Aussie flag fuss

Now here's a man who shows some old fashioned commonsense.
David "Bangers" Bancroft, editor of the Daily Examiner in Grafton giving his Australia Day view on the fuss about flags.

THIS might sound 'unAustralian', whatever that means, but I wouldn't be disappointed if I never saw or heard another Australian flag flapping from a car window.

It might not be the right thing to say on Australia Day, but I can't stand the things.

No doubt those who buy the flags are being patriotic, and good luck to them.

But to me they are more jingoistic than a demonstration of national pride and are unnecessary.

This new addition to patriotic fervour has all the hallmarks of a commercial campaign aimed at getting the gullible to feel they aren't demonstrating properly their support of Australia unless they adorn their vehicle, their home and any other display area with an Aussie flag.

This, to me, is more at home in America than Australia, where the Stars and Stripes have always been part of the national psyche.

Such outward demonstrations of nationalism have never seemed necessary in Australia, and aren't now.

Sure, support Australian sporting teams, throw a barbecue with a few mates and feel pride in living in the best country there is. But try not to fall for the commercially motivated need to put a flag in your car window.

And at the risk of raising the ire of rampant nationalists, how about getting rid of the emblem of another country from the top corner of our flag?

You don't need a flag on your car to prove you're Australian.

Couldn't agree more.

Upriver Bill

Northern Rivers

Guest Speak is a North Coast Voices segment allowing serious or satirical comment from NSW Northern Rivers residents. Email ncvguestpeak at live dot com dot au to submit comment for consideration.