In urban Canada, we have imported a slave labour caste and condemned them for their apparent inability or unwillingness to assimilate. The truth is, they want to become Canadians, but are too exhausted and pre-occupied with survival to become full participants in mainstream society. The irony is, they are victims of their own arrival. Immigrant-driven population growth has inflated housing costs to the point that they must run even faster and longer than other Canadians to eke out an insufficient living. The solution is cross-cultural solidarity, but higher wages for shorter hours is its prerequisite.

Anyone know about Paul Kelly's 'bargain'?"
"Paul Kelly argues in his The March of Patriots that there is a bargain between the Australian people and their governments. The Australian people accept a big, diverse and in many respects generous immigration program, so long as it is orderly and well controlled by the government." (Population growth lobbyist, Greg Sheridan, The Australian) See alsoInterview' with Paul Kelly yet more free ABC advertising for Rupert MurdochVote on whether a population of 35m would be good (ninemsn)

What has Victoria's Premier Brumby got against the residents and retailers of Camberwell in Melbourne's east? Camberwell locals have for over six years made very clear to the Victorian State Government of their opposition to high-rise and high-density development in Camberwell. Locals and their council have rejected highrise plans for Camberwell Junction and their heritage railway station.

The Brumby Government not only ignores the rights and concerns of locals. Its planning minister has purportedly intervened in VCAT to overrule council's planning decisions. This is more than an undemocratic planning process; it borders on State corruption.

What has happened to us that we have to get children to express our deepest values and concerns because we have been conditioned to repress them for political reasons?
(Pic:Gavin Jennings, Victorian Min Environment)