In Reply to: The Day After - some thoughts posted by Thorsten on Monday, 3. October 2005 at 04:22 Bali Time:
Hi Thorsten. Even though some of your points are well made, i'm not sure about all of it.
You assume that because Australians do not deal with terrorism every day that they have a lack of comprehension about the topic.You will find that many Aussies that post are migrants - I came here from the UK, so my perspective is not just Australian. And you don't have to continually live through something to understand it - I haven't been to Auschwitz, but I have a fair idea of what it must have been like.
Also, please bear in mind that since 9/11 Australia has been at the forefront of the war against terror. Even though we are very small in number, we are always the first country to sign up with the US or UK in various pacts, and we have committed troops all along the way - this made us targets very early on, and Australians understand this.
You point out that it is irresponsible to advise others to go. Australia being a true democracy, posters ask the opinions of others on the forum, and others answer their questions as they see fit. I don't think the average adult would be feeble minded enough put their families at risk just on the "say so" of a couple of people - there are numerous areas where people will get advice. Govt Ministers are on TV all the time stating the risks, and the travel warnings - people will weigh up all the factors and then make their own decisions.
Certainly if there was a Bali 1 and a Bali 2, and one had no terrorism, it would be easy to go to the place with no risk, and an obvious choice. But what about the inhabitants of the other place? Do we leave them at the mercy of the thugs?
It is true that many Muslims would consider Bali a decadent place, and want it brought into line, and the terrorists hold up the Koran, using it as a tool for their reprehensible acts. But a true Muslim, just like most other religions, preaches tolerance and acceptance. It should never be forgotten that these scum are a small minority, and they cannot be allowed to dictate to the world.
I fully respect those who decide not to go to Bali, but I also respect those who do go, even in the face of adversity.