Our anti-terrorism laws leave us all vulnerable to others' suspicions of our interactions. Our justice system is certainly not perfect, and will never be completely just.
That a “terrorist” tactic has been used against the Indonesia Embassy in Australia shows the futile approach of a government telling us to be alert, but not alarmed. We believe we must “defend our own” using whatever tactics necessary because our government and legal systems don’t really keep us safe.
The fact is we only have perceived freedom and perceived justice. And it is underneath the façade we help to maintain, we know this.
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It is easy for us to chastise a foreign system. It is safer to say that these things only happen to other people, in less democratic places. But, if this is so, why the outrage and fear about a single Australian female? Our citizens are regularly subject to injustice across the world. Think David Hicks, or Douglas Wood.
Ultimately, we know our lives are built on a fragile system that is no more perfect than the next. We might not admit it, but we certainly feel threatened by it.
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About the Author
Journalist and columist with The Age, Sushi Das says he is ‘one of today’s young rebels’. Author and ethicist Leslie Cannold has referred to him as one of her ‘gorgeous men’.
Daniel Donahoo is fellow with OzProspect, a non-partisan, public policy think tank. He writes regularly for Australia's daily papers and consults on child and family issues. A father to two boys. Daniel's first book is called Idolising Children and explores our society’s obsession with childhood and youth. Updates on Daniel's work can be found at www.danieldonahoo.com.
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