IF THAT which unites us is greater than that which divides us, Australia stands ready to only grow stronger in the wake of this week’s tragic events in Sydney.
As a nation we watched in horror and held our collective breath as a lone gunman brought our biggest city to its knees.
Of course we know how it turned out; three dead, including the gunman.
But what we don’t know is why this happened.
For while people are quick to link any threat to Islamic State terrorists or religious extremists these days, the simple fact is, no one can say for sure what drove a man to commit such an horrific act.
It is at times such as these we must pause before passing judgement.
The misappropriation of the Muslim faith by people committing acts of terrorism has been hugely damaging to many innocent people.
A Muslim is no more likely to be a terrorist than a Christian is likely to shoot up Port Arthur.
The awful truth is, there are people from every walk of life; from every religious creed and every race, who wish harm on others.
Of course that is frightening.
Of course it gives rise to heightened security measures and unease within the community.
But a person’s religious beliefs are no way to categorise a potential terrorist.
Surely we are smarter than that.
And surely we can pull together in this time of need to ensure every Australian feels cared for and secure.
It is when we turn on each other those perpetuating the myth of fear win.
We can not let those people win.
That is not the Australian spirit.
