I admit to being an Australia Day Grinch. It is a day which brings out the best and worst in people. There are the family b b cues at the beach with the customary Vegemite, pavlova and lamingtons. I have no problems with this custom and indeed spent my day this way, albeit without the sweet treats. Then there is the overt patriotic fervour which compels some of our fine citizens to adorn their cars, houses and bodies with the flag (most likely made in China), the proliferation of the ‘Australia – love it or leave it’ stickers and the aggressive defence of all things ‘Aussie’. This I do have a problem with.