SYDNEY -- In dawn raids across Australia, gun-toting security police bashed down doors, questioned Indonesian residents, then carted off private papers to check for suspected terrorist activities. Surely this is Hollywood? No, it's "she'll be right, mate" Australia.
Forget that smug self-image of laid-back, sun-worshipping Australians. Goodbye to the "come and go as you please" lifestyle. Get ready to be checked before entering crowded places, to be wary where you walk. Alas, the days of innocence at home have gone.
The recent terrorist bombing of a Bali, Indonesia, nightclub did it. The recent sudden death of nearly 100 young Australians -- the charred body parts are still being sifted for the final count -- ended our delusion that our rights to freedom at home somehow protected us abroad. Suddenly we are watching our back. Now we are searching for terrorists in our midst.