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1. Do most Australians think about liberty as a personal blessing, the rights and freedoms they enjoy?
   Our soldiers go offshore to fight for freedom, that others may have it. Our troops in Afghanistan now certainly have a well-developed view on it.
   I believe many Australians have never given it thought but take it for granted.
   When I read on line comments to stories about people seeking asylum, specifically those who cross our borders in unseaworthy boats which sometimes sink and often breakdown, I sense that many have not understood what it is to be persecuted for what you believe, or who you are.
   Maybe they equate persecution with nasty words or a shove and push, and not the life threatening situation asylum seekers escape from - escape while they still can.
   Are our children taught about universal human rights, and the international Declaration which was signed by all the free countries 62 years ago? The Human Rights Commission which you would think to be the source of eduactional materials had its funding slashed by 40 % some years ago - and human rights abuses in Australia often go unchallenged.
   As we gather our loved ones close to us this Christmas - metaphorically if not physically - may we give a moment's thought to the injustice and evil of nearly 900 children in the immigration detention places in Australia - about 450 of them without parents here, without presents , and above all without freedom.
   It is absolutely not necessary, so why do our politicians chose to do it?

   Posted By: Frederika Steen, Chapel Hill Brisbane

2. Let us also remember people of our own parishes who have been, and are, harming themselves by the thousands every year, many of them as a result of
   abuse because they thought they were guilty!

   Posted By: D.A. Davies. Milton.

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