a third element in policy must be the promotion of a democratic, inclusive Australian identity.
That is made easier by the fact that the existing Aussie identity is already inclusive and democratic, and — under Tony Abbott as under John Howard — self-confident and unapologetic, too.
As in other countries, however, national pride has been hobbled by the exaggerated nervousness of multiculturalism and political correctness.
Media, educational institutions, government agencies, and local government must now set aside political correctness and point out forcefully that this democratic identity is incompatible with radical Islamism.
If young and new Australians are proud of a bold national identity, them they will be that much less tempted by the violent sophistries of extremism.
Above all, however, radical Islamism needs to lose and be seen to lose…
Its adherents today will weep no tears over the two innocent lives lost.
But they will register nervously that Australia refused to give in to blackmail and that Whatsisname ended up dead on the floor.
If every hostage-taking and siege ends in more or less the same way, the ideologically tempted will gradually lose heart, look for other methods to advance their ideology, and eventually drift off into a disappointed and ashamed middle age.
via For Whatshisname, the Dustbin of History | National Review Online.
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