The following e-mail was sent by Simon Menzies, (no relation) a Councillor on Mosman Council. At last, someone has stood up in defence of long established Australian tradition and said, Enough is enough." Our traditions were hard fought for and should not be put asunder by those who refuse to acknowledge that "tolerance" is a two-way street.
Mayor Peter Abelson appears to embrace the ways of the PC brigade in his un-Australian decision. Deputy Mayor Roy Bendall said the 'flashmob' was a "self-serving stunt" by Councillor Menzies. If readers of MH and and citizens under Mosman Council disagree with the Mayor's action on this matter let him and Councillor Menzies know your thoughts, pro or con. If not, "forever hold thy peace." mayor@mosman.nsw.gov.au
GC. Ed.
Dear Editor Menzies House,
Mosman Council has axed the singing of the Australian National Anthem and reading of a Prayer from it's monthly meeting of council.
The new "independent" mayor, made this decision arguing that it will save time at meetings. A ridiculous argument, given the Anthem runs 57 seconds and the Prayer less than 30 seconds.
The decision was made without consulting the community - as they would have objected, or a vote of councillors - in case they represented the residents.
It probably comes as no surprise that a mayor who is so short on time can still find it to formally recognise the traditional owners of the land on which we meet.
I speculate that the real reason for the decision is more about not offending minority groups than saving time. Axing the Anthem, so we don't offend people from other countries. Axing the prayer so we don't offend non Christians. And keeping the acknowledgment of the traditional land owners so we don't offend Aboriginals. What is happening to the Australian identity?
Singing the anthem is a public expression of our pride in being Australian. Reading a Prayer is representative of a community with a christian faith. Two long held traditions have been disrespected and the decision should be reversed. I am protesting to make this happen.
At our December meeting I stood immediately before the start of the meeting and asked the gallery to join me in singing the Anthem and had prearranged a member of the community to read a prayer. The Mayor was unimpressed and reluctantly stood but refused to sing.
I feel strongly about this issue and will continue fighting for what I believe is right. If it can happen in Mosman it is happening else where across our great nation. Australia is losing it's identity in a battle of a thousand cuts.
With all best wishes,
Councillor Simon Menzies
Mosman Council
