Issues... following on from yesterday

It is interesting that on the evening that we discussed changing our world, a great world event occured.

The release of Aung Sun Suu Kyi from house arrest in Burma is of significance similar to the release of Nelson Mandela a few decades back. Aung Sun Suu Kyi, a pro-democracy fighter in Burma/Myanmar, and Noble Peace Prize Laureate has been under house arrest for the last 20 years. This was following her election win in 1990.

Democracy for Burma is perhaps years away but we are able to continue to pray, stay informed, and promote awareness of the situation that the military junta has created in one of our neighbouring countries.

On the local front, it was mentioned yesterday that there are a lot of social justice issues within our state that require attention. As one example, you may wish to catch up on the media debate around the 'bikie' laws. These laws as currently promoted include the criminalisation of lawful assembly by groups of bikies.

Conviction by association is never a good thing. But let's take this thought to its potential extreme. If we isolate and discrimintate against one people group because of a few criminals in their midst, we may have to start outlawing all assemblies. Do we stop High School kids from getting together at the shops because a few shoplift or grafitti? Do we stop young adults from clubbing in the city because a few get into drunken fights? Do we stop churches from gathering for worship because a few clergy have been abusive or fraudulent?

This is a big justice issue... again it's important that we stay informed.