Foxy,

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/australia-day-poses-curious-questions-just-what-are-we-celebrating-on-26-january-20150117-12rp3h.html

"So who the bloody hell are we?

I love Australia Day because it lets me feel patriotic for engaging in the time-honoured Australian traditions of bludging, drinking too much and standing around the barbecue with a group of companionably silent men who are trying to look industrious while their wives do all the work.

But what event are we actually celebrating on January 26? Many Australians remain oblivious to the origins of our national day.

We are not, contrary to popular opinion, recognising the birth of the Australian state, which took place on January 1, 1901. Why on earth would we want to celebrate a public holiday on another perfectly good public holiday?"

Etc....

Many years back a migrant when I asked why he chose Australia said;
"We came here because of the flag in the corner, it means democracy,
proper laws and courts, no oppression by government".

That is pretty close to what he said from 50 year old memory, but I
have never forgotten it.
I think he came from somewhere in Europe, possibly eastern Europe.

The whingers here might ponder that.

G'day BAZZ...

What you say is perfectly true, none of us should take for granted what we all have, by living here in Australia. Freedom ! That's what we have, freedom ! I know I'm a whinger about this and that, when I see governments doing things that I don't agree with. The real difference is, I can do something about it ? Be it, 'shout my grievances from the rooftops' ? Camp outside parliament house, as a display of my annoyance with the government ?

Moreover, my family won't need to enquire, as to my whereabouts the next morning, knowing full well that no harm would befall me at the hands of government, simply because I choose to voice my indignity at government malfeasance or something ?

In many other 'enlightened' countries in the world, dissent is never tolerated, those who engage in such activities, activities that we here in Australia all take for granted, simply disappear off the radar forever, never to be seen again ?

Indeed we have an enormous amount to be grateful and thankful for, here in, 'F R E E' old Oz, don't you all agree ?

Many years back a migrant when I asked why he chose Australia said;
"We came here because of the flag in the corner, it means democracy,
proper laws and courts, no oppression by government".

Well said by that man, Bazz. He just missed the bit about it being a place where anyone who worked hard was welcome, & could do well, but bludgers were not tolerated. That was why I joined the navy 57 years ago.

Now the ratbag green & left want to get rid of that little flag, as it reminds them of what they hate.

We have a county where work is a dirty word, & bludgers are courted for their vote, & given jobs on the public payroll or on building sights. That is why my son just resigned from the navy.

It really is getting to where what is left is hardly worth defending, & certainly not worth dying for.

Dear Poirot,

We are who we are - and that is unique.
At least that's what my mum told me.
And I believed her.

My parents taught me to not take
myself too seriously. The concept of - old
world upper-class snobbery was totally foreign to them.
They believed strongly
in the importance of education, and that
coupled with ability and hard work this lead to success.
They also taught me in the importance of
supporting loved ones, being civil, tolerant
and respectful.

We've always celebrated Australia Day. And this
year will be no exception. My father died of a massive
coronary back in the 1970s. It will be with my
mum (she's in her nineties), and the other elderly
residents, in the aged care facility.
We (my husband and I - who always accompanies me)
are looking forward
to watching the movie with the residents - after their
special lunch. I'm not sure what film will be shown
but the last I heard it was a toss up between
"Strictly Ballroom," "The Castle," "Gallipoli," (Mel Gibson).
or "Muriel's Wedding." Someone also mentioned they'd
like to see - "Crocodile Dundee."
All films the elderly would find entertaining. I'll let you know
which one they finally decide on.

Dear Bazz,

Its part and parcel of some people to whinge.
We've got a sign up in our staff room -

"There are those who work, and those who let them!"

Part of human nature, I guess.

most of the complainers love the benefits incuding well paid Government jobs but loathe what made this country so great. The loathers have hijacked the education system over the last 40 years.