Give credit where credit's due.<\/p>\n
The Australian government may have good reason to caution it's
\ncitizens about travel in this new world struck by terror, given
\nevents as devastating as the \"Bali Bomb\" incident.<\/p>\n
However it is a shame that individuals, whom I thought would
\nsurely have the democratic right to freedom of choice, appear to
\nbe \"warned\" and even penalized for doing just that.<\/p>\n
I refer to the six Australian students who chose to remain at
\ntheir University in Yogyakarta (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 12)<\/p>\n
I fail to see any connection or reason for cutting off a
\nstudent's allowance and forfeiting credit points because of their
\ndecision to stay in Indonesia. What exactly is the Australian
\ngovernment implying here? It would appear that these young adults
\nare being punished for their opinions.<\/p>\n
Terrorism is known as such because of it's irrational unknown
\nnature. Terrorism is designed to spread hate through fear and
\nconfusion. It effects all of us regardless of religious faith or
\nnationality. To combat terrorism we need to work together,
\nappreciate one another's differences and seek an understanding of
\nthe facts.<\/p>\n
Barker, Fisher and Meckelburg are acting on such noble and
\noptimistic terms. It is important that Australia maintains good
\nrelations with Indonesia. The government here obviously needs all
\nthe help it can get. As a neighboring country it would be wise to
\nsupport and assist Indonesia rather than be impatient or critical
\nof it's short comings.<\/p>\n
I believe Barker, Fisher and Meckelburg are on the right
\ntrack. I, for one Australian, are happy to have them as
\nambassadors to a brighter future. Their positive decision making
\nin light of all the recent gloom and panic should be commended,
\nnot punished.<\/p>\n
ANDI BENSON, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/give-credit-where-credits-due-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }