Live by our values, or go home

Kudo's to Peter Costello, for telling it like it is.....

MARK COLVIN: The Treasurer Peter Costello set off a hue-and-cry today after a speech in which he said Australians with dual citizenship should be stripped of their Australian papers if they don't respect this country's values and laws.

Mr Costello particularly singled out Muslims in his remarks, saying those who advocate extremism should move to countries where they feel more comfortable.

Politicians from all sides have leapt on the remarks and many from the Islamic community say they're offended by the comments.

But is the Treasurer's position actually that far away from the views of most mainstream Muslims in Australia?

Leigh Sales reports.

LEIGH SALES: On Monday, the Prime Minister's Muslim Community Reference Group is meeting in Canberra for the first time this year. It was created to help build a bridge between Australian Muslims and the Government.

But things are a little wobbly at the moment because of the recent comments by both Mr Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello.

Earlier in the week, the Prime Minister spoke of his concern about extremist elements in the Muslim community.

And last night Mr Costello voiced his thoughts.

PETER COSTELLO: There are countries that apply religious or Sharia law. Saudi Arabia and Iran come to mind.

If a person wants to live under Sharia law, these are countries where they may feel at ease. But not Australia.....

LINK


It does appear that most Australian Muslims have adopted the local way of life just fine, so I don't think they're the ones targeted here.