The Queen's Birthday weekend
Posted by: Rasher on 24 April 2006
I wonder what it must be like to have a church service of thanksgiving for yourself at your own church in your own grounds, with invited family members to read out endless monologues of how wonderful you are.
Must be a blast. Sure knows how to have a good time.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by jcs_smith
You'd have to be an egomaniac to enjoy that would't you?
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by erik scothron
I believe HM would see it as doing her duty, I believe she would find it mildly embarrassing and mildly tedious but that she would enjoy being surrounded by family and friends. I believe HM would rather be doing all kinds of things but duty always comes first. In fact maybe I'm wrong here. In fact doing her duty IS what HM likes doing best and HM finds it hard to do anything other than her duty as she is inseparable from it.
What really drives the republican (and this always comes out eventually in unguarded moments)is that the simmering resentment over an 'accident of birth' is not so much that the 'accident' befell someone else so much as that it did not fall to them. This is where they feel the 'injustice' most acutely.
What is the alternative to HM? Prince Charles? President Blair. Be thankful we have had a monarch who has never, ever put a foot wrong.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Martin D
quote:
Be thankful we have had a monarch who has never, ever put a foot wrong
shit what plannet are you from
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Martin D
quote:
Originally posted by Martin D:
quote:
Be thankful we have had a monarch who has never, ever put a foot wrong
shit what planet are you from
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Rasher
The only times that I think she has ever got it wrong was the impression she gave over Diana's death, the tax business debate following the Windsor fire and generally having no relevance to the British people. As far as foreign affairs are concerned I don't think she has ever got it wrong. It's at home that it doesn't work, IMO.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by erik scothron
quote:
Originally posted by Rasher:
The only times that I think she has ever got it wrong was the impression she gave over Diana's death, the tax business debate following the Windsor fire and generally having no relevance to the British people. As far as foreign affairs are concerned I don't think she has ever got it wrong. It's at home that it doesn't work, IMO.
Rasher,
Did HM 'give' the impression which some sections of the blubbing public labelled as 'callousness' or 'indifference' or did the blubbing classes just imagine it in the
total absense of any evidense whatsoever? HM was already in discussion over the tax issue before the fire at Windsor, indeed it was HM who initiated the discussions.
HM has relevance to vast numbers of the British people. Way more, I believe, than President Blair would ever have.
Regards,
Erik
ps - Im enjoying the Grisham
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by jcs_smith
quote:
Originally posted by erik scothron:
HM has relevance to vast numbers of the British people. Way more, I believe, than President Blair would ever have.
You're right she gives us something to complain about and something to feel deeply embarassed about. The royal family aren't just an anachronism they make us a laughing stock to the rest of the world. Leave her where she is while she's alive, but I sincerely hope, and I know that a hell of a lot people agree with me, when she's gone let's get rid of them. They've served their purpose. The world has moved on. We don't need wing-nut head pontificating and sticking his nose into things he knows nothing about and has no right to make his opinion known. If they want to live in a semi and open the occasional supermarket fine, but really I don't want to pay for them or have to see them plastered all over the tv with some obsequiuous git yanging on about their every insignificant move.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Tam
Erik,
Several points. First, we pretty well have President Blair anyway. Second, while HM has done very well (though, I think it is not correct to suggest she has never ever put a foot wrong), the same cannot be said about Prince Charles who has shown poor judgement on any number of occasions. The problem with a monarchy is that it is only as good as the monarch. HM has been a very good one, hence the lack of momentum in republicanism these days. I suspect, should Charles ever get the throne, the movement will undergo something of a resurgence.
One last point, republicanism is not driven out of envy. I would not want to be King, I simply object to the fact that neither I, nor any of the rest of us, have any say over who is. I also find being a 'subject' rather objectionable.
regards, Tam
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by erik scothron
quote:
Originally posted by Tam:
Erik,
Several points. First, we pretty well have President Blair anyway. Second, while HM has done very well (though, I think it is not correct to suggest she has never ever put a foot wrong), the same cannot be said about Prince Charles who has shown poor judgement on any number of occasions. The problem with a monarchy is that it is only as good as the monarch. HM has been a very good one, hence the lack of momentum in republicanism these days. I suspect, should Charles ever get the throne, the movement will undergo something of a resurgence.
One last point, republicanism is not driven out of envy. I would not want to be King, I simply object to the fact that neither I, nor any of the rest of us, have any say over who is. I also find being a 'subject' rather objectionable.
regards, Tam
'subject' or 'citizen' your life won't change one bit. The terms are mere labels.
I have only referred to HM's track record not the wider issues and her track record is remarkable. If you think she has put a foot wrong, and who would not after so much time in the public eye, then please cite your evidense not change the subject.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Rasher
Maybe it's true that the public expected something and were shocked when nothing was forthcoming, and maybe the public expected a closeness at that time between themselves and the Royal Family rather than an underlining of the huge chasm that exists without Diana, being one of the only Royals to have anything to do with commoners. Maybe the contact was never missed before, but certainly was missed after Diana's death. I really do believe that the Monachy has failed to justify itself - it shouldn't be a matter of thinking that the alternatives would be worse, the people should love them to the extent that they couldn't imagine the country without them - but they obviously don't, so they've failed somewhere along the line.
The thought of President Blair might be pretty gruesome, but I'm not sure there would be very much difference to the situation we now have anyway - it was Blair that put us in a war against Iraq, I didn't see the Monachy having a role or even expressing any interest. I think it is generally accepted now that we like our systems to be democratically elected - just look at Nepal right now. At least they are accountable.
Hey, we disagree on something at last
Glad you're enjoying the book.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Tam
quote:
Originally posted by erik scothron:
'subject' or 'citizen' your life won't change one bit. The terms are mere labels.
I have only referred to HM's track record not the wider issues and her track record is remarkable. If you think she has put a foot wrong, and who would not after so much time in the public eye, then please cite your evidense not change the subject.
I think what you say about labels is mistaken. After all, a certain word beginning with 'N' could be regarded as just a label, yet the group to whom it is applied find it deeply offensive. Was not the Star of David Jews were forced to wear under the 3rd Reich just a label? In this case the label correctly implies that there is a position, and status, within our society that nobody who is not born to it, can ever rise.
In terms of the Queen's missteps (and I agree that on the whole she has done an outstanding job), I would suggest her involvement in the succession of Macmillan.
regards, Tam
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Rasher
I think also that it would be an improvement if the Monachy would express political views, especially on the recent wars, otherwise I just can't see their function. In that regard, I disagree with Tam insofar as although Charles annoys me intensely and I disagree with him on almost all issues, I welcome that he has an opinion and expresses it. If they became "Active" then maybe I could at least find a reason for their existance.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Rasher
Sorry Sir Erik, you seem to be the Queen's only champion at the moment, at least until Sir Mick Parry turns up on his white charger.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Tam
Charles's missteps are not simply limited to the expression of his opinions. The recent fiasco over his diaries was serious evidence of a total absence of judgement (not simply the writing of the stuff - but the suing over it, when the matter would have been best left alone).
regards, Tam
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by erik scothron
quote:
Originally posted by Rasher:
Sorry Sir Erik, you seem to be the Queen's only champion at the moment, at least until Sir Mick Parry turns up on his white charger.
If I'm the only one left outside the gates at the top of the Mall, mounted on my charger, sword in hand, as the great unwashed advanced I would consider it a most worthy death. Sir Mick Parry would be welcome to join me. I have always thought that leading a cavalry charge is by far the best death and much more preferable to dying hugging my Naim amplifier or even SWMBO for that matter.
Oiks to the left of them
pinkos to the right of them
republicans behind them
volley'd and thunder'd
stormed at with shot and shell
while horse and rider fell.....
when can their glory fade?
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by erik scothron:
HM has relevance to vast numbers of the British people. Way more, I believe, than President Blair would ever have.
Regards, Erik
President Blair - when did that happen, I missed that. Please tell me it's not true.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by JoeH
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
quote:
Originally posted by erik scothron:
HM has relevance to vast numbers of the British people. Way more, I believe, than President Blair would ever have.
Regards, Erik
President Blair - when did that happen, I missed that. Please tell me it's not true.
OK, it's not true.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Guido Fawkes
quote:
Originally posted by JoeH:
quote:
Originally posted by ROTF:
quote:
Originally posted by erik scothron:
HM has relevance to vast numbers of the British people. Way more, I believe, than President Blair would ever have.
Regards, Erik
President Blair - when did that happen, I missed that. Please tell me it's not true.
OK, it's not true.
Phew - what a relief, thanks.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by erik scothron
I've recently had my sword reburbished as I planned to sell it in parade condition but I think now I shall have it polished (the correct term for sharpened)and keep it. Just in case.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by Rasher
You can't keep dressing like this Erik every time you get near St James's Park, you're beginning to frighten the children
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by erik scothron
quote:
Originally posted by Rasher:
You can't keep dressing like this Erik every time you get near St James's Park, you're beginning to frighten the children
Off with their heads says I. They look suspiciously like hippies to me. Look at that one in the foreground, a pinko tree hugger if ever I saw one. Remember this, you won't get a true democracy until a few heads are lopped off, now where is my trusty blade? Until recently it was propping open a vent in my mother's bathroom but now it is restored to it's former gleaming glory and there is much work to be done. A quick hack into the Naim server to retrieve all your commie pinko republican IP addresses and the process of honing in on your homes and work places begins....I feel a new sense of purpose in my life 'cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war'
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition:
And gentlemen in England now a-bed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day'.
Actually talking of bed, I'm whacked so I'm off for some zzzzzzz I will sort you all out later.
Posted on: 24 April 2006 by u5227470736789439
I did not realise this was going! The Queen would get my vote if she stood as president. Can anyone suggest what other fallible human living Brit would have done a better job as head of state?
Three cheers for the great human she is, and very real thanks for the fact that she and her father were there in there times they reigned. Long may she reign over us yet!
Fredrik
Posted on: 25 April 2006 by JoeH
quote:
Originally posted by Fredrik_Fiske:
I did not realise this was going! The Queen would get my vote if she stood as president. Can anyone suggest what other fallible human living Brit would have done a better job as head of state?
Me. Firm, not particularly fair, but with an excellent profile for the stamps and coins.
Posted on: 25 April 2006 by Chris West
...it's of note to see that English Heritage do a nice line in swords at the gift shops these days (as evidenced by a recent stop by Old Sarum nr. Salisbury.) ... albeit made in Toledo Spain.
Perhaps it's time to prepare for a Duel Erik ;-)
BTW having spent long enough in a place distant from HM, it is evident that she has quite a following outside of the UK (perhaps even more so)... hence ditching the royal family might not be the wisest PR move for the sake of UK inhabitants.
Posted on: 25 April 2006 by erik scothron
quote:
.
Perhaps it's time to prepare for a Duel Erik ;-)
BTW having spent long enough in a place distant from HM, it is evident that she has quite a following outside of the UK (perhaps even more so)... hence ditching the royal family might not be the wisest PR move for the sake of UK inhabitants.
Chris,
I have my 1897 pattern British Army Infantry Officer's sword with new wired bound fish skin grip, polished E11R cyphered blade and nickel scabbard all made by Wilkinson (of razor blade fame)and arguably the finest military sword ever made.
I also have a Japanese shinken (katana with live blade - live meaning sharp)I used when practising Iado (ritualised kata based Japanese sword drawing) that is, effectively, a 2.5 foot long razor blade and also has a shark skin grip.
I have various foils as I used to fence foil for the army many many moons ago. A live blade is used in competition and is wired to lights which show when a hit is made and 'steam' foils are non-wired(steam coming before electricity
).
Thus I feel ready for a dual. I am happy to take on any or even all, one after the other or all at once.
Of course you are right re. HM who is greatly respected throughout world, indeed it is likely she is the most respected female on the planet and the most respected head of state too. Some of her subjects who have posted on this thread are not known outside of their local boozers.
Regards,
Erik
