Someone somewhere once said that patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel, and what is becoming increasingly apparent in the Australia of today is that the flag is the preferred apparel of drunken louts on this the 26th day of January.

Thankfully, the Union Jack and the Southern Cross on the background of blue clearly mark out the fools in any crowd, and one knows immediately where and whom to avoid. Unfortunately, I was already on the 96 tram to St. Kilda when a rowdy bunch of flag-happy fuckers jumped aboard, so avoiding them was not an option and their inimitable brand of raucous charm and wit had to be endured all the way home.

Happy Australia Day indeed.