We are a country that is republican in spirit. We believe
in egalitarianism, in democracu. We believe in merit
before background, status, or class. But we have been
unable to make our constitutional reflect the tenor
and values of our society.

We need to stop keeping things on the back burner. Many
think it is inevitable eventually, and inevitability leads
to inaction. This lack of passion may also have something to
do with the fact that the question of a republic has historically
been framed as something external to us. A question of what we
don't want to be. And that's not a particularly inspiring
message.

The republic has to mean more than just severance. It needs to
be s bigger question about our relationship with the country,
the land, and one another, and the position of our indigenous
people.

In any case it is up to the Australian people to decide what
kind of country they want to live in. No one else should do
it for them.

Thanks folks. I'll see you all on another discussion.
This one for me has run its course.

My apologies for all the typos. I have eye problems.
And my vision is deteriorating. So please bear with
me.

Have a nice day.

Stay safe and have a nice day.

Canem Malum,

It is extremely unfair for you to suggest that I am
"working for a foreign power" simply because my views
don't agree with yours. And that I am quoting Marx?
My parents and grand-parents fled the Stalinist terror
that occupied their native land. They lost everything.
Their country, family members, social position.
I find you comments extremely offensive. They are
totally wrong. You tell me that that" no offence" is
intended? All that means is that you're going to offend
me but for me not to get mad.

Poor show.

Dear Foxy,

Did you bring this topic in order to push it down our throats?

Many of us replied, each in our own ways and with our own different reasons, that we don't want a republic.

You can still have a republic if you want, just please do not include in it others who are not interested. You can probably do so by keeping it small enough rather than trying to force it on all the rest of us here. Have you even tried to convince your state, Victoria, or perhaps your local council, to become a republic?

There's an old Russian proverb -

"Don't! Don't dig up the past!
If you dig up the past you'll lose an eye."

But the proverb goes on to say -

"If you don't learn from the past - you'll
lose both eyes!"

I prefer quoting Alexander Solzhenitsyn not
Marx.

Yuyutsu,

I was not aware that I am pushing anything down
anybody's throat. I think I've made it quite clear
that the Australian people will be the deciders on
whether we become a republic or not, and when and if.
I am merely expressing an opinion and providing
information and data - which is an occupational habit for
a qualified librarian and researcher.

Anyhow, if you find what I post offensive - you are under
no obligation to read or participate in the discussion.

I have been taught to be polite and respond to
people's comments. Of course that leaves me open
to personal attacks - which are stressful and
offensive. But I guess that's the norm on public
forums discussing politics and social issues. Especially
when people have the advantage of hiding behind anonymity.
They can become keyboard warriors which they probably
aren't in real life.