I am NOT complicit!

1/16/2014

If I don’t open my mouth and speak up then I will appear complicit.

And I am NOT complicit.

I believe in human rights, that refugees have a right to shelter and protection, not persecution and detention.

I believe women are equal and should have equal representation in government, media, sports, work and opportunity. I know this is not the reality. But it needs to change.

I believe we have an obligation to this planet to care for it. It has nurtured us for millennia. But if we don’t stop our insatiable exploitation of its resources it will die. And we with it.

I believe the purpose of the economy is to serve its people, not enslave the people to the economy.

I believe governments are answerable to their people.

I believe History teaches us lessons which many ignore.

Things need to change.

I need to speak out.

One candle in the darkness looking for others.

I know you’re there. Perhaps together we can build a better world.

This is the first of many candles, match- strikes, flares and calls out into the wilderness. Born of a feeling of frustration and hopelessness with our current government and a society which seems blind and apathetic in the face of the suffering of others.

Please feel free to join me.

An ocean of flickering lights will bring hope to many, including ourselves.

We CAN change the world!

15 Comments

Noel Bjorndahl

1/17/2014 04:57:37 am

We have many similar concerns in common. Government by stealth and secrecy is the first stage in undermining and subverting the democratic process. The Abbott government is doing just that. I'm not a twitterer but I frequently post my concerns on FB..

siobhan colman

1/17/2014 06:15:56 am

Facebook is a great way to get the message out. That we are watching what the government is doing. That we are keeping account.
There are two candles lit now.
And hope is born.

J. W. Miller

1/17/2014 05:45:03 am

Freedom doesn't exist until we are all equal, and the sad truth is that in the Western world freedom isn't free. Your doing good work here my friend, keep it up!

1/17/2014 06:20:21 am

Three candles in the darkness!
And we are just the beginning.

The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
And many of us are prepared to keep watch and call out!

Michele Elborough

1/17/2014 07:11:37 am

I concur on every point. I am, however, always discouraged when there's a Liberal government in 'power'. The most depressing thing is the number of people who agree with 'them'. I dislike sharing my wonderful country with so many bigoted, selfish and self-righteous people. Keep your candle burning, Siobhan!

Stan Florek

1/17/2014 08:24:31 am

Please add me to your candles - I am greatful for your voice!

jacqueline

1/17/2014 09:07:53 am

last's night showing of John Pilger film Utopia was a burning candle, we were welcomed by the memorable phrase from an aboriginal leader: "may our camp fires burn for you always". It was great to be in such a crowd to see this film, which strongly denounces ongoing sufferings of our aboriginal people. And shows their indomitable spirit and freedom from bitterness.

Colleen Keating

1/17/2014 11:02:57 am

Awesome Siobhan. May I be a candle illuminating from the darkness with you.
I keep reminding myself all that is needed for evil to prevail is for good people to remain silent. And I am very concerned with the silence and secrecy of our gov especially in regards to the asylum seekers who put out for asylum in our country. I am ashamed of my country at present and this is upsetting as I love Australia.

Leissa

1/17/2014 08:50:04 pm

It feels as though each days brings another frightening scenario - today our commitment to aid and development overseas went down the toilet. Its the apathy I find most terrifying - how can it not be understood that these kinds of decisions are killing people? Yes I am angry. Its wicked. Does anyone here know anyone who voted for this? I dont. Thank goodness fr the flicker of a candle that says we are not entirely alone with this.

1/18/2014 05:52:55 am

Anyone who has stepped from our shores can see we live like millionaires compared to so many in this world. The poorest on the planet are women and children.
How can our government wine and dine in Canberra while deciding to take the food from the mouths of others?
What kinds of conversations are they having?
War, famine, natural disasters, extreme poverty, religious persecution, sexual repression... are these the things the privileged in Canberra laugh about at dinner?
What happened to our humanity, our sense of decency, our sense of responsibility?
Canberra would have us watch on, safe from this disinfected distance and secure that that extra dollar is better going to another corporate/parliamentary dinner than into the hand of a mother to feed her children.
How well do they sleep at night?

Sara

1/20/2014 12:07:16 pm

Siobhan, thank you for articulating these thoughts which have been rolling around in my lazy brain for a long time. I agree with every one of them and I don't have any more to add to the list.
But is lighting a candle enough?
Isn't there something else we should be doing?

1/20/2014 03:18:43 pm

Glad to have another flame out there!
No. This website is not the answer. But it may help us all connect and together we may work out strategies which will bring positive change.
Letters to pertinent politicians calling them on these issues may be one way to remind them of their duty to uphold some form of moral compass.
We are watching them. Never more closely than we do now.
At best they are a disappointment, but I'm afraid their agenda is more sinister than that.
First disenfranchise then demonise the poorest.
Then make the middle class imagine they are now the struggling poor.
Finally ensure the rich are absolved from all responsibility.
And we become a nation divided and bankrupt in terms of our sense of humanity.
So no. This blog is not enough.
But it is the start.
What begins as a tiny rumble will become a roar!

Carole Dent

1/23/2014 08:03:50 pm

We live in distressing times and I cannot believe this is our reality. It's getting worse and this last week has been shameful and embarrassing. We must try every avenue to make sure the word is out and these people do not go beyond one term.

Susan Northcott

1/28/2014 07:27:07 am

We puff out our chests and talk about "mateship" (as if we're the only society that believes in looking after each other). We condemn certain behaviours as being "unAustralian", whatever that means. But we stand by and watch while our own government vilifies, imprisons and mistreats people who come to our shores seeking asylum - asking for our help. Asylum seekers are not "illegals" - applying for asylum breaks no laws, no matter how the person arrives here. Asylum seekers are not terrorists. They are not criminals. They are desperate men, women and children fleeing persecution and unspeakable horrors. They want a chance to LIVE, to be valuable, productive members of our community. They have a great deal to contribute. More than this, they are our fellow human beings, and they deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. If we choose to offer them anything less, then THAT would be unAustralian.

Kate Sanderson

1/28/2014 08:08:27 am

I love Australia! I was not born Australian, but CHOSE to become Australian. I love all that Australia stands for, "a fair go", "we are young and free", larrikinism, mateship. I came here by boat, an economic migrant, to find a place I was glad to call 'home', in which to raise my family, to live a safe life. I now despair about the treatment we are meting out to asylum seekers, the way we are treating our indigenous people, our abuse of the poor and disabled. The list of disreputable, cruel, underhanded, untruthful and uncompassionate policies being launched by our Government is something that sees our international reputation being trashed and shames us as a nation. I, too, try to 'put it out there' using Facebook and comments on media items. I intend to 'march in March' and to call out loudly and clearly "Not in my name!" Well done, Siobhan!

I am NOT complicit!

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