Before my brother died, he and I used to tease each other and do what brothers do.   We needled each other over trivial things where we spoke about the things that bothered us about each other without getting offended.  One day he said to me... "Get off the planet!" Where that came from I can't really say, but it was laugh out loud funny at the time.   He was pissed over something.  He was upset enough that he wanted me off the planet.  That's funny to me. 

Talking frankly to each other is something we as American's have lost sight of.   Our politically correct society is become a laugh to me.   So this morning a friend e-mails me this lame ass e-mail... or at least that's what I figure it is.   Then I read it.  I have to read it, a friend sent it and you can't just discount something without giving it a chance.  So I did.  I gave it a chance and read it. 

What I found was that somewhere on this planet people can still talk straight.  It is allegedly from John Howard the Prime Minister of Austrailia.   If it is, I find it refreshing.   If it is not, then somebody some where "gets it". 

If you agree, disagree, or can confirm this statement is real, feel free to post a reply.

EDITORIAL:

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
 
Separately, Howard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying he supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques.

QUOTE:

'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians'.   
 
 'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'.   'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'
 
'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools.  If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'
 
'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why.  All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'
 
'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this.  But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom,
'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE.  We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here.  So accept the country YOU accepted.'

By the way... I'm still on the planet.  My brother is not.  My mother always told me never to wish ill-will on anybody lest my curse fall back on me.   Strange that my brothers joke haunts me that way.  A constant reminder that anger may be power but it doesn't fuel an answer.

In regards to the article and quote above.   I agree with it.   You can set down rules that apply to everyone.  Just be prepared to stand by them.