We can, at times, be a strange and hypocritical mob.
 
In the days preceding Australia Day (January 26th) much was said and written about the importance of celebrating this day. Get out and about, be proud to be an Aussie, have a barbecue, join the herd to watch pretty things go bang in the sky, and above all we were exhorted to "fly the flag".
 
The flag, the national symbol that has caused so much controversy and debate. First displayed officially in 1901 following a competition to select an appropriate design for a flag representing our new Federation of States, the flag chosen then did not officially become our national flag until 1954, when The Flags Act of 1953 was signed into law by Queen Elizabeth, our Head of State, after she opened the Australian Parliament that year.
 
During outbreaks of the shallow, at times dangerous Nationalism that grips sections of our community periodically, Australian flags appear everywhere. People who fly the flag enthusiastically describe themselves as patriots. Yet many of these "patriots" continue to defile the flag they profess to love.
 
How many of these "patriots" follow the protocols associated with displaying the Australian flag?
 
These protocols, as set down by the Australian Government, are designed to protect the dignity and enhance respect of the flag:

- The flag should be raised briskly and lowered ceremoniously.

- The flag should be raised no earlier than first light and lowered no later than dusk.
 
- When the flag is raised or lowered, or when it is carried in a parade or review, everyone present should be silent and face the flag. People in uniform should salute.
 
- The flag should always be flown freely and as close as possible to the top of the flag pole with the rope tightly secured.
 
- Unless all flags are raised and lowered simultaneously, the Australian National Flag should be raised first
    
- When the Australian National Flag is flown with flags of other nations, all flags should be of the same size and flag poles be of the same height.
 
- When flying only one other national flag, the Australian National Flag should fly on the left of the person facing the flags.
 
- Two flags should not be flown on the same flag pole.    
 
- The flag may be flown at night only if it is illuminated.
 
- The flag should never be flown if it is damaged, faded, or dilapidated. When the material of the flag deteriorates it should be destroyed privately and in a dignified way
    i.e.. it may be cut into small unrecognisable pieces then disposed of in normal rubbish collection.
 
- The flag should not be flown upside down, even as a signal of distress.
 
- The flag should not fall or be on the ground or be used as a cover (although it can be used to cover a coffin at a funeral)
 
The protocols are all about dignity and respect.
 
How many of our flag waving "patriots" know these protocols exist? And how respectfull is it to turn flags into bikinis, beach towels, tee shirts, underwear, lingerie, tea towels and table cloths?
 
The Australian Government recognizes the commercial possibilities of the flag and has published the following guidelines:
 
- The flag should be used in a dignified manner and reproduced completely and accurately.
 
- It should not be defaced by overprinting with words or illustrations.
 
- Other objects in displays should not cover the flag.
 
- All symbolic parts of the flag should be identifiable.
 
Consider this "patriots". Is it dignified to have the Australian flag covering your backside or the boobs and bum of your girlfriend? Is it respectful and dignified to place the Australian flag on the ground and loll all over it? And is it dignified and respectful to become boozed up boof heads and drape yourself in our national flag at sporting contests?. Great patriots.
 
But probably the most cynical debasement of our national flag is when some athlete wins a sporting contest, and, with one eye on the cameras, another on an adoring public, and mindful of what the ensuing media images will do for future commercial endorsements, the said athlete brazenly drapes the Australian flag around his or her body. Forget the protocols, the media and the public love it.
 
Yet we are supposed to respect our national flag not prostitute it, debase it, and use it for underwear.
 
I have argued for a change to our national flag. I believe our flag should be a simple design featuring the stars of the Southern Cross.
 
But as long as the flag we have as our national symbol remains I will accord it due respect.
 
Which means I won't use it as a beach towel, leave it flapping around overnight, allow it to become faded and dilapidated, or use it as underpants.
 
Nor will I parade around in it for publicity purposes, or get drunk and use it as a towel or head scarf at the cricket.