Out of the mouths of Camden’s fools
Posted by clubwah on May 28, 2008
Last night Lateline showed the folk of Camden filing in and out of the council meeting which endorsed their totally racist rejection of an application to build an Islamic school on “planning grounds”. I haven’t been so sickened watching Lateline since Peter Reith was a minister.
I could embark on one of my vitriolic missives about how John Howard made this kind of bigotry acceptable and shoot holes in these fucking bastard’s arguments, but I reckon I might let the people of Camden do it themselves. Here are some choice quotes which prove that democracy isn’t always a good thing when in the hands of the stupid.
Resident Kate McCulloch (pictured above): “We just don’t want Muslim people in Camden.
“We don’t want them not only here, we don’t want them in Australia. They’re an oppressive society, they’re a dictatorship.”
Kate McCulloch again: “The ones that come here oppress our society, they take our welfare and they don’t want to accept our way of life.”
Anon resident: ”It’s not for racist [reasons], just all the crime and stuff that other foreign people bring into the town.”
Camden Resident’s Group member on being asked why she’s weating an Australian flag: “Why shouldn’t I be? Why is Channel 2 against Australia?”
Another Camden Residents Group member: “My kids can’t read Islamic, how are they going to go to that school? It’s all crap, next thing there will be a mosque, then there will be the little town that comes with it. It’s not appropriate for the area at all.”
Radio caller: “If it [the school] gets approved, every ragger ["raghead"] that walks up the street is going to get smashed up the arse by about 30 Aussies.”
And this says it all:
Cambden Residents Group:”Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! Oi, oi, oi!”
Sources: ABC.net, Lateline, Sydney Morning Herald, BBC News, The Independent
Iain Hall said
would your write the same sort of post if the proposed school was for the Exclusive Brethren or any other brand of Christianity?
clubwah said
If the remarks against them were as ill-informed, foolish and bigoted yes.
Let me return serve and ask would there have been this reaction if it were and Exclusive Bretheren of other Christian school?
Iain Hall said
Very possibly there would have been. I find it amusing/interesting that for the left Christian religious schools are almost always vilified and often in terms that are just as bigoted as in your example.
It is very easy to be sanguine about a 1200 student school when you live in a city but when you live in a rural circumstance the effect of such an institution on the surrounding district would be very much more significant.
The people who live in a district do have the right to object to such developments under the planning laws. would you remove that right from them?
Izzy said
Wah, well put.
Although you didn’t need to write anything after the picture. That woman screams inbreed redneck Pauline Hanson what-to-be ill-informed racist bogan all on her own.
ar said
The ABC sure picked out the idiots to help make its point. Any chance you reckon of those idiots being Kevin07 voters?
Izzy said
Ar, it’s a pretty easy point to make, i’m tipping every idiot in the meeting would share this bogan’s opinions.
she looks more like a family first voter to me.
ar said
Izzy, idiots would’ve been thick (pardon the pun) on the ground that’s for sure.
FF and CDP got about 1.7% of the vote in Macarthur. Greens got 4.3% Pat Farmer barely managed to hang on with a 10.5% swing against him.
I’d like to see TV reporters ask “And who do you vote for?” just for laughs…
Damian said
Be careful calling it racism, Wah, or you’ll be chopped to pieces by the “Islam is not a race!” refrain. Choice cuts, though. And here’s one for you – there’s some whisper that Ms McCulloch may be closer to the decision-makers than some would like and it’s no surprise she is getting such a good run (if you can call it that) in the media.
Iain, the Brethren have a compound (for want of a better word) in Elderslie, just up the road. See if Google turns up a history of citizens’ action groups protesting about it. Regarding Christian schools in the area, one was shut down a few years for over-emphasising the religious part of its curriculum (which one of the thousand things that the opponents of the Islamic school used in their attack on the school’s planners).
Izzy, based on my experience at Fred Nile’s little stopover a few months ago, you’re right. Anyone with a different view wouldn’t be there or they’d cop the abuse and threats I did.
Jeremy said
I object to religious schools of all varieties – Christian, Islamic, Pastafarian… Schools shouldn’t be indoctrinating kids with a religion at all, whether at the behest of parents or not. Teach children about various religions, by all means, but don’t force one down their throats.
That said, this Camden group are fucking idiots.
Al said
Jeremy, most religious schools in Australia doesn’t force religion down anyone’s throat. As a matter of fact lot of atheists I come across or those that just believe in one God (without adhering to any religion or denomination) comes from some Catholic or Anglican school.
Australia has freedom of religion and these schools respect that. Encouraging, teaching and shoving down someone’s throat isn’t same thing.
clubwah said
Damien, I see your point, a lot of people defend this shit using the “Muslims are not a race” line, but this merely a technicality.
When people like this go on about Muslims they they are referring to Arabs. In some cases they don’t know the difference between race and religion, which is why they wave Australian flags, yell out Aussie, Aussie, Oi,Oi, Oi and come out with quotes like:
”It’s not for racist [reasons], just all the crime and stuff that other foreign people bring into the town.”
If it [the school] gets approved, every ragger ["raghead"] that walks up the street is going to get smashed up the arse by about 30 Aussies.”
clubwah said
An interesting article in The Independent refers to Fred Nile’s involvement in the anti-Muslim campaign in Camden, as was the hateful Australia First.
Why did I have to read about this in the foreign press?
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/australasia/suburban-sydney-shows-dark-side-as-muslim-school-row-gets-vicious-834600.html
Damian said
Also, Iain: do you have evidence of similar protests – “my kids don’t speak Christian, and we don’t want all their crime coming here!” – about Christian schools by TEH LEFT? Further, Camden is not a “rural circumstance”, despite the best efforts of locals to stop being cobbled up by Campbelltown. And finally, the people opposed to the school development are certainly allowed to oppose changes on the basis of planning considerations (as they have done repeatedly concerning a McDonald’s), but in this case rhetoric about planning was just that. Ask Kate McCulloch.
Damian said
Wah, you’re right, it is a technicality. Me and the missus reckon we need a new word for xenophobia directed toward Muslims, one that is as potent as “anti-Semitism” is.
Also, if you’re interested, my take on Fred’s visit is here (although I never did write a second part).
clubwah said
Emiticon deleted Damian
Anti semitism is a good example – many people confuse the Jewish religion with race.
ar said
“one that is as potent as “anti-Semitism””
The trick is how to get the potency without having the holocaust.
clubwah said
Perhaps introducing such potent terms to protect various groups could prevent another Holocaust.
The Editor said
Great post, Wah. I’m afraid that I’ve just partially and unintentionally groupthunk with you.
The Editor said
Iain Hall: “The people who live in a district do have the right to object to such developments under the planning laws. would you remove that right from them?”
If you can tell me which subclauses of planning legislation that are addressed by the quotes from Camden residents highlighted in Wah’s post, Iain, I’ll give you a gold star.
alburywodongaonline said
what we couldn’t round up a few clinically depressed people to be suicide bombers at Camden last night?
So many fart knockers in such a confined space, what a wasted oportunity.
Bron said
For the love of God, Camden is NOT a “rural” area. It’s one of the fastest growing areas in the south-west Sydney region, and is practically part of the extended Sydney suburbia.
brokenleftleg said
All we need now is for Pauline Hanson to stand in the electorate Camden is in in the upcoming NSW election.
She would be a hero to so many people there, but of course the anti-school set would never consider themselves as “racists”.
brokenleftleg said
And to all those Muslims who are urged by the KKKamdenites to assimilate into their way of life, please don’t.
clubwah said
Why import Pauline Hanson tp Camden when they’ve got Kate McCulloch?
brokenleftleg said
if the campaign against the Islamic School was entirely based on planning grounds, how come it attracted racists like a steaming labrador turd attracts blowflies?
bluestherapy said
I’m teaching my children to speak catholic just in case.
Like Jeremy, I’m totally opposed to any religious schools, however these people’s objection is far too selective to be anything more than racist ranting. Howard’s legacy..
Also, suggesting that the objections to the school were purely from a planning perspective are kind of farcical, especially when a large crowd of people wearing Aussie flags and the like were lining the streets.
raydixon said
It makes a great argument for having all schools run by the State on a non-secterian basis. This is what happens when people put religion at the centre of every aspect of their lives – it doesn’t work, and it brings out the worst elements in our society like Kate and the other morons you’ve quoted.
Damian said
BLL, Pauline visited Camden last year, but unfortunately she thought the protest was against a mosque rather than a school. Same same.
bluestherapy said
I just remembered where I have seen Ms Redneck before. Here
clubwah said
She’s turned rather evil since that shot was taken.
brokenleftleg said
Am i the only one who thinks Kate McCulloch is a cross between Pauline Hanson and Kath Day-Night?
andyb said
there’s no debate here. these people are racist rednecks living in a backward culture. sadly there ingorant views have been driven in part by government endorsement of their racism. The reality is that Muslim schools should try and be located in more tolerant areas, as proceeding with this proposal would not be fruitful.
Rx said
Camden is apparently in a Liebral electorate. Say no more!
raydixon said
A “Liebral” electorate. Even if that’s a typo, I like it.
DHH said
This blog and the vast majority of comments are very good. Take this perspective though my friends….
I am an Aussie, living in Arab speaking North Africa and the fact that this subject came to my ears here (via local newspapers both Arab and French speaking and on BBC world service) shows that Australia has a lingering reputation of racisism and xenophobia and I am embarrased over it. Of course the media enjoys looking at the worst side of every subject and shows the plight of Aboriginals, rocks being thrown at Muslim primary school children in their bus (probaby just after 9/11 or the Bali bombing) and the fight to have Islamic Schools accepted. I am originally from Canberra and so I got to see a pretty multicultural place and so it hurts me a bit more to see such language and ignorance thrown that.
Now having said that, and not being from the Camden area, I take and accept the comment that the Council is trying to grow in an “as much as possible” rural-looking atmosphere and that for that and similar reasons they do not want an Islamic school, and that is not for me an issue, the language, the support of people like Kate McCulloch is for me a blight on Australia and I wish she made the mistake of saying Arab so she could have been charged.
FYI, though of white-European origin, I am a Muslim Australian. You are correct (as are others) Islam and Muslim is a religion and not a race. I speak English, French and Arabic and speaking Islamic does not exist nor does speaking Christian or Catholic which I found a big joke.
I chose to live here in Morocco for personal reasons, the liberal “I can be as religious as I want to be” level of Islam and the Islamic family value system which I personally found missing in my life in Australia. But having said all of that, I am a proud Aussie and the concepts of “fair go” and “fair dinkum” which are probably the greatest of Aussie values obviously does not exist in McCulloch’s vocabularly.
clubwah said
Interesting comment DHH. The sad thing is that this sort of shit does make international news – I like to think there are more people disgusted by what happened in Camden than who agree. I also like to think that people like Kate McCulloch are in the minority in Camden – however why is it that no one has come out and condemned these people, either from Camden or the mainstream media for that manner?
camdenresident said
There are heaps of people in Camden who are disgusted by what is going on. For months, many letters to the editor in the local papers (Camden Advertiser and Macarthur Chronicle) have been published from local people upset by the bigoted nature of the campaign against the school and by the way in which the Camden district’s name has been trashed by these people. But, of course, only the loud-mouthed and ignorant get noticed outside of the area.
This campaign has also been kicked along by all sorts of opportunists from outside the area, wanting to exploit it for political advantage, like Fred Nile (who has quite clearly abandoned Christianity in his bid to stop his long-term slide in electoral support) and Australia First.
Kate McCulloch is definitely in the minority in Camden – and she, like many of the most vocal people, have only been around here for 10 or 15 years or less. I, as someone who is deeply disgusted by what is going on, recognise that I am also in the minority but this minority includes many people who (like me) have lived around Camden for a long time. The largest group of Camden residents, in true Australian style, seem to be saying nothing about the matter (it’s a bit controversial, mixing both taboos – religion and politicians). They are just hoping it will blow over. But, of course, it’s a bit late for the district’s reputation.
Bron said
It’s good to hear a rational, sensible Camden voice, camdenresident. Thanks for sharing. Pity the media hasn’t really spoken to anyone on the other side of the debate, instead focusing on the twats like Kate McCulloch. Sensationalism at its worst.
Dagwood Dogs, Heart Attacks, 24/7 « The Secret Diary of Kevin Rudd said
[...] some of the worst traits of Australia that flourished under the Liberals. Sadly though, we have Redneck Kate McCulloch defiling our flag with her bigoted idiocy, The Liberal Party discriminating against gay people, and [...]
AussieAussieAussie said
I am one of those that agree with the residents of Camden. People that come to this country need to live by OUR culture and not dump their’s onto us. Why is there areas in Sydney where you can’t even put up Christmas decorations for fear of offending some people. Why can’t some preschools sing Christmas songs … and the list goes on.
People in Australia need to stand up for the quality of life they are used to and not the declining quality of life we are experiencing as MORE and MORE people move into Australia, especially Sydney.
I am not racist but I am Australian. Our basic culture is based on Christianity and those values. Why subject ourselves to cultures that are not peaceful and harmonious to those around them.
Like many have said – what would happen if Christians wanted to go into a mainly Muslim country and start building Christian schools and churches. What would happen if Australian women wanted to go walking around some of these countries in bikinis etc. Would they welcome our culture and values – I would say very doubtful.
Come on Australians stand up for what you believe in otherwise the muslims will outbreed us and takeover.
raydixon said
AAA (is that you Kate?), “what would happen if Christians wanted to go into a mainly Muslim country and start building Christian schools and churches?”, well I guess they’d be outlawed. Which means what you’re trying to do here makes you no better than the very people you complain about. Wake up. And yes, you are a racist and I certainly hope you and your type are “outbred”, although possibly you’re already inbred.
DHH said
“Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” (sic) you obviously believe the first thing wisphered to you in your pub (or wherever you hang out) and know nothing of the world or the facts in front of you.
Firstly, the Camden council said no to the school not because of a few ratbags looking to see their faces in the media but they chose to say no because it did not fit the rural image they wanted, school bus times and other planning issues. To do otherwise would have resulted in court battles and dissolving of the council.
As for your ludicrous comment about christian schools in muslim countries, you are completely wrong (and so I must also correct our friend “raydixon”) in most cases there are christian schools in the Musim world. US Presidential candidate Obama went to one in Indonesia for example. I live in Morocco an Arabic speaking North African country with 98 per cent Muslim population; mosques on each corner, srict control on alcohol and with most of the female population wearing the hijab. There are christian schools here, catholic and protestant. The decision to build them is based on the number of christian students and parents who find the cash to build the school. In Marrakech, there are many, many Europeans migrating here for business and semi-retirement etc, bringing in their children as well. There are no demonstrations by turbin-headed bearded men announding that the christians are coming and we are going to disolve into anarchy, even though the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia was done by Christians, the Jews were murdered in the holicaust by German Christians, the butchering of the Palestianian refugees camp in Shatillah Lebanon was by christians, no! The majority of muslims in the world understand that one group cannot represent other groups and that the limited number of christians here have a right to a school based on their religious values because we know that they will not breach and infact will comply with the laws of this country and that they respect the life here.
Now having said that, the Muslims of Australia have this same right and as far as I am aware are obeying the laws of the country, participating in its growth and they have a right to schools that follow Australian ecucational schooling standards and they must bid, like other groups, to have schools established based on law.
If you “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” (sic) are not racist as you claim then you are either a fool or just plain ignorant, which one? Comments declaring out-right that muslims are not harmonious and peaceful and will outbread “us” is plain stupid. I grew up in Queanbeyan, NSW in the 70’s and it was a pretty rough place, the immigrants from Serbia vs the Croats and the Macedonians vs everyone else and I think that was pretty unharmounious. I think of the Aussies and the Brits having a “harmounious” boxing day on Bondi Beach every year shown all around the world on television….
It is not wake up Australia, it is “get real, Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” and get you head out of your backside! (explitifs cut out in respect of our generous host Clubwah).
DHH
Marrakech
..
DHH said
Adendum to my last message, I wish to make the comment:
“Why is there areas in Sydney where you can’t even put up Christmas decorations for fear of offending some people. Why can’t some preschools sing Christmas songs … and the list goes on.”
I am certain that these laws were made with the best of intentions by councellors and officials thinking they are helping our evening the playing field and often make a sham of it. Muslims living in Australia (born there or immigrated) have no intention of changing things as long and only wish there own religeous and cultural needs not be riduculed or outlawed. The banning of Christmas signs is a great shame and is the same disrespect to active christians as banning any other holy symbol during times of celebration.
clubwah said
DHH your point about Christian schools in Muslim countries is an excellent one.
So to is your point about banning Christmas decorations so as not to offend non-Christians – such decisions are usually made by we well-meaning, if not misguided people, who don’t realise that Muslim’s actually recognise Christ and are quite happy yo be involved in Christmas celebrations, the same way as non-church goers and aethiests do.
taep said
I can’t read Islamic either. Is that a new language? But I am very skilled in reading and writing Buddhist and catholic. And also speak a bit of woodoo and atheist. But Islamic sounds like a new language to me.
yo man said
I am a muslim, on 24th of december, teh night before the christmas, I work in the deli, selling ham and salamis all porky, with christmas music of the mall and store blazing above me.
I got no problem with the pork and carols, wtf does every1 make a big deal out of some nutjobs objecting to carols?
yo man said
i dont eat the pork btw, just sell.
Julie Fogarty said
The residents in Camden are correct.
Do not build a Muslim School.
Muslims come to this country supposedly in the hope of a better life and what do they do, start building Muslim Schools/Mosques and soon-to-be Muslim Mini Cities.
And bring their own dubious values and cultural aspirations with them.
Why don’t they assimilate to our values.
Ask them……they will tell you……..their religion comes before anything……….very very dangerous.
This is Australia…….keep it Australia.
Not let others turn it into sub-mini cultures.
Why don’t they take off their ridiculous clothing.
They are not in Iran now.
What is so wrong with looking at someone and smiling and not hiding behind a veil.
Look at the Werribee Islamic School. Just type this in your browser and see what information you get. I used to live in Hoppers Crossing adjoining Werribee. It is now such a dump.
A few years back there were two men arrested from this area ….home grown terrorists.
I moved to the country and am now seeing mosques and muslims in all their garb in Shepparton. They are everywhere.
And now we have the NAB offering interest free loans to Muslims.
HELLO!!
Well, interesting that this loan is available to all yet the word “Muslim” is used as the appetiser.
And it all has to be run past the Sharia Advisory Board. What a joke!!!!
Sharia Law is extremist. We shouldn’t even have a Sharia Advisory Board in Australia let alone have to run issues past them.
NAB get a grip on yourselves.
Don’t make muslims feel too comfortable.
Sharia Law is not acceptable. It is garbage.
And as for seeking approval from Sharia Advisory Board – what sort of message are we sending to Muslims.
Come take over our country. And if they infiltrate financially as they are in other ways in Australia, we have a very limited “free country” future.
It was nice to see that NAB are allowing Aussies & Others (apart from Muslims) to apply for the Muslim Friendly Loans (hello!!!)
How damned creative.
I don’t know about you lot…….but there is no way I am going to sit back and say it is acceptable for Sharia Law/Muslim culture/financial favoritism to place itself securely in our midst. It isn’t. So, I am voicing my opinion about it.
Do you know what good law-abiding Sharia-following Muslims do?
They cover women from head to toe (you’re lucky to see their eyes).
A bit dodgy to start with don’t you think…….
Then they get beaten if their husbands so desire. (bit more dodgy for a God following faith.
And God help you when they decide to cut off your clitoris as a female child so you don’t feel any sexuality. So even when your married, the husband can go “in out, in out, shake it all about for all of 20 seconds and feel good about himself.
Get the hell out of Australia and take your god-damned Sharia Law with you.
And they stone women to death…….
And they believe in Honor Killings……….
WHAT IN GOD’S NAME ARE PEOPLE THINKING GIVING ANOTHER CULTURE ESPECIALLY ONE AS INFLAMMATORY AND UNPREDICTABLE AND EXTREMIST AS MUSLIM CULTURE PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT.
Yes, come in…build your schools, build your mosques, build your own values and don’t assimilate to ours.
WHAT A JOKE………what are people thinking about.
GET REAL.
IF THEY CAN’T BE AUSTRALIAN THEN THEY NEED TO GET BACK TO THE COUNTRY WHERE THEIR VALUES AND OPINIONS ARE ACCEPTABLE.
NOT HERE.
And you can call me racist……
And in 40 years you will see Australia becoming another England where they are now trying to introduce Sharia Law to rule the muslims for the millions of muslims living there, because they were allowed to go in, and build their schools and their mosques and reject the western way of life.
AND NOT IF…BUT WHEN THAT HAPPENS….I WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO SAY ‘I TOLD YOU SO’.
BUT THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE………THE DAMAGE WILL HAVE BEEN DONE.
clubwah said
A few years back there were two men arrested from this area ….home grown terrorists.
And one was named Jack Thomas!
For fuck’s sake take a chill pill toots! It’s only a bank loan – the NAB want to screw Muslims like they do the rest of us. It’s a long bow to draw between that and Taliban.
Ray Dixon said
I used to live in Hoppers Crossing adjoining Werribee. It is now such a dump.
Like, it was paradise when you were there?
Bron said
LOL! Julie the Nutzi visiting you too?!
Ray Dixon said
Maybe she really is Kate?
THR said
Like, it was paradise when you were there?
No, Birdsville in Hoppers is Melbourne’s finest neighbourhood. If Trevor the blogger turns up, ask him if his ex-de facto lives there.
thewetmale said
“And you can call me racist……”
Yes. To say that all Muslims believe in the strict enforcement of Sharia Law is like saying all Australian are as paranoid and bat shit crazy as you.
Have a bex and learn to chillax dawg.
Ray Dixon said
You know, there are some great quotes in Julie’s diatribe. I think she’s got a few valid points:
Why don’t they assimilate to our values
Whose values, yours? You just answered your own question.
This is Australia…….keep it Australia
You haven’t seen Denise Drysdale in the Bev Marks Australia ad by any chance?
Why don’t they take off their ridiculous clothing
Ah, so that’s it, you want to see them naked.
What is so wrong with looking at someone and smiling and not hiding behind a veil.
Nothing. Give it a try.
I moved to the country and am now seeing mosques and muslims in all their garb in Shepparton
Yeah, what a shame for multi cultural Shepparton. They just got used to accepting all those hard working Greeks & Albanians and now they’ve got these hard working Iraqis to deal with!
Well, interesting that this loan is available to all yet the word “Muslim” is used as the appetiser
Yes, the NAB is trying to appeal to a new market.
NAB get a grip on yourselves.
Er, at about $4 billion profit per year I reckon they’re in control.
Don’t make muslims feel too comfortable.
Undress them!
They cover women from head to toe (you’re lucky to see their eyes).
You really want to bed one, don’t you?
Then they get beaten if their husbands so desire
And Aussie men never beat their wives.
So even when your married, the husband can go “in out, in out, shake it all about for all of 20 seconds and feel good about himself.
So they’re Australian after all!
And in 40 years you will see Australia becoming another England … BUT WHEN THAT HAPPENS….I WILL BE THE FIRST ONE TO SAY ‘I TOLD YOU SO’
You won’t be here, you’ll have moved to New Zealand.
Fiona L said
Let’s not forget who the original owners of this land were and their beliefs. It was the white people who brought Christianity (and disease – yay!) to Australia. There is enough room here for everybody and their beliefs. Maybe it’s the racists like you, AAA, that should be sent to a Christmas Island detention centre with a one way ticket. See how you like that, you privileged racist fuck.
clubwah said
Great stuff Ray
Andy R said
Oh my god (or, being an athiest, lack of one). And here I was thinking that Australia was founded on secular values, not “Christian” ones.
Julie, you seriously need to stop drinking unleaded gasoline, and start playing with electrical devices in the bathtub.
John Surname said
Julie, the problem in Australia is not with Muslims, it’s with hateful old bags like you.