What am I?

[MulletMan]

WHAT AM I?

„X I have seen many, many generations come and go
„X I am rarely seen these days other than on special occasions
„X I fight to retain my identity from those who would destroy me
„X I engender anger, fear, love, hate, loyalty and derision
„X You may slash and cut me with no fear of reprisal
„X You may drag me through the mud with a clear conscience
„X You may hang me yet fear no laws
„X You can openly burn me yet be free of punishment
„X I can be abused in any fashion of your choosing
„X You may tear me into many pieces
„X I have cradled many of your loved ones in my arms
„X I am oft sought after in the moments of great bravery and death
„X I grace both the mighty towers and the most humble tent
„X My shadow has seen the four corners of the globe
„X It is no longer politically correct to be seen and honoured
„X There is nothing you can do to me that will be deemed unlawful
„X I rarely if ever grace the offices of those elected by citizens of the land
„X You will have great difficulty finding me in many of your shops
„X You may freely urinate, defecate and jump upon me in the streets
„X Having been once proud, I am now shunned by many
„X I can be shot and mutilated yet no one will care
„X Legislation shall never protect me lest it offend others
„X I have served long and faithfully yet seek only respect in return
„X What am I? Why of course I am your Australian flag!