I have been writing to politicians about the poor treatment of asylum seekers for at least 15 years. I am always polite and I exhort them to be more humane, especially to the children. I passionately believe that no-one has the right to steal childhood from anyone, whether it is by sexually abusing them or by locking them up behind razor wire. IMO both are crimes that cannot be excused.
When Amanda Vanstone released the children, albeit to home detention in the community, I wrote to her to thank her for her actions. When I was moved into a new electorate I wrote to my MP (who was newly elected to parliament at the time) on this subject but I was whistling in the wind and I now just send off the occasional email.
I don't involve myself in Indonesia's or Syria's domestic affairs. I have a pretty poor opinion of the Syrian regime and I remember what the Indonesians did to the East Timorese but what good would it do for me to write to anyone in power in a foreign regime? I am Australian and the Australian government acts in my name, only what they are doing to asylum seekers if anathema to me and I will say so loud and clear to anyone who will listen.
I note that some European countries and Canada are looking at us and thinking that they should follow suit. That is why I'm becoming vocal on this forum. Don't do it unless you want to lose your nation's heart and soul.
I realise that some people think that I am fixated on the subject of guns. Not entirely true. I am fixated on the welfare of children and on anything or anyone who hurts them with callous disregard. I also care about what happens to vulnerable people like refugees. But for the grace of God I could be one too.