1) Okay, maybe some of them stink, but that’s not enough to justify stabbing or even assaulting a person. Have you ever written to the cab company or perhaps even suggested to the driver that he should open the windows once in a while to let fresh air in? Many of them are far more receptive to positive comments than most people think.

2) Fair enough, a cab driver is supposed to know where he is going. There can be no excuse for that, but still I don’t think it warrants a stabbing. Your point is still not justified.

3) Its a valid and honest occupation, which someone needs to do. Its not the job itself that’s the problem. Due to rising literacy levels and competition from local employees, combined with the 20 hours a week work limit, International students have difficulty obtaining a job. Employers are generally reluctant to hire international students because of communication difficulties and possibly lack of local referees.

4) According to the updates at http://www.theage.com.au they have achieved what they set out to do.

5) While some readers may be incited by your comments, I respect your right to voice your opinion though I don’t necessarily agree with everything you have said.

But my thoughts on the cabbies:

Okay I get that they’re International Students, trying to make a living out of driving people around. I was an International Student too, I completely get their situation. New country, new environment, new culture, new people, new attitudes. I GET IT. Sure Kosky ain’t doing shit about the security measures, so why the hell are these International Students, almost exclusively from the Indian subcontinent, STILL seeking employment with cab companies? And thought I don’t condone the harm done to these innocent drivers, the drivers MUST do something about these few points too:

1) Most cabs operated by Indian subcontinental drivers always stink. I get in the cab and my first instinct is to get out of the cab. But I need to get to Point B quickly so politely, I wind the window down. Perhaps that’s why the driver was stabbed, coz the cab stinks.

2) Most cabs operated by Indian subcontinental drivers have no fucking clue where they’re going. I get in the cab and they need to stop by side with the Melways; or take my hand and follow my directions; or I end up copping a $26 cab fare from Spencer Street to Brunswick at 3AM in the morning coz the fucking noob driver went towards Footscray instead. I told the driver I refused to pay $26 for the trip as it didn’t cost that much and I’ll give him $20 at most. He ended up begging and saying he needs the money and begging again. I’m a nice guy so I relented and I paid up. Fucker didn’t even thank me. Perhaps that’s why the driver was stabbed, coz the cab driver doesn’t know where the hell he is.

3) Look, if it’s so bloody dangerous on the roads for these blokes, why the hell are they still driving cabs? Surely the Indian jokes that dot the Australian vernacular aren’t incidental? These guys are intelligent and able-bodied blokes, so why do we only see them driving cabs, operating 24-hour stores or buying/selling phones exclusively from 3 network?

4) If they’re so hardup for the money, do they think staging a lengthy protest in Melbourne’s busiest junction will serve them good? Think about all the money they’ve lost out on. If the government didn’t do shit back then, why’re they bothering now? Sure they won’t get noticed unless they do something radical, but there’re better ways to get noticed without holding up everybody’s time and money. The world doesn’t revolve around the cab drivers. I wonder if the protest’s still going on. HAS IT GOTTEN THEM ANYWHERE?

5) This is a public forum so I’m entitled to say what I want. You don’t have to agree with me but at least respect what I’ve to say. If you think I’m racist, then I’ll think the same about you. My wife’s Sri Lankan and my Best Man’s a Punjabi. Go figure.