One positive effect of this referendum is that now most of us have
the Constitution to hand, and we can read for ourselves what Jim
has been trying to bring to our attention for the last several years.
Section 25 is indeed scandalous, and I think that if recoznet
wished to take on a project, to provide us with a focus, nothing
would be more appropriate for us to grapple with than this ugly
anachronism.
(And while we're at it, perhaps a few minor clean-ups: The one
that has Melbourne as the capital city until a suitable site is found,
and the assorted "he"s still littered about, also need getting rid of.
What is the mechanism for tidying up the minor points? Also a
referendum?)
But I'm with Laurie on the actual vote. We're not going to change
the Constitution by spoiling our votes in this referendum. We're not
even going to effectively express our outrage: no one is going to
notice such a protest.
My votes will be "yes" for the republic and "no" for the preamble.
My yes vote will be made in full recognition that we've been treated
with contempt by both sides, with everyone concerned attempting
to manipulate us. But a republic, however imperfect, is far
preferable to me over the inherently imperfect monarchy. And, just
maybe, Laurie will be proved right and we will take more
responsibility for our Constitution when we realise that we are on
our own. As for the preamble, it's unnecessary and disgusting.
Sandy
Laurie Forde wrote:
> He makes an imperative point---It is unadulterated racism that allows
> sections 25 and 51 xxvi to remain in our constitution.
>
> The fact that these sections do remain, goes to show how ill-informed or
> racist or both the Australian population is---we must continue to call for
> further referendums to remove these racist sections, as well as any other
> desired changes.
>
> However, if we take this opportunity to replace the foreign Monarch with an
> Australian Head of State, we will hopefully begin taking a greater interest
> in, and more responsibility for, our Constitution----the Constitutional
> World does not end on Nov. 6.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sandy Sanders
Wormhole Books
27A Main Street
Upwey VIC 3158
ph/fax 61 (03) 9754 5440
WORMHOLE BOOKS science/fiction and beyond . . . .
www.wormhole.com.au
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