ADVANCING OUR ANTHEM
Ben Langford's article (Illawarra Mercury, September 13) advocates changing our national anthem. Could I note some contra-indications? Unlike other anthems Advance Australia Fair in 1977 was adopted by plebiscite, 84 per cent participating. It got 43 per cent. Waltzing Matilda got 28 per cent. God Save the Queen got 19 per cent and Song of Australia 10 per cent. After preferences it had 52 per cent of the vote. Of it Margaret Whitlam said: "It's tune is okay and its words aren't any sillier than other national anthems". I have officially heard over 50 Anthems. Few are memorable.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Argentine anthem lasts an eternity. The Star Spangled Banner tune is an old English drinking song and sounds better if drunk. Unlike Deutschland Uber Alles, Joseph Haydn can't write all anthem. Unlike many anthems our words do not call on God either to save, help, defend or preserve us or our Monarch or to destroy our enemies. It is not a war song insulting other countries.
Unlike the French anthem it does not advocate keeping out impure blood. It tells no lies unlike the Dutch anthem pledging loyalty to Spain's King 450 years after independence. Advance Australia Fair is Australian, popularly adopted; polls show 55 per cent support. I preferred Song of Australia, but Advance Australia Fair is much better than God Save the Queen we had for 84 years. I happily stand for it or hear it when we win sporting events. I don't oppose change but I want to see/hear a better alternative and better arguments than Mr Langford's before doing so.
Daan Goss, Woonona
ABIDE BY THE RULES
In response to the letter by Barry Swan 'Shocking Treatment' (Illawarra Mercury, Monday September 9, 2019), in terms of misleading information, Mr Swan deserves a gold medal. The Morrison government is not being cruel but rather upholding the law of Australia.
Mr Swan like most lefties ignores this. In addition the High Court and six previous court decisions have declared the Tamil family are not genuine refugees. Mr Swan conveniently ignores this. If it is so dangerous to return to their homeland, why has the father done so on two previous occasions? The spectacular failure of Mr Swan to acknowledge this is just typical.
By coming here illegally the Tamil couple prevented genuine refugees sitting in camps from arriving. Again, Mr Swan fails to recognise this too? Many have testified to the Tamil couples sincerity and ability to fit into Australian society which is terrific. They need to go back home and apply properly.
Adrian Devlin, Fairy Meadow
STRIKE'S NEW DIMENSION
On Friday students will be joining world students in action to address climate change. Their reason for striking was the kind of future they would inherit if carbon emissions were not reduced. The speed of climate change is doing its damage now. The extreme weather caused by the lack of action to address the problem is causing the extreme hazards we are experiencing.
It has resulted in governments and non-government organisations to declare a climate emergency. It is being endorsed by local councils, doctors, farmers, business and as recent stats show by a majority of the population. This means that Friday's students strike now has a new dimension.
Reg Wilding, Wollongong
