Pericles said, "My point about Gough was only to point this out. The fact that the deed was done by the existing legal and constitutional structure is what should have been resented, not the victims of the system."

Well I think it was both. The former was resented by a lot of people and especially those who were in favour of becoming a republic. The victims were victims, too bad, but to Labor stalwarts they were ambushed and the Libs were the winners.

But the fact that we haven't come up with an alternative to the current system is pretty damn hopeless, I agree. I still stand by my excuse that the solution needs to be thrashed out by constitutional lawyers. So why don't they? Good question. Models have been put forward and are accessible I'm sure. I should do some Googling.

We are certainly undecided on how and who as far as a president is concerned. One of the questions in the referendum, which was held 10 years ago today!, was to determine how a pres. would be elected and who would nominate the options. If you recall, all sorts of odd-bods including some famous footballers were suggested. Be a good footballer and that qualifies you, you bet.

I would like to see the public awareness raised and the general level of familiarity with the issues increased. I'd even go so far as to suggest that the Republic options should be taught at school.

It honestly embarrasses me that Australians as a nation cannot make a decision because of timidity, lack of confidence and lack of knowledge of the issues and are too lame to learn more. If valid reasons can be put forward by the average person why we should stay as a constitutional monarchy, fine. But I don't believe the average person cannot do that.

It should be put to the vote - in which direction should Australia go.
We're now into the 21st Century and of course historically there will always be a link with the UK but - as a nation - we should be mature enough to stand on our own.

Well it was put to the vote Foxy, 10 years ago. The answer was NO.

Sad but true. But we should vote again, I agree with that.

Well, if we're not being serious, here's my new national anthem:

Keep Australia boring.
Keep Australia dumb.
Don't wanna be Australian?
Then stick it up ya bum!

Shockadelic, at a stretch, it could be sang to the opening bars of Advance Australia Fair.

Dear Shockadelic,

Seeing as we're introducing a bit of 'poetic licence' into this debate, I'll play - and throw my hat into the ring:

"Australians all, let us rejoice,
We've got a British Queen.
The laws that govern our brown land,
By Her are overseen.

"The day has come," some people said,
For us to be True Blue.
It's time the old girl packed it in,
It's making us askew.

"Get rid of Her?" few cried agast,
"Whatever will we do?"
"Don't worry mate, we'll be just fine."
"The Yanks are coming through!"