It takes one to know one.

Although I prefer working class.

And yes, Heathdon, I am a dyed in the blood Bogan. Well spotted and thanks for the well wishes

my problem is that the students are not being vocal about how they have been hoodwinked or defrauded therefore accusing the fraudsters involved in the false promises. My problem is that they (and their journalistic supporters) are intimating without proof that Australia is racist and singles out indian students for violence, causing tensions that are unnecessary.

I dont know if it is just to sell newspapers or clicks but everytime they dredge this up somebody reacts. Whether it is groups of thugs on train lines or thugs using race as an excuse for their thuggery.

I still have not seen any statistics as to how many indian students had crimes perpetrated against them in relation to other ethnicities.

Unfortunately the politicians will bend to the squeaky wheel. Victoria’s police commisioner should have followed the example of his NSW counterpart and ask the accusers to put up or shut up. when they accused his members of racism. Instead he buckled to PR and smeared all of his officers by increasing patrols as if the problem was real.

I wonder why Australians bother to study IT at university as our large institutions are hell bent on sending all back office jobs offshore.

I am not convinced that Indian programmers are any better than the Australians they replace. Sure 20 years ago programmers could fall into the job because they were good clerks who were trained up, but these days IT graduates skill levels are similiar where ever they study.

Why are the Indian students being vocal? They speak English well, they are not frightened to speak their mind, and they have been sold places in degree courses in second rate colleges that promise them Australian residency visas after 2 years study.

In the same sarcastic vein

Being a smith your probably anglo and therefore born with all the money you need and the right skin colour, therefore the reason you cant find a job is your fault, that or you are a bogan(amazingly a term based on race and class that is acceptable) and it is your fault anyway.

As you may have read in crikey its harder to get a job with an ethnic name, oh yeah that was another racist beat up without evidence.

best of luck in your work search

While I adjust my ‘victim’ hat, I’d add a couple of related questions to the issue of foreign students and the skilled visa program.

With my 15-years’ experience in the ICT industry, what do I need to do to gain a permanent full-time position?

My last contract ended in March 2008. I’ve been looking for a fulltime position since October 2008 and on the dole, sorry Newstart, since May 2009 (silly me, saved money and had to spend it to qualify - next time I’ll piss it all against the wall and play Lotto as I go).

Perhaps I should go to India and apply for a 457 visa?

Or, change my surname to something more employable? (Currently, it’s ‘Smith’).

Suggestions welcome.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/michaeltomasky/2009/jun/30/sarah-palin-vanity-fair

I’m not sure many people would agree with you.