Patriotism - Page 7

Wollishofener · #**121** 13.06.2012, 23:35

	Quote:	Wallabies
	Just to add a small clarification to the already clear discussion that the referendum to change was rigged. In Australia a majority of voters does not mean 50.1% it is defined in the constitution as a majority of voters in a majority of states. Meaning that it is possible with somewhere around a 25% NO vote coming from small population states to reject a referendum. So it is pretty easy for the sitting government unless they screw up to rig a referendum to ensure it doesn't get voted in. In deed only about 8 referendums in history of Australia have ever succeeded. Points out how the irrelevant Queen still ensures they keep a link regardless of what the people want.

Similar to Switzerland. If something in a vote gets a people-majority but fails to get a majority of the Cantons, it is lost

Pachyderm · #**122** 06.07.2012, 20:54

	Quote:	BrianJW
	As an Australian in favour of a republic and someone who voted to maintain the status quo monarchy in 1999 I can tell you that the republican system put forward by politicians didn't sit well with me or many other Australians. Its not that most Australians want to keep the monarchy just didn't like the politicians electing a president. Its not a pro US or pro UK debate. The Queen of England and the whole royal family is just irrelevant to Australia.

As a Brit and a supporter of (but not fanatical about) the monarchy, let me say that I find your position totally reasonable.

I do feel pride in and cultural empathy with the monarchy but only because it is UK-based. If I were an Aussie in Australia, I can't imagine being too keen on the constitutional position.

SteveKamm · #**123** 07.07.2012, 08:12

	Quote:	PaddyG
	Why must we only be allowed to be proud of our achievements? I think we're free to be proud of whatever the hell we like, and don't really need some arsey internet nobody to tell us otherwise.

I agree - though not British (an American), I have relatives who have sacrificed, some with their lives, for the freedoms we enjoy. Did I do this directly, no? However as citizen of any nationality, there is nothing to be ashamed of in being proud of your country's achievement (but with this goes being thick skinned to accept the criticisms). Also through my labor and paying taxes I do contribute to my country (and "have skin in the game"). I look at people in the US who wear a University or Sports team shirt with pride - like the Gators or the NY Yankees. This is an example of pride without achievement.

sirwilliamhill · #**124** 11.07.2012, 10:51

No to Europe.
No to a Republic.
God save the Queen.