[csaa-forum] Howard's new Tampa

[Melissa Hardie]

Dear All,

I support the idea of a letter to Howard and Rudd -- perhaps a general 
letter from concerned members who could self-nominate.  But I wonder if 
it mightn't be useful to consider a practical and involving debate about 
what we might all be able to do -- be it lobbying, financial support, 
whatever -- to help aboriginal people in situations of risk.  I agree 
with Noel Pearson (the speech and questions Paul linked to) at least to 
this extent (or at least to this formulation of it): familiar positions 
in public debate are, on the whole, so mired in acrimony that there's 
not a significant prospect that the registration of dismay will, in and 
of itself, be likely to cause change.  There might be value gained in 
addressing this ongoing dilemma through an amplification of focus.  I 
know many of you are already doing that work, and I'd like to know more 
about what you are doing.  I'd like to call for us to form ongoing and 
responsive strategies for involving ourselves in a practical and 
positive way with this situation.

Regards,
Melissa
> Dear all
>
> I think Stephen Muecke's suggestion of a csaa letter to the PM et al 
> expressing concerns about his move against (sic) Aboriginal 
> communities in the NT / and the ALP's support for it, is a good idea - 
> worth discussing.
> A presidential letter? Paul? Or a general letter from concerned members
>
> cheers
> Barbara
>