Australia, forever and ever.

Dedicated to the land we love!

Struth, you'll be wrapping yourself in a flag soon.

And why not?

White supremacists and neonazis proudly wrap themselves in flags, be it in Europe, America or here. A twisted view of patriotism. "Patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels".
People draping themselves in Australian flags and running amok, bashing 'towel heads' and other people of non Caucasian origins on Sydney beaches was an image that I for one found appalling, racist, and a sad reflection on Australian society.

Reg, Well I've been called a few names in my lifetime but never a white supremacist, neonazi, twisted patriot, scoundrel but there you go you're entitled to your small minded view.
If you read between the lines was only trying to take minds away from the crazy panic the population is unnecessarily suffering.
Enjoy a great season and hope the crazy gold god is looking down on you.
Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

You forgot the oi, oi, oi.
Read it again. I never called you anything, merely suggested that wrapping yourself in a flag is not always a good look, as some less than desirable folk are quick to do so.

Gents, I can & do understand the meaning of both your views & the reasoning behind each ones posts, but lets keep a cool calm head on our shoulders & not be quick to judge one another.
As we see the progression of the COVID-19 virus spread, so will we also see, uneasiness/tension between people. This is not the time for division, but to keep a cool calm head on ones shoulders, for we're going to need it for whats to come.

Kon.

Too late Kon, the horse has bolted, all I can say it feels great to be living here in the West, most of us still have a sense of humour and not following the mass hysteria mob.
Apologies if my post upsets anyone, remove it if it does.

As Dave said, it is now official that the WA border, together with SA, Tasmania & NT, will be closed to all or any travellers/holiday makers, as from Tuesday the 24th from 1:30pm. Meaning anyone wanting to enter or leave WA after this day/time, will be required to isolate at the border for 2 weeks.

Cheers Kon.

This virus reminds us that we are all citizens of planet earth, and stupid remarks from those in power referring to the 'Chinese' virus are less than helpful. This is not a time for divisiveness, or for an 'us and them' attitude.
Sure we are the 'lucky country', but we will need more than luck to see us through this frightening situation. There is nothing wrong with being proud of ones country, as people all over the world share these feelings, however we need to keep things in perspective and realize that some of our behavior in this country is not really something to be proud of, or to be blinded by patriotism.
I certainly wasn't having a go at Nightjar, but trying to point out that although we have a lot going for us that we are far from perfect, and we some times have a condescending attitude in this country to other parts of the world, although not to the extent of the worlds most powerful country, where flag waving is an obsession.

PS Just heard that the AFL season has been cancelled. Now that is tragic.

I can't agree more with you Reg, for pointing the finger of blame, does not solve the problem at hand. Regardless of where, how, or from whom this virus came to be, is not as important as the whole world/people working together in the hope of keeping it quarantined to an absolute minimum, in order to have it eradicated all together. This is why I say it is a time of unity, all working together, each one doing their part of whats required of us to do, in order to minimise the devastating consequences/effects this new virus could have on the masses, if we allow it to continue to spread through ignorance/carelessness.

Cheers Kon.

wrong post

I am always amazed at how quickly the racist finger is pointed at Australians. Sure, many of us hold views that some call racist but if you look around our great country you will see why we are proud of it.

We have a very multi cultured country and most of our immigrants are happy to assimilate with only a minority refusing to do so.

If you want to see racism look abroad at those countries where they assume theirs is the best and if you disagree you quickly end up dead. Especially if you are white. But the snowflakes wouldn't call it racism.

Wrap yourself in a flag, Peter and be proud. Kathy Freeman did and was applauded for it. Every Australia day we fly the Aussie flag as do many of our neighbours, and are proud to do so. I might add I always feel more patriotic on Australia day and ANZAC day.

You've got a short memory Jim. Kathy Freeman copped a whole lot of flack because she chose to wrap herself in the Aboriginal flag. That did not go down well with a whole lot of white redneck 'Aussies', that thought that she should have chosen 'your' flag.
You have shown exactly how these 'clan' banners can be divisive.

Reg Wilson wrote:You've got a short memory Jim. Kathy Freeman copped a whole lot of flack because she chose to wrap herself in the Aboriginal flag.

Tell the whole story Reg, Cathy carried both the Aboriginal AND the Australian flag and I'm not getting into a "wrap" scrap over this.
I for one followed and praised Cathy's brilliant career.
My Grandfather, my father and myself were born in Australia. My Grandfather was being nursed in the UK recovering from horrific WW1 wounds. Grandfather/Pop married one of the Welsh nurses and returned to Australia when he had recovered. He carried shrapnel in his body to his dying days aged 83. No one will tell me I have a condescending, patriotic attitude that should be curbed and not be proud of our wonderful country.

Tell the whole story? Yes I remember the story well, and the criticism she copped.
My family history dates back to the convict ships, but I don't carry on about it like a pork chop, or close my eyes to the dirty side of our Australian history.

Reg, Jim, Peter, I'm happy for all of you & your patriotism, but lets not stray from the main subject here & or what all Australians are feeling/going through at the moment.

Cheers Kon.

Delete the whole post/thread Kon, don't wish to be associated with this, may post something that I will regret!!