Rifty
Agreed... with all of those sentiments, Taking them in reverse;
The flag is a symbol of, among other things, our freedoms, and that must include the freedom to burn a symbol. 8^o
I was just advising caution in testing that right, especially in the current climate.
I too like the flag, (i love the multicural mix in the Union Jack; a historical reminder that the British brought their European multicultural melange to join the 400+ indigenous tribes to form the current diversity ;-) and while I'm fond of the Eureka flag I have not seen anything I prefer enough to replace the current flag, (especially not the horrid concoctions with kangaroos, ugh!)
As to burning it, I can't imagine any circumstance under which I would do that. I do not condone the soiling of anyone's national or religious symbols, (eg peeing on a flag or wearing a flag while commiting violent buttaults on people who look different). I even object to politicians sullying it by draping it over themselves.. But I would not enforce such views by law. If someone wants to protest by burning a flag, or by flying one, it should not be illegal.. so long as it's their property.
Personally I think the obsession with symbols verges on jingoism, Aussies used to be less tub thumping about such issues, but there seems to be a lot more posturing Professional Patriots around these days, a la the USSA.
I would prefer a more careful use of the flag, for truly national events and purposes, than seeing it stamped on ads for commercial products, used as a backdrop or worn as a stick pin by politicians and otherwise buttociated with the dodgy and the devious.
Leb Muzzies vs Aussies the score: 353The Speedster is the master of the diagonal, perfectly symmetrical usenet thread. Re: You are a pathological liar BJ Foster 11:13 Re: You are a pathological liar Rod Speed 11:14 Re: You are a pathological...
-- "Those who give up essential liberties for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." - Ben Franklin
"History shows us that there have been many struggles between the honest men of England and those that tyrannized them. All good laws come as innovation and as constraints upon the power of the King and Lords."
-Colonel Thomas Rainsborough Council of the Army, Putney Church, 1647
"We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties."
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