I support a new flag, for all Australians.
Including myself, who is a fifth generation Australian from Ireland.
Both my grandfathers hated the current union jack on our flag, they both took deep offence to it. It is the only issue and problem with the current flag. After all do you think an Irishman is going to get offended by the Southern Cross? Or the Federal Star?
Why the Chinese will own us in 20 yearsWe are not a large nation, we don't have a domestic market of sufficient size, we have depended on exports of raw materials and our fuure survival in the international marketplace...
They both fought in WW2.
The main reason holding back any serious moves to introduce an inclusive Australian flag (similar to what they did, almost overnight, in South Africa) is that no real alternative has been put on the table for viewing and consideration.
We have had lot's of 'design a new Australian Flag' compebreastions with lots of impressive results but to this day we haven't decided on a real alternative.
We, those that are on the side changing the present flag, have got to get serious, agree on a new flag and say "Here Australia, it is 2006 and this could be our new national flag!" Then the people can make a democratic choice.
Until that time comes, we are alway's going to have the divisive union jack peering down at us like an old British imperial lord.
It is my view that if an amazing new flag was introduced, the old one would suddenly look very old, belonging to another time and quickly forgotten. After all when we first debated changing the national anthem, there was plenty of resistance..."It is our heritage!", "Our history!", "Our idenbreasty!", "We fought wars under that anthem!" But where is God save the King-Queen now? Does anyone miss it?
Blair
