I have been reading a lot lately in the news and on social media about he plight of the refugees on Manus Island and how badly they are being treated. Earlier this week the report of one “inmate” allegedly beaten to death by his “captors”.
Posts on social media in relation to refugees coming to Australia have been harsh – things like “send em back and make them wait” or “charity begins at home” to “these people should be blown out of the water”(yes that was a post).
The “charity begins at home” comment had me thinking – does it really? If we look at our ‘home’ as our country and look at ‘charity’ as a Federal expenditure as in the case of asylum seekers it is, as Australians then should we only accept that charitable funds from the Government should ONLY be spent within the borders of this Nation? Should we only accept expenditure of a selfish nature,not go to the aid of countries suffering from natural disasters, famine or war? Australia per capita is in the top 10 of wealthiest nations, despite the politics, we have money, we have money to spare and yet and still Australians wish to believe that “charity begins at home” is the right way and the only way to spend tax payers money.
It is upsetting to me that people in my “circle” actually agree with this, they cannot extend themselves to see the greater good that comes from helping those beyond the periphery of our borders. They believe the Government when they say there “is no money” and when they tell us that billions of dollars are being spent on “illegal immigrants” (which isn’t true because Australia signed a UN treaty that says we will take refugees from war torn countries – there are NO illegal immigrants in Australia). The reason there aren’t is because we scoop them up out of the water now and hide them on Manus Island and starve them to death. http://hazaraasylumseekers.wordpress.com/tag/manus-island-detention-centre/
Scott Morrison and co are happy to continue to play the “deny and blame game”, don’t tell, don’t admit, ban journalists, ban aid workers, ban the Red Cross from entering. Charge locals with trespass when they try to enter the grounds. Where is OUR compassion, where is OUR empathy, WHY are we so greedy and selfish? CHARITY is a self sacrificing act, it means to make ones life a sacrifice, give up your brand name clothes, give up your expensive sport cars and your McMansions, live simply, help others to achieve the same as you have. Lift people UP don’t kick people down. Australia has always been the country of the “fair go”, “standing by your mates”, (thank you John Williamson). My challenge to you and to this Government is to find compassion in your hearts, give your time if you don’t have money, give your money if you don’t have time, make Australia a compassionate nation once again.
Charity may begin at home – in your home right now by giving.
Restoring my soul. 
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