Letter to The Editor - There are idealists and well-meaning people on both sides

To The Age        Warwick McFadyen says that "it's time for a new anthem and a new flag" ("Anthem row reveals nation's discord", 17/9). Perhaps he's right about the anthem, but wrong about our flag. The flag is one of the most beautiful in the world; its use of the union jack pays homage to the foundation of our nation, which was essentially British; its use of the Southern Cross is geographically appropriate and conveys an idea of aspiration in which all Australians can share. On the other hand, although Australia remains a relatively peaceful, harmonious and united nation (compared to most other nations), there is currently an immense struggle for its soul - between the Left (secular, republican, egalitarian) and the Right (religious, royalist and hierarchical). There are idealists and well-meaning people on both sides. Until the matter is resolved and some new consensus is reached, finding a suitable new anthem should be left in the "too hard" basket.
  Nigel Jackson, Belgrave, Vic