<< I think a new flag is the least of our concerns at the moment. >>

That is an understatement and a half, Otokonoko.

Ok, so it’s Invasion Day, er…..I mean, Austraaaalia Day, so I guess this is the discussion we had to have on OLO.

But really, it is so piffling. What difference does it make to anything if we keep or lose the UJ from our flag?

There are SO many other massively bigger things to worry about.

There is strong support everywhere for the Australian flag. Australians know that like Hawaiians, we can be fiercely independent AND retain our roots. Anyone ever looked at Hawaii's flag?

http://www.50states.com/flag/hiflag.htm

Typical though for the usual suspects to cock a leg on the flag on Australia Day. Who can aim lower when there are so many important issues in Australia to address? Population and sustainability anyone? Our place in the world?

Once again there was the invitation to celebrate and everybody did just that. Well, almost everybody, there will always be the few who say, 'Nah, bugger that, lets just whinge about 'Aussies', might as well stick with what we're good at'.

Happy Australia Day.

Dear Individual,

Each culture and each wave of migrants - brought
enrichment and diversity to the country we know and
love today. Australia has grown from a cultural
backwater - to one that is today respected the world
over. Many people have worked hard to make this
possible. Past, present, and will undoubtedly
continue to do so in the future.

Not everyone is capable of contributing equally to
this nation for a variety of reasons.
I feel that perhaps your concern is unwarranted,
give yourself time - as you said - you haven't been
here that long - fingers crossed that things will
improve for you with time.

I do not think that changing the flag it would be very helpful for the country, instead the discussion about it could create an unnecessary controversy over a trivial matter and probably it will have a negative impact on more important issues as the abolishment of the citizenship test, which creates real problems to a big part of permanent Australian residents and the reduction of race discrimination, a real HUGE problem
Antonios Symeonakis
Adelaide

..each wave of migrants - brought
enrichment and diversity to the country ...
Foxy,
Most people who came to this country did so with the hope of having a better life & many succeeded. I for one appreciate what the people who came & built before me for my generation to build upon. I feel grateful & appreciate the efforts & endurance & commitment & above all, the foresight of those pioneers. It makes me cringe when I observe what those who simply inherited take so for granted & actually condemn the methods used yet unashamedly & opportunistically enjoy the standard of living that was provided not by them but for them. Since the early 70's when the tsunami of the self righteous swamped Australia & indeed most of the western world people have been taught (yes taught) to disregard & even criticise (of course with the benefit of hindsight) the hand that feeds them. I guarantee that left to their own initiative & competence 95% of these critics would only survive until the fridge is empty.
Many immigrants have contributed much to building Australia & that's why it is vital that the immigration policies not get laxed too much more. We experience the results of this lax now & I for one believe that a new tide of immigrants with an agenda if not taken seriously will turn Australia from the lucky Country into the silly Country that missed the boat by letting all the boats in. Take a long look at the flag & try to envisage an Australia after the self righteous have turned it upside down.

CJ, Foxy & Suzeonline,

You are all spot on.
But first we need an Australian Head of State.
Call the Head of State 'Governor General' not President.
Call our nation 'Commonwealth of Australia' not The Republic.
We do this first - then change the flag by;
Removing the UK Jack and leaving the Fed' Star & Southern Cross on the blue field - thats all.
No change to our system of government.