It's Christmas! As I write this I'm in Santiago de Chile, almost at the end of a journey that has taken me through Japan, Europe and now South America! At this time it is right to reflect on what Christmas really means. For those of us fortunate enough to live in Australia, Christmas sometimes feels like a mad orgy of commercialisation which ends on Boxing Day night with us feeling like we've been to hell and back!

I wonder what Christ would have to say about all of this rabid commercialisation perpetuated in his name? In the Bible, the most powerful text describes how Jesus enters the Temple and literally throws out the "money lenders".

Today, as religious leaders seek to create a moral authority to impinge on the human rights of minority groups, they, conveniently, forget to use this text as a basis upon which to criticise the modern day money lenders whose policies seek to enslave people in an endless cycle of debt and dependence.

This Christmas Australia has much to be thankful for: We have a new Prime Minister! Our nation is indeed blessed with bounties rich and rare. In this time of change we hope the new government implements policies which distribute our commonwealth in such a way that we all benefit from the resources boom!!! We also hope that the new government will engage with the world in a way that constuctively assists the world to become more peaceful, aids in the alleviation of poverty and restores our reputation as a place of freedom, democracy and welcome.

Most of all our nation is free and democratic. As citizen's we are therefore free to engage in the critical debate that is needed to move us forward as a nation.

As a media organisation we recognise the important role we have as defenders of freedom of speech. We believe that citizens have a right to know what's going on in the corridors of power! We are concerned that there remain people in positions of power that seek to undermine democracy by "censoring" those that blow the whistle on abuses of power. Clearly, honest people have nothing to fear from a strong, independent media.

At this time, it is important to remember that there exist people who are less fortunate. In Australia the less fortunate include those people who desperately run from one party to another, with no time for peace or enjoyment! There are others, who as a result of poverty, are forced to make choices out of desperation, or who cannot engage in Christmas.

In South America, the is an "industry" of Mother's renting out their babies to others to be used for begging on the streets. Others DIY with their own Babies! In Capital Cities, people collect rubbish in the street to sell for food! In other cities, children spend all day and half the night selling trinkets to tourists.

As individuals, if we care, we often feel powerless in the face of poverty. It would help if governments took their responsibilty to care for all citizens seriously. It's not just rich mates who need "help"! As a nation, Australia does have the ability to effect change in the world. Clearly, the (so called) "war on terror" will only be "won" if we defeat poverty. That means removing the root causes, ending government corruption, providing health care services, education, and creating jobs. As individuals we can remind our new national government that it might be better to send builders of hospials and schools overseas now so that we have less need to send troops to keep the peace in years to come.

CADT has achieved much this year both solo and in collaboration with other individuals and groups. Our documentary, made in collaboration with 3Dingomedia, was shown at Cinema Paradiso in Perth. As well as events in Australia we covered events in Berlin & Argentina! I would like to thank all the people who have contributed to the organisation, both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. A special thanks to Terrae Australis, Centro de Enseñanza del Idioma Espanol, Santiago de Chile, for helping make this Xmas such a special time! Visit their website at www.ensurespanish.com

Whoever and/or wherever you are this Christmas, may you and your loved ones experience peace and joy. From all of us, Feliz Navidad.

James Rendell
CADT Photography.
24 December 2007.