(April 27, 2012 at 9:47 am)soitgoes Wrote:

(April 27, 2012 at 9:41 am)KichigaiNeko Wrote: So just what are you looking for here UK-ites?? You have a democratic Monarchy and you wish for a republic?? Just what is the difference?

Ignorant Aussie here

Republic = No monarchy

The accident of birth is no basis for any form of government. "All human beings are "created" free and equal in dignity and rights". Excuse me if I've got the quote wrong. But clearly any Monarchy/Aristocracy violates this principle.

As I am to understand ...your monarchy is nothing more that a pretty picture to imply continuity of rule and head of state. The monarchy has no REAL power in the parliament but do have the power to stand DOWN a government in the event of the blocking of supply. All statements to the effect UK is a republic that pays for the trappings of a monarchy...... a lot like Australia

(April 27, 2012 at 9:57 am)KichigaiNeko Wrote:

(April 27, 2012 at 9:47 am)soitgoes Wrote:

(April 27, 2012 at 9:41 am)KichigaiNeko Wrote: So just what are you looking for here UK-ites?? You have a democratic Monarchy and you wish for a republic?? Just what is the difference?

Ignorant Aussie here

Republic = No monarchy

The accident of birth is no basis for any form of government. "All human beings are "created" free and equal in dignity and rights". Excuse me if I've got the quote wrong. But clearly any Monarchy/Aristocracy violates this principle.

As I am to understand ...your monarchy is nothing more that a pretty picture to imply continuity of rule and head of state. The monarchy has no REAL power in the parliament but do have the power to stand DOWN a government in the event of the blocking of supply. All statements to the effect UK is a republic that pays for the trappings of a monarchy...... a lot like Australia

No real power then. That's more or less true but Liz still has the power to declare war or tell the PM to take a hike though.

Even if she was completely powerless I think that in itself shows how redundant it is to keep them.

Agreed. But what can you say against tradition?? Hmm? I am doubting that the "House of Windsor" will continue much past the death of Liz. Lovely lady as she has been, but now?? Hmmmm

Not if Charlie has any thing to do with it anyway.

And can you even imagine " Good Time Harry" as King? The UK would have even less credibility than now.

I'd love Harry to be king... that would be hilarious.

(April 27, 2012 at 10:11 am)soitgoes Wrote: No real power then. That's more or less true but Liz still has the power to declare war or tell the PM to take a hike though.

Even if she was completely powerless I think that in itself shows how redundant it is to keep them.

Ironically, if the monarchy did either of these things without parliaments blessing, it would be the end of them.

Even the powers they do have, is really on the tacit understanding that they only use them if they are told to ratify a decision made by the prime minister.

Symbolic power is power nonetheless.

To be born to it is the hight of injustice.

The fact that exercising those powers would quite seriously fuck things up for the monarchy surely goes to show how pointless it all is.

I have symbolic power to do X,Y and Z
In reality I cannot do X,Y and Z
The power to do X,Y and Z is why I am here, and why I have such a privileged life.

Simplistic perhaps but telling also.

The only thing the monarchy brings us is money from tourism, but this probably doesn't make up for the amount they are given by the government, and we would also get this money if there was no monarch.

Recently, the royal family asked for £20,000,000 extra a year just to keep their several mansions heated ( even though half the time, they only live in one ).

It's not just that they are born into money, it's that they are born into money we give them. Then, when things like jubilees come around, it's us again that pays the bill, whilst businesses lose a working day for some crappy tradition. Some do perform services to the country ( Prince William is a search and rescue helicopter pilot, Prince Harry was a soldier etc. ) but again, this does not make up the amount we have to give them.

(April 27, 2012 at 9:39 am)soitgoes Wrote:

(April 27, 2012 at 9:35 am)5thHorseman Wrote: Although i am a republican myself, its never going to happen in the UK, we're 'islanders' and as such, pompous arseholes who love unelected inbred Germans just because of 'tradition'.

I'd love this place to be a republic though.

And just think of all the tourism they bring to the country. :rolls eyes

No-one goes to France or America do they!

Case closed

If Harry legalizes pot in the UK, I'll vote for him!


se what I did there?