Comments on: Should the Union Jack be removed from our Australian Flag?

By: Jack

Jack — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:56:55 +0000

This is our flag, and has been for quite a while, if you don’t like it than move to a different country with a differerent system of government. The British colonized this beautiful country, which in my opinion, gives them the right to have there symbol on the Australian flag, we would be nothing without the British, so give credit were it is deserved

By: Charlie

Charlie — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 01:07:08 +0000

John,

I agree with your sentiments about the use of the flag for shallow, jingoistic patriotism. It make me cringe.

But I don’t think the colour of the flag has any significance to these yobbos – they would use the ‘flag of the day’ to put their ignorance on public display.

Our pioneers and veterans who explored our country and defended our freedom often feel betrayed by those who do not have respect for the symbols that were important to them.

We will eventually have another debate on the republic – but let’s show some respect for the Queen who most regard as a remarkable and graceful monarch – and wait until she steps down from the throne.

We will also have another debate on the flag – but let’s show some respect for our veterans and our pioneers and leave it until they have departed.

Either way – I don’t think I will feel any different when I wake up in the morning after either debate.

We should also remember that it was the Conservatives who put an end to the White Australia policy and gave aborigines the right to vote.

By: John Nicol

John Nicol — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:07:28 +0000

Your opinion is just that – an opinion. I have never been able to relate to our flag (and I WAS born under it too) because of the placement of the Union Jack on it. I have seen too many instances of the flag being used as a racial taunt to non-anglo looking Australians – one in my family on an Australia Day in Brisbane, and during the shameful Cronulla riots. It was a life changing experience for me. I now tend to avoid public places on Australia Day as the jingoism and yobbo behaviour is intimidating and frankly disturbing. Pauline Hansen tapped the anglo-aussie xenophobia in this country and we are the worse for it. I proudly fly the Scruby red, black and yellow kangaroo flag on the flagpole of my home because it better symbolises Australia to me. I look forward to the day when we celebrate a NEW Australia Day on the day our NEW republic is declared and under a NEW flag that is inclusive and which cannot be used divisively as is our current one. Whilstever the Union Jack sits there on our flag it will be a symbol of national divisiveness. The changes will happen; it is just a matter of time. Only then will be a truly independent nation. If it was up to Conservatives, non – landed gentry, women and aborigines would still not have the vote. Advance Australia.