Why other GetUp members have taken the pledge

• " I'm sick of people from privileged positions having the power the change other's lives."
  Kate - 4551
• "I hoped for more humane descriptions and treatment of asylum seekers by our current government. They have made great improvements, eg doing away with tpv's but they need to remain brave and compassionate about this issue."
  Michael - 5041
• " Because the way they're treated is not fair! They're humans too!"
  Emily - 2612
• " Australia moved decisively away from the previous policies of the Howard Government when it elected a new Labor administration. I want to see a fairer and more tolerant Australia in our actions not just our words."
  Peter - 4054
• " People seeking asylum need to be treated with dignity and respect."
  kimmy - 7162
• " Too bad if we or any of our children become trapped in a dangerous country and a rich and empty country across the sea won't take us in."
  Christina - 2113
• " Because now more than ever we need to realise that we are not different people from different countries but people living on the same planet. Race, religion, gender are not barriers and everyone deserves opportunity."
  Joe - 2229
• " I am ashamed of the hard hearted response of the australian government towards 'asylum seekers'. I am hoping that Kevin Rudd will realise that there is a large percentage of Australians who really care about these people."
  Catherine - 3377
• " Asyluim seekers are people too, people in need. Need I say more?"
  Clare - 3044
• " Because I know what horrible traumas most asylum seekers run from and I'm a human being."
  Katherine - 2604
• "these are desperate people who need support and compassion - and we are in the fortuate position to be able to offer both. "
  Francine - 3350
• " The asylum seekers are fleeing from horrific situations, and as part of humanity we are bound to offer real help."
  Jean - 2095
• " Information is freedom - and someone used the phrase 'liberation of the spirit'. Our liberation as people is located in the liberation of others."
  Anthony - 3124
• " I have always felt sad about our racist past and the current racist attitudes that prevail. It is time people really understood this issue at its heart and are not hardened by the dishonest sensationalism that are promoted in the media."
  katrina - 2145
• "Because I believe in human rights and am horrified by the Australian government response. Aren't most of us refugees? Either we are or we don't have such a good reason to be here!"
  Ruth - 3056
• " In order to help ameliorate the xenophobia that covers our widespread inherent racism."
  Tom - 2250
• " To prevent the occurence of another politically led racist campaign based on fear and untruths, as we had, to our great shame, in the Howard years."
  Suzanne - 2481
• " Every life is precious and opening our hearts to all people expands our capacity to love as people and a nation"
  Patricia - 2519
• " We live in one world amongst one humanity. What right do we have to play territorial games at the expense of others?"
  Gina - 3128
• " people fleeing war need help to be resettled, not politicians trying to score cheap political points from their suffering"
  Mark - 2160
• "I believe that all people have the right to seek protection in any country. I can't believe the attitude of the Rudd Government. These people need help and compassion and far less biased media output. "
  Kristen - 2650
• " Its the ugly side of politics when our leaders fight over who is more capable of turing their backs to humam need and suffering.. shame on you all.. The consequence is that we all suffer when human need is abandoned for short term politcal gain.."
  carolyn - 3006
• "This is not our land, we have no right to be selfish with it. Intolerance towards asylum seekers is apathy bordering on malevolence. "
  Ashley - 4122
• " I reckon it's quite natural to feel uncomfortable about someone who's different, but the trick is in what we do with that feeling. It seems to me that the right thing to do is to find out the truth, and be prepared to share it. "
  Iain - 4066
• "You don't "lift" yourself by putting others down."
  Dan - 3128
• "Compassionate, intellient people and countries recognise that we musthelp those that are in danger in their own country. Everyone benefits from a country that welcomes alylum seekers."
  Janet - 2110
• "Australia is deeply xenophobic and driven by a politics of callous fear-mongering. This has to change NOW!"
  Aaron - 2137
• "Because everybody deserves a fair go, it should be a basic human right to live a life free of persecution, to be able to raise your family in a safe and tolerant environment."
  Shae - 5251
• " I'm both ashamed and tired of the racist rhetoric used in this debate. these are real people and should be treated with respect."
  Louise - 2145
• " The boat people are a small percentage of the problem and this should not be a political football"
  Diana - 2041
• " To dispell damaging information that promotes ill-feeling and fear in the community. "
  ms - 3892
• "Let's avoid an 'us' and 'them' mentality and realise we are all humans who have needs at various times in our lives. None of us would be here if someone hadn't looked after our needs at some stage. Now it's our turn to do the looking after."
  Rosemary - 2577
• "Because as a privileged and wealthy nation we should help those who need it, especially those displaced from wars this country is currently (and regrettably) involved in."
  Jason - 3181
• " I want to be part of a nation that values all humans and has no irrational fear of the unknown."
  Melanie - 2300
• " Because I care. All non-aboriginal Australians are migrants or descendants of migrants. I care, therefore I am!"
  John - 3113
• " I believe asylum seekers are very brave people who are prepared to risk everything to live in a safer country where their human rights will be respected"
  Terry - 2010
• " Sick of the crap."
  Brendan - 2066
• " Because I hate the way this has created such divisiveness in our community. The public still has no idea that more illegal stayers arrive by plane by far than arrive in leaky boats."
  Jenny - 2050
• " truth must be heard "
  Doita - 6149
• "As i was once asylum seeker myself. people don't understand why these people are fleeing their own countries but if they took the time out to read into why these people want to come to Australia then they would understand. "
  Anya - 2163
• " Australia should give priority to and have passion for reluctant immigrants (refugees and asylum seekers) ahead of elective immigrants (those who have a choice and can afford to pay)."
  Alan - 3442
• " I hate the misinformation perpetrated by the media surrounding these issues."
  Catherine - 4109
• "Understanding, compassion, tolerance all build a peaceful world. Not to mention if I was in the same boat as many I would do anything to bring my children to freedom !"
  Kate - 2428
• "Who can say with any certainty that one day it will be ourselves looking to the citizens of another country to treat us with compassion and equality?"
  Robert - 3054
• " i believe in the equality of social justive and opportunity for all people"
  edith - 5481
• "The people fleeing from their homes to escape violence or poverty are our sisters and brothers. We are responsible for their lives, just as they would be for ours if the situation reversed."
  Don - 3084
• " After years of disgust with the howard government I had hoped we were entering a more humane period. So far not."
  Kerrie - 3084
• " because I care deeply for those who are seeking refuge, when we know we can provide it!"
  Elaine - 3714