I wonder how many noticed that President Obama was given ‘special’ honours when he visited Australia on his whirlwind tour.
For those closely watching the Obama welcoming ceremony, they should have noticed that the Australian flag was placed in an inferior right hand (facing) position. The host nation’s flag should always be the one on the left (facing) and in the position of honour.
The Australian national anthem was played after that of the American anthem; it should have been the other way round.
There was no vice-regal salute for the Governor-General; thus implying the over lordship of America’s President and the inferiority of the Governor-General in his presence.
President Obama was given a 21 gun salute, which no president is entitled to; an artillery salute is reserved for royalty only.
These could not have been unintended gaffs of protocol. There is no way that those organising the event could have made the mistakes unknowingly. It is obvious that Australia was sending a clear message that we are now under the sovereignty of America.
For the republicans in our midst, they seem quite content to swap our allegiance to the Queen to the President of the United States.
Will we hear from any of them regarding these serious matters?
Jay Nauss,
Glen Aplin
