.

Our Prime Minister said :

“One and free” is and must be the story of every Australian and it’s the way we truly Advance Australia Fair”

That may be, but is Australia truly “fair”, as Peter Dodds McCormick wrote in 1878 ? Was it ever “fair” ? Is it “fair” today ?

What exactly did McCormick mean by “fair” ? Did it include our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander compatriots ?

http://www.pm.gov.au/media/australians-one-and-free
.

Not surprisingly, I voted for Waltzing Matilda to become our national anthem in the 1974 referendum.

After all, I wrote it, didn’t I ?

This is not the original version as I wrote it back in 1895 but I just happen to like it as I think it best translates the spirit of the ballad in urban society which is the fate of most of us Aussies today :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGpwgHqlfWo&ab_channel=WilliamBladon

.

Dear Banjo P.,

I think that what our current PM has said is a good
goal to aim for. Is any country really fair to all
of it's people?

Possibly not. But the rule of law
should be applied equally. Of course we have the
latest examples of what's been happening in the US
for "We the people". And for many life is anything but fair.

Of course here in Australia there are quite a few things that
could be improved. Same Sex Marriage legislation was a step
in the right direction - regarding equality. Perhaps
something more positive can be achieved for our Indigenous
people - to which everyone could agree. It's worth discussing.

I would like to see "We are One and We are Many" become our
National Anthem. I think it says it all for everyone.

Foxy,

Your absence from The Forum has not made you any wiser.

The amendment 'One and free' and Morrison's calls for patriotism vis-a-vis a purported trade dispute with China are both about Soot repairing his public image following his inactions in the 2019 bushfire catastrophe. He now sees himself as the leader of a free and united liberal democracy in which every man, woman and child will have the right to own a chunk of coal they can call their own.

PS While you were away I discovered that Hasbeen is a fascist (he likes to be call 'mein Fuhrer' from now on) and Yuyustu is a Taiwanese nationalist sent he to turn people against the Chinese-Chinese.

I think for our Scot 'Amicus'- 'Fair' meant 'Beautiful'. But you knew that.

Dear Mr O,

I would not describe myself as being "wise".
My life has been a work in progress and still is.
However, I do believe that a "fair go" is an]
important part of Australian identity and culture
and for any PM to try to aim for that is a good thing.

I don't think that Hassie is what you claim him to be.
I've known Hassie for a long time. He is not an
extremist.

As for any issues with China? That is something that I
would prefer to leave to people more knowledgeable on the subject.
The issue is a complex one - but I am sure that our government
knows (from its experienced advisers - what
approach to take).

Advance Australia Fair Lyrics:

Australia's sons let us rejoice,
For we are young and free;
We've golden soil and wealth for toil,
Our home is girt by sea;
Our land abounds in Nature's gifts
Of beauty rich and rare;
In history's page, let every stage
Advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing,
"Advance Australia fair!"

When gallant Cook from Albion sail’d,
To trace wide oceans o’er,
True British courage bore him on,
Till he landed on our shore.
Then here he raised Old England’s flag,
The standard of the brave;
With all her faults we love her still,
“Brittannia rules the wave!”
In joyful strains then let us sing
“Advance Australia fair!” 

Beneath our radiant southern Cross,
We’ll toil with hearts and hands;
To make this Commonwealth of ours
Renowned of all the lands;
For those who’ve come across the seas
We’ve boundless plains to share;
With courage let us all combine
To advance Australia fair.
In joyful strains then let us sing
“Advance Australia fair!” 

While other nations of the globe
Behold us from afar,
We’ll rise to high renown and shine
Like our glorious southern star;
From England, Scotia, Erin’s Isle,
Who come our lot to share,
Let all combine with heart and hand
To advance Australia fair!
In joyful strains then let us sing
“Advance Australia fair!” 

Should foreign foe e’er sight our coast,
Or dare a foot to land,
We’ll rouse to arms like sires of yore
To guard our native strand;
Brittannia then shall surely know,
Beyond wide ocean’s roll,
Her sons in fair Australia’s land
Still keep a British soul.
In joyful strains then let us sing
“Advance Australia fair!” 

Extra Verse for some...

With Christ our head and cornerstone,
We'll build our nation's might,
Whose way and truth and light alone,
Can guide our path aright,
Our lives a sacrifice of love,
Reflect our Master's care,
With faces turned to heaven above,
Advance Australia fair,
In joyful strains then let us sing:
Advance, Australia Fair!