Actually I would argue that I'd rather have a king with zero power than an idiot like Bush with power to fuck the system - that's probably the greatest advantage of a constitutional monarchy (the king doesn't have power, therefore doesn't rule and impact legislation). In theory I'm ok with both republics and constitutional monarchies according to the principles of liberalism - 100 years ago some countries overthrew the monarchy but nowadays it will be more complicated because of stability, tradition and other issues like if the use of force is necessary or if it's legally possible to replace the monarchy.

I do agree that for someone with zero power the amount of attention they get is ridiculous. As an outsider I'd rather see less news about the British royal family and probably more about David Cameron and what goes in the parliament/world politics

Kim Kardashian rates as much attention as the so-called royal family. At least we don't pretend she is actually someone who merits any attention outside of idiots.

LOL I did the whole touristy thing on Monday. Saw where Cher, John McEnroe and Cal Ripken Jr. All have houses in New Smyrna Beach (THE shark bite capital of the world)

(April 28, 2015 at 9:53 pm)Dystopia Wrote: Actually I would argue that I'd rather have a king with zero power than an idiot like Bush with power to fuck the system - that's probably the greatest advantage of a constitutional monarchy (the king doesn't have power, therefore doesn't rule and impact legislation). In theory I'm ok with both republics and constitutional monarchies according to the principles of liberalism - 100 years ago some countries overthrew the monarchy but nowadays it will be more complicated because of stability, tradition and other issues like if the use of force is necessary or if it's legally possible to replace the monarchy.

I do agree that for someone with zero power the amount of attention they get is ridiculous. As an outsider I'd rather see less news about the British royal family and probably more about David Cameron and what goes in the parliament/world politics

That's why after the war, Germany got a political system where the formally highest office, the president, is little more than a figurehead. The chancellor is a glorified buerocrat.

(December 11, 2014 at 10:32 am)abaris Wrote:

(December 10, 2014 at 7:30 pm)Fidel_Castronaut Wrote: well, whilst the removal of the tsar was probably a good thing, I don't think we can say that how they did it and what followed was really good or a success...

Yes, but you can say the same about the French. The head chopping got a little out of hand there too.

Sometimes it is better to err on the side of caution.  If the French had not chopped off enough heads, they would have had to do the same thing all over again, and so they decided to make sure that they took care of the problem as completely as they could the first time.

It also sends a good message to the future leaders, so that they will know better than to push things too far in their own favor.  Just a few beheadings would not have the same impact for this purpose.

When I think of American politicians, I cannot help but think that some beheadings, of those in power, would give those who might survive the carnage a better perspective on how to properly rule.  If the people rise up and behead the ruling class occasionally, it helps insure better government for the future.

So really it all shows the longterm planning and wisdom of the French when they beheaded so many people.  When the French people occasionally take to the streets, they are not ignored.

(April 28, 2015 at 10:29 pm)AFTT47 Wrote: Kim Kardashian rates as much attention as the so-called royal family. At least we don't pretend she is actually someone who merits any attention outside of idiots.

To be fair to Kim, her bottom does look like it's probably nicer than the queens.

Prince Andrew is smokin' hot.

I want to carry his baby.

(April 29, 2015 at 12:46 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: Prince Andrew is smokin' hot.

I want to carry his baby.

You really are desperate aren't you!

(April 28, 2015 at 7:08 pm)Polaris Wrote: In America, we have the same thing with Obama and his family.

Don't ever change, polecat.  Just stay an idiot.

(April 29, 2015 at 12:47 pm)downbeatplumb Wrote:

(April 29, 2015 at 12:46 pm)vorlon13 Wrote: Prince Andrew is smokin' hot.

I want to carry his baby.

You really are desperate aren't you!

I can hardly imagine Andy and Chuck have the same dad.  Wonder if anyone else has noticed that ??