Ian

I have really enjoyed our exchanges, however I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree. I see Australia as greater than just its British Heritage and a republic as a way of redressing that.

I also note that you focus on strengthening ties with the primarily Anglo CANZUK countries. I see an opportunity to consolidate our relationship with all commonwealth countries.

As for the monarchy - it represents the UK far more than any other country - it is not neutral at all. Just as the Danish Monarchy represents Denmark.

David L

I'm probably just cynical, but until women have at least 50% representation in law, business and politics, it is always going to be a more of a gamble for women to attain high office than it is for men (men are kind of like the default if you get my meaning). However, I applaud your optimism and commend your agenda.

Can't say I blame ya for being a bit cynical, Scout. I will try though.

Scout,

I appreciate that not everyone is going to see things as I do.

I’d just like to point out that I am not of Anglo background, and I don’t see much relevance in focussing on “race”or ethnicity, as you do when you refer to “the primarily Anglo CANZUK countries”. My emphasis is on the cultural similarities of the primarily British societies, not the origin or appearance of the people who live in them.

You say that our flag does not represent more recent migrants, but of course you could say exactly the same thing of the Union Jack itself in the UK, or of the red, white and blue stripes of the French revolution. I don’t see how it could ever be otherwise: a flag cannot be changed with each generation to ensure perfect representation.

Anyway, thanks for the debate.

Ian

One of the most satisfactory threads I have participated in.

I have learnt a lot - thanks to Ian and David L.

Look forward to conversing again.

Cheers

Dianne

The things that you find when you keep asking questions. Surely there are some Democrats people here who actually realise that Andrew Bartlett did apologise for the GST debacle.

It appears about half way down the page here : http://www.democrats.org.au/speeches/index.htm?speech_id=1384&display=1

If the Democrats who read these pages haven't felt it necessary to point people like me to this article then either they didn't know themselves or they just don't realise the power of an apology to the average voter.

An apology means people take responsibility for the decisions and show they are human and are sorry for the effects of their decisions or judgements. The Dems have certainly been punished at the ballot box for that decision but this may open a few eyes and at least inform people that the Senators have realised that the GST was a major issue in their fall from grace amongst voters.

It does make me wonder who are the advisors in political parties and do they truly understand the powerful ramifications of an apology?

I congratulate Andrew Bartlett for the apology. It is a shame that it was only given at their 2004 annual conference, because, it is the voters who voted for the Democrats, who aren't members, who needed to hear this apology also.

Afterall the Dems members will probably vote for the Dems but it is the non-member, swinging voters that may not have abandoned them so furiously had they been aware of the apology.

Please pick up your game Democrats as the media aren't giving you proper coverage so you need to find new ways to get your message out to the broader community.

We need a strong 3rd party.. We're trying to listen but it is YOUR duty to make yourselves heard!

The office of the Monarch [King/Queen] representing the Crown [the people] in our case is an educated position from childhood where they are taught the Westminster system of Law and Government and the duties their office holds. They are the defender of the faith [values] embodied in the Westminster system of Government.

Short term elected persons cannot fully comprehend the importance and dignity of this office unless they have been well educated in the system. A Republic that puts into office popular personalities fails to realise the priming for such a role. I see nothing abnormal in heiredity sucession, it happens all the time in family business. Ask Jamie Packer!