I have been talking to some Aussies about how they feel about it, many want it, but worried about the cost it will incur. Most didn't think that it would even be worked on until Rudd's second term. They say he has accomplished more with his time in office than Howard did in his whole 11 years. Hard to distinguish between the propaganda and reality of the affair with just learning what is going on. Just catching onto some of the system and they are gonna change it on me, hehehe. But it is interesting to observe.

My husband and I have talked about this when I first moved here. It is funny how much many want it, but most don't know enough about the situation to give a proper prospective or realize the implications. He calls the Southern Cross the true flag of Australia and displays it in our home (if you don't know what that is see Eureka Stockade history).

The servo has been bustling with "gossiping" (although they say politicing) men. It is funny the gathering.. Johno is born Italian and been here since he was 6 years old, Michael is Czech and been here 35 years, Steve is English and been here since he was 7 years old, and Craig the only True Blue of the bunch. I don't know the other blokes nationality or name, but he just chimes in with a yeah here and there anyways. Annette and I stay out of their conversations unless the BS gets to deep and then we have 2 cents to make them all shake their heads saying "women".

In 1901 when Australia became a Federation there were many still loyal to the King and now Queen. There are still those loyal to her now. Many of the Anzac say they fought for her and under this flag so they don't want the changes, they feel it will betray all they fought for. Others want it for the future of their children, to be able to stand up proud about being Australian. They have so much to be proud of even without a republic though.

It is a true mix of cultures here. I asked Craig how they keep the Aussie lifestyle with such a boiling pot, he just shrugs his shoulders and say we just do. Mainly it is out in the bush countries I think, Aussie slang is loosing to American lingo except out there for the most part. Don't say that to any True Blue though, they will swear dinky di and start talking about Yanks being a problem for the youth and politics of nations. In some areas the cultures work together in harmony and meld to the Aussie lifestyle, in others they are making their own mini cultural communities to shun out the people they have moved to be with. Ask them why they wanted to move to a country they want no part in and they say because our own was appresive and walk away.

So much to understand within a short period of time, I wonder how much other people are taking notice. When I was reading the constitution most Aussies told me they hadn't even read it. When asked about what all will happen with a republic you get a lot of shaking heads.