Theres a concentrated Lebanese population in the south west of Sydney which the tabloid media loves to bring up every now and then - and yes there are Lebanese crime gangs operating in these areas (just like there are chinese...vietnamese...europe an based crime gangs), but these are 99% 2nd generation and Australian born. Its only as big of a problem that all crime eventually becomes.
Tronsky
It's not is not a media construction, Lebanese youths cause an inordinate amount of trouble. It is a societal trend for those of 'ethnic' or middle eastern decent to blindly embrace their 'heritage' (despite the fact that they have never been to Lebanon or whatever they call 'home') and form tight-knit social groups according to this 'common' heritage. These groups of guys and their sluts proceed to 'crash' parties and start fights simply because they consider themselves 'different'. You are right though, Tronski, these 'ethnic' youths are mostly one hundred percent Australian born and bred.
As blunt assessment may be, it is a true representation of youth behaviour in Australia. This is also far from anecdotal evidence, I studied this topic at university and the same general trend was observed in an official study (I will reference later if entirely necessary).
Australian-born youths have no specific, intrinsic identity and because of this they seek to embrace any heritage they can (regardless of how removed they are from said heritage). I would have this country work toward a more focused model for Australian youths to work toward rather than the entirely ambiguous 'Aussie' attitude that permeates so many form soft media yet means nothing.
I'd get also rid of Kevin Rudd. He's out to look like the kind and caring man for the down-trodden and marginalised. He is sadly lacking in testicular fortitude.... something that (whether you loved or hated him) John Howard certainly had.
'Sorry Day' was a travesty and an insult to every white Australian who had nothing to do with the 'stolen generation'. To be honest, I was disgusted our new PM took such a soft line on this issue. To be blunt, Aboriginals ask for much and give
so little yet when their communities (outside of white Australian settlements) run into trouble due to substance abuse, crime and child abuse they're the first to run to the government for help. I'm not sure if you all read the recent article that SD67 posted about Aboriginal communities
asking the government to take their children and educate them... but that is a perfect indication of what really takes place. Far too many Aboriginals seek to take advantage of our government regardless of the fact that they are their own worst enemy.
I'd also like to see the Australian government stick with Howard's 'tough on immigration' stance.... This will most certainly not happen now that Kevin Rudd and his merry band of hippies like Peter Garret have taken over, though.... which is sad.
Victorian police have had to set up a special task force to deal with African gangs who rob, rape and steal... I fear that this soft attitude of the new government will only exacerbate this issue.
Australia is in mortal danger of falling into an inescapable cycle of political correctness and putting all others before ourselves. This is very poor way to run a country and one that will not succeed.
Looking past the negative things I have brought up, this country does provide an excellent quality of life. Our food is of excellent quality, as is out water (increasingly scarce as it may be) and we have a largely fair system of trade.
Anyone who was seeking to live here and not get involved in the areas largely affected by immigration its negative effects (such as the inland and country areas) would do well to do so, we do have a quality infrastructure.
Whilst Australia is increasingly becoming a nation disabled by a piss-weak government and its eternal insistence on political correctness it is currently a comfortable place to live and work.
