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indigosailor

Listed below are comments made by indigosailor between Sunday, 19th April 2009 and Sunday, 8th November 2009.

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The Republican Referendum: Ten Years On 10:21am on 08 Nov 2009 44# Steve,

I don’t think the UK would be proactive on fighting the monarchist corner in Australia. It’s a matter for Australians and not anyone else.
There is a small minority of Australians who just want to smack it to the Brits and have a very short term picture of where Australia should go, in the same way there are a small minority of Brits which enjoy a good sneer at Australia’s current arrangement.
But I think there is a real lack of realization in how much both Britain and Australia have changed. Britain’s future is with the EU. Australia’s future, if it wants one, is with Asia.
I think even if Australia became a republic the British government would still help Australia in international and regional forums such as the EU. In the same way Australia would help Britain in any Asian/Pacific forum. Australia and Britain would still be close allies.
Also Australia would most likely remain in the Commonwealth even if it became a republic (there are many examples of republics in the Commonwealth) And the social cohesion between the Britain and Australia would continue.
The Republic debate is Canada, New Zealand or Jamaica are all at very different stages.
I know some Canadians who feel that the current arrangement with the Queen is the only thing that differs between themselves and the USA, take it away and they become just another State of their southern neighbour.
Also in Canada the Quebec question is a far bigger national issue that becoming a Republic. It’s a bit like Queensland wanting to break away from the federation!
The Republican Referendum: Ten Years On 8:21pm on 05 Nov 2009 #6 Yes Prince William’s visit will be interesting.

Interesting to see if he’s given a “fair go” or made “fair game”

I imagine on the eve of his visit the Aussie media will find something to stir up. Probably the cost of his visit just like Harry‘s trip, after all it’s an unofficial trip so there be no national anthem to moan about.

I spend my time flicking between Australia and the UK. If I put my Australian hat on I'm a Republican if I put my British hat on I’m a Monarchist.

But usually when there is a Royal visit to Australia, the things that are said, the things that are written, are just ludicrous and pathetic.

Everyone in the media seems desperate during any Royal visit to highlight the Republican cause.

One day when the 1st Aussie President makes he maiden visit to the UK do you think the British media will stir up the same dross that Royals often experience when they visit Australia.
The Pom influence 10:08pm on 26 Jun 2009 I was once chatting to a friend of mine on a bus in Sydney when an Australian teenager, telling from my accent, butted in and said "I don't like Poms, you should all go home" (Infact it was stronger than that.)

I asked him if so, why was he wearing Burberry? I got a strange glare, he ignored me, plugged in her iPod where you could hear Coldplay blaring out.

How ironic....... :)
Big moment for Rio and Chicago 8:51pm on 17 Jun 2009 Golf! Please no. Like Tennis it just would not work. Would Tiger Woods rather win the US Masters or an Olympic medal? My guess would be the US Masters. Tennis doesn't work because you get the impression the players are there to be part of something or because they feel they have to be rather than a hunger to win. Andy Murray proved that last year.

Not being a cynic but I think golf is being touted so the US can wheel out a load of big name golfers like Woods to support the Chicago bid for 2016.
Australia's underwhelming capital 9:01pm on 10 May 2009 Canberra, manages to make the Kiwi capital Wellington look and feel like New York City!
Australian Republic back on radar 2:13pm on 01 May 2009 The British don't care if Australia becomes a Republic or not. Most Brits don't even know the Queen is still the head of state in Australia unless their regular visitors or cricket fans. And the Union Jack on the Australian flag just translates as a historical reminder and a bit of additional decoration.

I'm all for changing the flag, but who cares about the head of state. Canada changed their flag and hardly anyone knows the Queen is still in place over there.

I can think of many countries that would love to have a head of state who lived on the other side of the world and visited once every 6 years!

Best of all she's free, she doesn't upset people (even the Pope can't manage that) and tends to be well liked across the planet.

If its about vanity, look at Germany 3rd biggest economy in the world, now name the German President (without looking on the net)

Beyond out geopolitical playground nobody is interested.

Besides how much would us becoming a republic cost? So much to change from the Military to the money.

Would we keep the QVB? Would all the streets in central Brisbane need to be renamed? lol.
Making arguments on race 10:42am on 19 Apr 2009 To those who are worried about the nickname Pom, it really shouldn't be mentioned in a blog about race. I can't think of any other 2 countries on earth that can get away with hurling the sort of abuse at each other that Britain and Australia do and yet sleep easy at night. It's all in the name of humor and we all give as much as we get. Often it's only the media which on occasions take it a little too far. And the British and Australian printed press are the worst in the world for stirring the pot on any issue.

After all, I've just watched the Chinese F1 Grand Prix where Mark Webber an Australian driver has come second while driving for Red Bull, a British Team. That really will have confused the Sydney Morning Herald and The Times of London.

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