Prime Minster John Key, the master prestidigitator, is about to perform some sleight of hand (or underhand) trick on us gullible Kiwis.

Change the flag he cries, we need a new flag. One that shows our independence, we've come of age. We get mistaken for Aussies - they're the ones who should complain.
We will have two postal referendums at a cost of $9 million each - 29 lie a-mouldering in their grave.

Firstly to select a design. Then to choose between the selected design and the existing flag. If change is the outcome, the second referendum is not binding. Then comes the cost of implementing the change, which will cost umpteen million of dollars. We already know from public opinion polls between 60-70 per cent of Kiwis want to retain our existing flag.

My bet is Mr Key wants to substitute the Stars and Stripes for the Union Jack in the top left-hand corner.

But this is all a diversion. While we are focusing of the flag issue, he'll be making more of our personal liberties and/or sovereignty disappear.

Be alert; watch him, not what he wants you to be pre-occupied with.

P Dolden, Papamoa.