ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

Destroying the Shelter
(c) 2005 Manfred Vijars

Spot on Manfred and well written, however...what we have to understand is that our way of life is an absolute anathema to devout Muslims. They come here they enjoy the benefits that our country bestows upon them, but they absolutely abhor our culture and our way of life. It is completely contradictory to what they believe and practice and we would do well to understand that.
I met a chap from Iran years ago who had migrated here with his family, but was returning home because he could not tolerate our way of life and did not want his children to grow up, as he said, drinking alcohol, taking drugs or being exposed to what he saw as our decadent culture of sex and violence.
Now I am not saying he was right... but it was pretty hard to argue against.

The west will never understand Islam, because we think that a person can claim to believe anything they like, as long as they don't really believe it. We can't get our heads around true believers. Also Islam is a triumphalist religion, it is determined to win, no other result is contemplated.
Sadly, I think that things are only going to get worse.

If there's gonna be a Jihad then give me a gun.

Neil

Nicely worded Mannie and it gets back to the concept that one doesn't foul one's own nest - which would be a logical way of proceeding. We should have no problems with any migrants to this country who take this attitude on board - they will in time become great Australian citizens and add to our cultural diversity.

Neville you are completely right. We in the west believe that everyone is equal and everyone is entitled to their religious beliefs. Unfortunately that is the line we have been fed by successive governments. We are now learning this is not the case and some people and some religions are in effect very harmful.
Unfortunately we are not told very much about what is happening throughout Europe or the problems many countries now face due to Muslim immigration and the actions of radical believers.

It's not just some Muslims. A few years ago I heard someone from Germany blame the Jews for all the woes of the world and couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Come, but leave the hatred behind.

Heather

Take it easy Vic, I've been right so much lately I'm starting to get excited. It won't last.


I was pleased that Manny managed to work in one metaphor " discord's searing flame " , couldn't find any other figures of speech, alliteration or assonance.

Shelter from your storm?
The gospel they proclaim?
Someone else's masterpiece?