Fri 26 January 2007 - Australia Day
With all the controversy over the flag this year, and what it may represent in the hands of some people, I found it refreshing to read this, posted on one of The Australian’s blogs by ex-serviceman John Taylor:
The Australian flag has many places where it can and should be displayed. But this is not unconditional, or non-negotiable. One place is does not belong is draped across the shoulders of a foul mouthed, drunken and aggressive yobbo who will do you violence unless you show ‘respect’. So far as I am concerned (and please note, my tipple of choice is beer, and I take my coffee black, and have served in uniform) draping yourself in the flag does not make such behaviour acceptable. In fact, I regard that as an act of desecration. Engaging in such behaviour shows no respect for the flag. In taking the action they did, the organisers of the BDO showed more respect for the flag than those bogans who would hijack it for their peurile and offensive conduct. Well done Mr West, you are a good Australian.
– John Taylor of Canberra (23 January at 11:23 AM)