If anyone is stupid enough to feel offended by the australia flag, then I can draw them a map as to where they can stick those feelings.
To you people who have some objection to some of us flying the Australian flag, all I can say is that you are un-Australian, and I am referring to Ozperp in particular, Jaycee, Dan C, Tess 85, and weg.
You have absolutely no sense of pride in this great country, and all you want to do is knock it, and the flag that represents this country of ours.
You've missed the point, and I'll try once more.
I don't object to the Australian flag. I served the Australian military for 7 years, my husband served for 12 years, my sister is serving in "an unnamed desert hotspot" right now, and hubby's first cousin was killed in Afghanistan serving in the British Army last year. I can proudly recount my Australian ancestry back about 5 generations on some branches. I've participated in more than a few ANZAC Day marches, and will do so again. (Have to get the uniform let out though
)
I say again, I don't find the flag offensive, but I know that there are many people who are upset to see it flying, particularly on private homes, because whether you intend it or not - and I don't believe it's pursefattener's motivation - many people think it's sending a nasty message when it's on a private home, which isn't the same when it's on a public building.
Yes, I could say "well, they're wrong", and do it anyway to "stick it to them", but that's precisely the kind of action that escalates conflicts which eventually lead to war. To me, the ultimate respect to show to those who've died serving us is to ensure that their country remains the peaceful, harmonious place that they loved. They would want nothing more, IMHO, than for us all to just "get along", and not have any more wars.
It really doesn't matter whether their being offended is rational or reasonable, IMHO; I'm trying hard to emphasise that
it's not about the flag. As several of you seem to have not understood my earlier example about the Maltese Terrier, I'll try another one... what about if my neighbour had been, for example, raped many years ago, and Pink Floyd was playing in the background at the time. I am playing Pink Floyd - completely inoffensive in itself (except against good taste, IMHO
) - quite loudly one night when the neighbour's teenage son runs over and says to me: "Look, I know it's a bit dotty, but my Mum gets very distressed when she hears Pink Floyd" and tells me the story.
By Council by-laws, I have a right to play whatever music I like, as loud as I like, up until 11pm. It's only 7pm.
Do I play Pink Floyd at a louder volume for the next 4 hours, "because she can't tell me what to play and I have a right to play it", or do I choose to play something else, or turn it down? For me, I'd always choose the latter.
The fact that there's nothing offensive to you or I about the Australian flag is really beside the point; it's not about the flag. It's about doing something that you know upsets other people, when you could easily
not do it, at very little cost to yourself.
To quote my Mum, my attitude would be: "I don't care who started, I'm finishing it!" I consider it a sign of courage to be the first to back down,
when there aren't bigger principles at stake.
And I guess that's where we differ - many of you obviously feel that there are great principles at stake. I think our country can be completely wonderful and have all the wonderful symbols and unity of purpose etc, without having to fly the flag in my own yard. I don't have a flag in my yard, I don't have a Southern Cross tattoo, I don't have my car painted with the Aussie flag, and I don't wear green and gold undies, but I still feel very Australian, and a very proud Australian.
Peace to you all...
