Spinner,

If you are not a Monarchist, by definition you should support a Republican model of government.
One should not sit spinning on top of the fence, declare yourself!
To do so is neither 'cultural' nor a 'cringe'.
I would assume you would consider us as an independent and sovereign nation.
If so should we not have a home grown Head of State?

I absolutely "consider us as an independent and sovereign nation." - and in that respect I don't feel it necessary to "prove" anything to anyone. OF COURSE it's a cultural cringe to go around carrying on about having to show the world who we are! THEY already know - and so should we by now!

Some of you might have a crisis of identity but I certainly don't and it's painful to see fellow Aussies carrying on like such snivelling whimps.

And as for not being a Monarchist "by definition meaning one must support a Republican model of government" - I've never said I'm against being a Republic! - but the agenda pushed by what appears to be the mainstream Republican movement actually has little to do with being a true Republic. I'm not a monarchist but neither do I hold a chip such as to be an "anti-monarchist" - and to support the cause of a Republic one does NOT need to be anti monarchist. People who paint things in such sharp shades of black and white are fools and the kind of people who have led us into wars and ruin thru all the ages.

I not only consider it inevitable but actually strongly support becoming a Republic as long as it's done for the right reasons and in the right way - and chucking a national hissy fit like petulant teenagers divorcing themselves from their parents is not the right reason or way to do it - read again "the Republic of the Cultural Cringe"

I don't support the current "Australian Republican Movement" because as far as I'm concerned that organisation is a lie in both name and purpose - it SHOULD be called the Australian Anti-Monarchist Movement - thus vacating the space it wastefully occupies so REAL Republicans can get on with the SERIOUS job of carrying the cause of a true Australian Republic. If such an organisation existed I would sign up immediately.

Spinner I still do not get it, you are quite wrong judging me a wimp.
Royal family may well have plenty who support it, equally many do not.
While I tell many storys that do not flatter that mob, it was not my intention to do so.
In a little tin shed picture show in Bargo, my mums home town, my dad refused to rise for God save the King, I stayed seated with him, a child but with him.
That town had lost many in ww1 and ww2 the first needlessly, in the name of England.
the cringe that took place, the reaction to saying not my king, was a cultural cringe not standing up to be counted.
Spinner you must surely, can be nothing other, than a monarchist.

Well said Spinner, you hit the nail squarely on the head.
I'm surprised how many can't see what your talking about.

I should probably say that I'd probably be a Republican, however:

Personally I have no time for ANY unelected leader, or for that matter any form of symbolic figurehead at all- they both belong in the history books and fairytales.

The idea of people bowing to and idolizing anyone as a divine figure based on his job is really kind of sad, and paying a guy a great salary to do nothing but cut ribbons at public functions is, well, do I need to say it?

I'm liking a suggestion for filling the potentially useless role of "ceremonial head of state" with a trained kangaroo a lot actually- it's really no less silly than a person, but a lot cheaper (and would make better international publicity).

Thoughts?

Raw Mustard I hope that is your considered opinion.
In debate, in truly talking about any subject.
It is my view we should not let our personal views of others control how we think.
And yes, no surprise we think differently, I do not say me and you but every one.
The debate is, well I think it is, did Williams visit truly change the republican debate?
Do we want a King.
Or a republic.
Now I believe if politicians had not pressed their own wishes, very wisely used by monarchists, we may have voted for a republic.
You Raw Mustard and I can be wrong, often we will be.
But in spinners claim, with your support, both monarchists and republicans do not have a leg to stand on.
If it ain't broke do not fix it.
In two posts you both take at best a marginal view, one that says openly if we want any change we are cringer's/wimps/ maybe Australian.
All views always have value, some if only to highlight human nature can some times be a blinding thing.
Figure heads.
Americas system is not one I support but with refinement, with publics right to select, to Honor a figure head?
ok by me.
Candidates?
Come up with some.
Mine is true, Dame Edna Average.
No just think
The world would see we love a laughter and those Gladys landing in the lap of stern faced old men amuses me.