Henrietta Dubb's Diary - 13

Why we need State Government respect for our symbols

So Victoria is the place to be and no longer on the move. Well that's OK, I suppose. We put up with the immature political approach that has to market itself with posters and slogans. But I have a question: did it have to be an uncrowning achievement?

OK. I know. Henrietta, what are you talking about?

Have a look at the bill-boards which the State Government puts up to tell us that this "world's best practise" project is evidence of "our taxes at work". And so on it goes ad infinitum, ad nauseam. Ad infinitum nauseam.

The uncrowning is quite blatant and "in yer face" actually. Have a look at the Victorian flag. Get off your republican boxing kangaroo horse for a moment and note the crown on the Victorian flag. Interesting eh. Part of the inherited symbolism. And you see now that this (Labor) State Government leaves the crown off its little Vic-symbol. What? Are we going to change the name of the state now? Landyville perhaps?

Let's just have a proper respect for our State's icon; let's not feel too embarrassed too quickly by the fact that we have a crown in our State flag. Our name is Victoria! Good grief! The 19th century British Monarch actually allowed her name to be the name of our State. She was not Queen of Queensland without being Queen of Victoria, head of State for all Britain's colonies that federated in 1901.

Is this playing of tit-for-tat with the State's symbols evidence of a churlish and stupid political immaturity? I hope not but it raises serious questions about the ability of both major parties to do what needs to be done to offer genuine (dare I say it) political leadership that would now prepare the way for a republic.

I'll give some explicit recommendations in future diary entries.

 

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June 2003 © Henrietta Dubb's Diary, is written and published by Bruce C Wearne, 29 Lawrence Rd., Point Lonsdale Vic 3225 AUSTRALIA, 61-3-5258-3913. Each entry in the diary  may be photocopied or retransmitted in its entirety but shall not otherwise be reprinted or transmitted without the publisher's written permission. This personal project aims to encourage positive Christian citizenship, the development of policies and political attitudes that better express our love for God and our neighbour. Comments are welcome. Email can be sent to bcwearne@ozemail.com.au  

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