in this atmosphere of repression, the australian government confiscated the assets of david's firm, including his own money, and things became very difficult indeed for the newlyweds. david was an american of german descent, with a german name. in consequence david found it impossible to get another job. rosine was ostracised by many former friends and even urged by some to leave her husband "at least for the duration of the war". it was strongly suggested that david guiterman should change his name, but this he proudly refused to do, saying that it was a name that his parents and grandparents had borne with honour. his stand was almost universally condemned. they were both unalterably opposed to war as a method of settling international disputes and did not fear to say so. rosine proudly stood by him and with unshakable courage had her first experience of taking an unpopular stance. in all likelihood it was this experience that led her to fight for the rest of her life for social inclusion, tolerance and human rights.