Here's how it goes. My son who is very dark, was walking the kids on the beach at Maroubra, nothing to do with Cronulla, on Sunday evening. Was attacked and knocked out by a bunch of white guys. Yobbos they are called and racist is not used because after all, my boy is not Middle Easter, he is Aboriginal. Oh it is alcohol, it is stupidity. Still the kids are too frightened to go out just like I was as a kid.   I was raised like this and it comes up all the time. It's just bigger and more overtly violent at the moment. I take anyone on who approaches me in a racist way at any time - remember the supermarket Freda? A daily occurrence one way of another. If you are not 'white' in this country you live in fear because the country is built on racism. I fear it will turn into what I grew up with - however Australia also has many people, black, white, brindle - who are of good will and want to see a point in time when equality is not just an idea and fear is not a living every day occurrence. Still, it is the Middle Easter people, the Asian people, the Islander people, and us, the Åboriginal people who are dying, unemployed, unhoused, and in prison more than it is any other (read white) race in this country. I have to go to a funeral this Saturday morning at 10.30 a.m. at Sutherland. The one we are burying is of Middle Eastern/Portugese/Aboriginal as is the entire family and friends.What do you reckon my chances of a peaceful and grieving time are? Here's some stuff I've had over the last ten hours.
Dear Sisters
It's time for women to make a stand for peace. Don't let yobbos be the Voice of Australia.
When? This Saturday 17th
Where? Meet at Cronulla station 11.00am
Why: To make a statement for community harmony and peace
With what? bring flowers for peace - to walk to the beach and create a peace sign on the sand
Dear sydneywomen4peace,
        The issue is about racism and my feeling is that is what you should be making a statement about. Peace as an idea is for the privileged of our society when those of us who are of colour have no peace while racism rears its ugly head. As well, going to Cronulla is both unrealistic and provocative given the circumstances of recent history. I speak as an Aboriginal woman who recognises that maybe you have good will but am concerned that you are misguided in this one. I am also both suspicious and mistrustful that this is a call for 'numbers' in order to create yet another racist situation.

A major problem has arisen, that is, possible blocking of access on the beach by police. Consequently, it looks like the flower demo is not feasible.

Those who wanted to attend are encouraged to go to one of these instead:

ONE VILLAGE, ONE PEOPLE
Gather Botanic Gardens Saturday 17th Dec. 1pm
Different faces of Australia come together as one. Lets show those extremist elements out there that our voices are stronger, and we want to live as one people in peace. Violence & intolerance has no place in this nation. Show the world that the silent majority are living together as one, respect each other and show the same love for this country.

There is also one on Sunday, organised by the National Union of Students:
Details:
A meeting of 100 activists, initiated by the National Union of
Students Anti-Racism Officer Osmond Chi, at the University of Technology Sydney last night organised an emergency anti-racism rally for this weekend:
WHEN: Sunday, 18th December 2005
TIME: 1pm
WHERE: Town Hall Square (Sydney)