I was in shock to see this in the Phillipines. Bonsais on the foot path right on the side of the road and stays there, not one has ever grown a pair of legs and take w walk. Why is it it we have two metres high fence and dogs and they still walk??? Why????? The nurseries were just off the foot path, no fence, no gates no nothing and the beautiful bonsais do not walk. Why??? What is wrong with Aus??? Here are a few pictures.

So true Leong , I would hate to put mine on the footpath.

Hey Leong,

I think it comes down to 2 things ;

1) culture
2) supply and demand

Culture may be may be not.
Supply definately not!!

what I meant was that people in Australia probably pay alot HIGHER sums of money than in the phillipines. Plus being a developing country, people have other things to worry about such as food and water,rather than stealing trees!

Higher sums of money? NO. Basic daily wage is 400 pesos. A nice good bonsai could be as high as 300,000 pesos. Developing no, Manila is as vibrant as Sydney, poverty yes, a very very sad sight, some images still haunts me.

Perhaps there are a couple of other reasons.

1. Maybe in the Philippines, people have more respect for other people's property.

2. The penalties over there would be a hell of a lot more severe than here (criminals don't have any rights over there). Here, all they're likely to get is a 'Naughty boy, here's a $100 fine - please don't do it again' (criminals have rights - don't you know?)

There is a growing culture in Oz (and the western world in general) especially in the younger generation of "the world owes me something" and generally a very selfish attitude. I believe this leads to people thinking they can do and take whatever they like. I employ over 150 people (normally aged between 20-30)in various locations around Australia and I see it EVERDAY. The stories of theft, disrespect and dishonesty would make your hair fall out. I could write a book on it!!

You are SPOT ON Taffy