Racism is enshrined in our constitution

When 75 per cent of the polled population of Australians assert that Australia is a racist society, it is difficult to accept John Howard's denial. It shows that at least he is significantly out of touch with what the people know, if he was honest in the expression of this view. It was a view also expressed by the Leader of the Opposition. Now, a number of prominent Australians have publicly disagreed with their views.

There is, of course, the evidence of the past. It was a minister for immigration, Arthur Calwell, who expressed Labor government policy in postwar Australia by saying that "Two Wongs don't make a White".

The Kanakas, who were introduced from the Pacific Islands to work in the cane fields in Queensland, were expelled after living and working in that state for many years. On the goldfields the Chinese were attacked and killed. In Tasmania, the Aborigines were exterminated, and many were slaughtered on the mainland.

Much of this occurred when Victoria was our Queen and Great Britain controlled and exploited millions of non-Anglo Saxons in Africa, China, Malaya and on the Indian subcontinent. There are other significant matters.

It is no answer for Howard and Beazley to say that was then, this is now.

It was Howard's cabinet which authorised his Government's counsel, the then solicitor-general, to argue in the High Court in 1998 in Kartinyeri vs The Commonwealth that the section of the constitution which empowered the Commonwealth to legislate in respect of any race included the power to make laws to the detriment of that race.

Justice Michael Kirby in his judgement wrote: "The purpose of the race power in the Australian constitution as I read it is therefore quite different from that urged for the Commonwealth. It permits special laws for people on the grounds of their race. But not so as adversely and detrimentally to discriminate against such people on that ground." This was not the majority view.

A useful decision if the Government decided to legislate for the exclusion and emigration of all Australian Muslims, or Indonesians or Chinese or who you will.

Australia is a racist country, Prime Minister, despite your denial and you have done little or nothing to make it otherwise.

Malcolm MacGregor Milsons Point

Let's hear both sides, with no branding

I was interested in reading your editorial "The racist tag will not stick" (December 21) in which you state that "multiculturalism should be openly debated". I assume that you will now allow the publication of letters that mention possible shortcomings of multiculturalism as well as your usual collection of those supporting it. I am pleased to see that anyone who now expresses anything less than wholehearted support for multiculturalism will no longer immediately be branded by the Herald as a xenophobic racist.

David Brooks Castle Hill

The letter writers (December 21) who reckon the 81 per cent in favour of multiculturalism cancel out the 75 per cent who reckon Aussies are racist are oversimplifying the issue. For many Australians, the Italian and Greek communities are the "acceptable" face of multiculturalism, the ones who can self-deprecate in episodes of Acropolis Now, open yummy restaurants and are largely Christian. No "weird" religions there, mate.

But it is the ones who "aren't quite like us" who are the target of racism and misunderstanding. It happened in Lambing Flat, now called Young, in 1860-61 when white Australian goldminers attacked the Chinese, desecrating their cultural and religious symbols. Another case of another culture being "too different". This history lesson proves that we haven't really come that far since then and the debate over racism in Australian society can't just be reduced to a cute comparison of statistics.

Georgia Lewis Alexandra

The punitive approach by the Premier, Morris Iemma, to white supremacists is exactly what is required. More strength to his arm. It is curious, however, that those who have been charged so far have largely been apprehended for what they apparently planned to do. It seems to have been forgotten a convoy of 40 cars assembled in Punchbowl and drove unimpeded to Brighton-le-Sands where the occupants indulged themselves in the repeated assault of white people. Why are these violently anti-white racists not being pursued for what they have actually done?

Gary Stowe Springwood

Bravo to the magistrate Ian McRae for the courage to show some sanity in response to the knee-jerk reactions of our politicians ("Shadow of doubt over Nazi claims", December 21). This is why we have and need separation of power between the judiciary and government.

John Dalton West Ryde

Glad my tax helps the needy, whatever their creed

I have always wondered who these mythical people were who voted for John Howard because he appealed to their hip pockets. I do believe I've found one. Michael Stanbridge (Letters, December 21), while you don't wish anyone well who isn't like you (presumably heterosexual, married and able to hold down a job), I do wish you all the best for Christmas and hope that you and your family have a nice Christmas Day sitting smugly and comfortably in your home enjoying the good life.

To those who aren't as well off, I also wish you all the best and hope that the 50 per cent of my pay helps make your life a little more easy and that there are people out there in the community who are helping you in your need.

Margaret Grove Abbotsford

Why was I not surprised to note that Michael Stanbridge hails from the shire? Can I bravely suggest that it is we gays who support you. As a single gay man, the taxes derived from my reasonably high income and investments are subsidising the education and health of the children I'll never have. But guess what? I'm quite happy for that to happen, and would rather the Government spend what's left on improving those services rather than another round of vote-buying tax cuts.

Matthew Brown Woollahra

As a gay, unmarried, PAYE taxpaying mother, I would like Michael Stanbridge to know he is welcome to drive on my roads, be cared for in my hospitals, walk in my national parks and have his children educated in my schools.

I agree with him on the politicians' junkets though.

Kate Deakin Summer Hill

I would be interested to know precisely how Michael Stanbridge's taxes are "supplying the gay … club with everything they need".

I can be fairly carefree and merry on occasion, too. Where do I queue for this particular handout?

Kati Ritchie Erskineville

Disgraceful evidence of discrimination

The results indicate that the idiot children of the well-heeled have displaced academically gifted students. Glowing references from Olympic committee members, government ministers or other successful family friends will no doubt help secure a place in medicine, while other students try to work out where their interviews went wrong.

Dr Julian Parmegiani Sydney

Please explain

Antoinette Hirst Double Bay

Misleading statement

Keith Robinson Warrimoo

Not so sharp security

The woman in front opened her hand luggage and then knitted all the way to Sydney! Sharp and pointed? Yes. Potential weapons? I believe so.

Sue Howard Lindfield

Skipping the starter

Murray Hunter Auckland

A West Wing plea

Claire Murphy Mudgee

Land tax suggestion

E. Johannessen Tuggerawong

Strange recipients

Is not how one acquired such obscene wealth as important as how one deigns to cast down the almost unfathomable largesse? I wonder if Bill and Melinda have given thought to that point while navigating their modestly appointed $US75 million ($100 million) house.

David Jordan Dee Why

Pleasant experience

I have managed a smile from time to time while watching the show, an experience I found quite pleasant.

It's worth a try, especially at this grim time of year.

Richard Lynch Waterloo

Look at me, look at me, David Durston, it's called satire and the Aussies who get it are too busy laughing at themselves to give a stuff what the rest of the world think about the delicious Kath and Kim.

Max Fischer Scarborough

Kath & Kim bad? Nothing could ever be as bad as Sylvania Waters.

Randi Svensen Katoomba

Gough's longevity

I tried it once, a few years ago, and was escorted out the front door by security. Oh, OK, admittedly I was tired and emotional, I didn't carry a walking cane and a shock of high grey hair, and I didn't have an air of infallibility.

Rosemary O'Brien Georges Hall

Bit of a laugh when it comes to the trains

I'm sure it's only a coincidence, but it's still funny. A friend of mine was at a Christmas lunch last week with what turned out to be a bunch of government departments. The State Rail guys were 45 minutes late.

A. Janschek Coogee

Amid the hand-wringing and the "why-oh-whys", may I just say Sydney's trains now seem to be running on time.

Steve Moore Leumeah

Mystery of the divine

Tony Podpera Woden ACT

Give pests a chance

Les Skidmore Bateau Bay

Busy little weavers

Marise Watson Stanmore

Off their stalks

Peter Fyfe Lavender Bay

Two bob and a push

Edward Richards Amaroo ACT

Shirt of wisdom

Mary Willcox Mosman

Muzak-free zone

Andrew Derbidge North Ryde

It has been reported that the Iranian Government has banned the music of saxophonist Kenny G from Iranian radio. How can we pressure the Howard Government into carrying out this very sensible policy?

David Astin Taperoo SA

Signature distraction

Matt Luxford Terrigal

What is a "Penelope Grace Layton-Caisley" doing living in downtown Marrickville?

Steven Maher Failford