's dusty outskirts. "Yeah, it's a bit better here," he says, before handing the littlegirl to his partner, Samara Burton, 23. She kisses the squirming child and says: "We want better for her, eh." On that much the PM and the Labor premiers would agree. Yet the states have been cool - arctic, actually - in their response to the federal takeover of Northern Territory responsibilities for indigenous child protection, and Mr Howard's call for them to follow his lead with a raftof new measures to curb alcohol abuse and its disastrous flow-on to remote communities such as Amata. Mr Rann says the only way forward is through co-operation between his Government, Mr Howard's and the communities. The PM insists it's action that matters - from Canberra, if need be - when indigenous children are at risk of unspeakable harm from sexual predators. The 300-odd residents of Amata are among the most disadvantaged Australians, ravaged by the hydra-headed scourge of the grog, drugs and petrol sniffing, as well as family violence and sexual abuse that wouldn't be tolerated in the wider community. Although the APY lands are notionally dry, the grog pours in from Alice Springs and the pub at Mintabie, five hours' drive to the south of Amata, where the young blokes load up on beer, bourbon and marijuana. Which is one thing that hasn't changed, says Mr Gaykamangu, 25. "It's hard to keep away from all that stuff." Amata community chairman Leonard Burton says there's little tolerance for petrol sniffing these days - though it still happens, even after the state Government introduced unsniffable Opal fuel and increased penalties for trafficking in petrol five-fold. Now that the issue of child sex abuse is out in the open, and investigators from SA's Mullighan inquiry are on the APY lands, Mr Burton says the community will confront that evil, too. "We have to," he says. "It's for our kids." Asked what he thinks of the PM's proposal to quarantine for food and rent up to half the government benefits paid to indigenous community residents in the Territory, Mr Burton nods: "That's a really good idea." He supports the move to enforce school attendance by linking it to income support and family assistance payments. "We want our kids to come to school every day," he tells the crowd of mainly women and children, which has gathered for the school opening by Mr Rann. The Premier has flown from Adelaide with a media contingent, rarely allowed on the desert lands on both sides of the Northern Territory-South Australia border. He says the new pool, built with $2million of federal funds and a commitment from the state Government to pay the running costs, is a good example of how things should work with Canberra. The state also paid $17million to wire into the electricity grid a new, federally funded power station outside the administrative centre of Umuwa. "My message to the Prime Minister is: work with us in a constructive way," Mr Rann told The Australian. "Work with us in a bipartisan way ... but also work with the local communities as well, because that's the only way to get real progress. "Do something that does good, rather than sounds good."

The reality of the situation is that this is a culture slowly killing itself. Sexually Transmitted Infections are rife within these communities, many due to a lack of education and irregular health checks. Girls are becoming pregnant at younger ages than would be considered acceptable in mainstream communities, some are still primary school aged.

By not intervening, we as a country are allowing this cycle of abuse, substance misuse and poor health to perpetuate itself. Having seen much of the abuse perpetuated on children in these communities, I am shocked and apalled, yet sadly not suprised, by the level of negative outcry to the Prime Ministers plan. This plan is the childrens greatest hope. Those who support the women and children of these communities, will support this plan. Undoubtedly, there will be initial mistrust and fear at the Military and Police prescence, however, this should indicate the level of seriousness in this situation. Basically, this plan will not succeed without them.

Please take the time to read some of the reports from the Australian Newspaper. Parts of Australia are in crisis and it is time to act.

For the childrens sake...

A_C

PM Howard Says No To Diggers In Darfur...

It's interesting to look at how the world percieves Aussies. We're the 'Lucky Country', the small island with the big heart, etc, etc.

It is also a well known, well established fact that we have amongst the best Soldiers in the world. Our greatest issue seems to be we can not supply in line with the demand on our government and ADF.

With an already overstretched commitment, Australia has been approached by the UN to contribute to a 19,000 strong peace keeping force for Darfur.

Diggers in Darfur 'would have cost Iraq' Cameron Stewart June 15, 2007 JOHN Howard says Australia would have been forced to pull troops out of Iraq or Afghanistan to meet a United Nation's request to send Diggers to Darfur. “It's very fair to say that we are very heavily committed at the present time," Mr Howard said today. “In order to meet a commitment, a sizable commitment in Darfur, we would have to pull forces out of other parts of the world to send them there. “And we have commitments there; once you make commitments, you have obligations not to arbitrarily terminate them.” But Opposition leader Kevin Rudd blamed the Government's open-ended commitment to Iraq for its decision to reject the UN's plea for help in the war-ravaged western Sudan. "If you've got so many troops tied down in Iraq and Mr Howard has no exit strategy from Iraq, that means we don't have the capacity to assist in humanitarian crises like Darfur - thats the problem," Mr Rudd said. The Australian revealed today that the Government had rejected a UN request to send Diggers to Darfur, fearing it would overstretch the nation's defence force. The UN asked Australia for as many troops as it could reasonably spare for a new joint African Union-United Nations peacekeeping force of up to 19,000 for Darfur. Sudan this week agreed to accept non-African troops into Darfur for the first time as part of a hybrid African Union-UN force to help stop fighting that has killed more than 200,000 and displaced 2.5 million since 2003. Link

One thing I have to point out is you really shouldn't pay to much attention to what Kevin Rudd has to say. We are in the middle of the lead up to Elections and he would argue black was white if he thought it might help his chances of becoming Prime Minister.

I have been following the situation in Darfur for some time and believe it is amongst the most horrific we are currently seeing in the world. The problem is that now we are already fighting major conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as supporting other countries fighting for democracy and peace. The African Governments have actively fought to keep Western forces out of their country. I believe it is quite significant progress that they are now allowing a peace keeping force to work alongside them in restoring stability to their region, I just wonder where they expected to find that force. Australia and America are both over committed as it is. Australia had a decision to make - Pull troops out of Iraq to support Darfur or keep our troops in Iraq to see that fight through to it's end.

Australias military retention rates are low. Unlike America, we are not exceeding our expectations here. We are seeing more personnel leave than we can replace. While the situation in Darfur has reached crisis point, and it deeply saddens me that we can not contribute forces, there really is only so much we are able to do.

Well Done PM Howard for standing strong.

AC