Abalinx – 4 September 2015 – Peter Adamis
Recently I read a political Activist Face book post regarding migrants who come to this country to be reminded of their commitment and the need to reaffirm their allegiance. I read this whilst in hospital undergoing chemotherapy for cancer and felt so strongly and livid by it that I had to respond in kind. I apologise in advance that various individuals are the target of my anger, but as always I will stand up and say my piece otherwise others will never have the courage to do so. A copy of the article may be downloaded by clicking on: MIGRANTS WHO MAKE AUSTRALIA HOME DO NOT NEED TO REAFFIRM OR BE REMINDED OF THEIR ALLEGIANCE
Many if not all of those I have had the pleasure of meeting politically have their heart is in the right place, share the same values and love this country equally the same. Therefore, despite the fact that I have taken some individual’s comments to heart others may take my comments personally.
I have had enough of the jingoistic and nationalistic behaviour of some groups who wave their banners without knowing why. I am also tired of the extremist groups on both sides of the political divide and those who use emotion as a weapon to attract new and younger members. Equally I am concerned for the welfare of those that wish to maintain our Australian way of life but have been hijacked and overwhelmed by extremists and racists, thus giving legitimate groups a poor image. Many of my military mates are trying to do the right thing, but even they appear to be overwhelmed by a presence that is not to their liking. So, one wonders whether it is all part of a coordinated effort to cause disharmony within our Australian society.
This article therefore is merely message to those not born of this nation and to those who fail to grasp the true meaning and nature of what an Australian is all about. My message to them is never ever be afraid to stand up and speak against the bigots and those who believe in elitism. I mean those who believe in family dynasties, being above the common, and/or consider they are the elite. It is time that all Australians come to realise what it mean to be an Australian After most of my Army mates came from various cultures alien to Australian society but had embraced the Australian way of life. I owe it to them and their children and grandchildren to put things into perspective.
What some individuals have written in response, I take umbrage and I am of the belief that is utter rubbish. I am a perfect example of a Non Anglo immigrant who has embraced Australian values. I dont have to reaffirm NOTHING, PROVE NOTHING to no one. I AM AN AUSTRALIAN. For those born outside Australia, consider advancing your Australian identity without losing your heritage. Your children and their children will make the fabric of Australian society even stronger still and uphold the Australian institutions for future generations.
Everyone who knows of me is aware that I am a proud Australian who origins are of the Hellenic race. (Which I may add is far more ancient than Anglo Saxon origins who borrowed their institutions and laws from Hellenic and Latin cultures.) I have served this country we call home Australia as a soldier for 30 years. 25 years as a Political traditional Liberal right wing conservative. I have raised four sons on my own as a single father and was not a burden on society.
Now at the age of 65, I find I am facing my greatest challenge, that being of cancer. What the outcome will be is in the hands of the creator whoever you the reader believe in. But let us put things into perspective, I am not alone, there are many of my cobber, digger, mates who have passed away silently and one wonders who gives a damn. I do for like them I served alongside them and those of us that are left do not complain but cherish what life we have left in us. To them, I salute them and I honour their memory whilst in the land of the living. Will you?
My sons are now fine citizens whose origins are Greek and English but they are Australian. I detest communism and extreme left and right wing parties. I call a spade a spade and will always stick up for that the little Aussie battler. I am also the product of many Australian men and women who have fine tuned me into whom I am today. I represent them and they know that I have never let them down. I have been fortunate to have and still have political, captains of industry, community leaders, spiritual and military leaders as my mentors and each providing me with the tools in order to survive life’s challenges.
There are thousands if not millions like me who have embraced the Australian culture and we do not deserve such commentary. Many of us have served in the Australian Armed Forces, Law enforcement, Diplomatic services and many other Australian institutions. We have been here almost with the First Fleet in small numbers and we still continue to contribute to the Australian way of life. It is safe to say that Australia has been importing immigrants rather than exporting them for the past few thousand years.
Having said the above, I must remind you of one example of an immigrant culture to this country and that of the poor Irish immigrants to this country were given a hard time when they arrived on Australian shores. They were ONLY accepted because their children fought with the Australian Armed Forces in WW1 and WW2. The Irish suffered much and I could sympathise with many of them as I grew up within a multicultural society. (It is important that you understand that the word Multiculturalism is but a vehicle to becoming an Australian citizen). I can go on and on with many other examples if need be.
MIGRANTS WHO MAKE AUSTRALIA HOME DO NOT NEED TO REAFFIRM THEIR ALLEGIANCE. IF THAT WAS THE CASE THEN ALL PREVIOUS GENERATIONS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED TO DO THE SAME. To those individuals, all that I can say is fair crack of the whip and see you round the traps. My end game objective is to continue writing about my childhood mates, military, political, private, community and public friends so that they are not forgotten but be remembered by future generations of Australians. Dont be afraid to stand up and be heard.
