The Queen Who Stares at Boats

[Brian37]

how little respect I have for my opponents.

[/quote]

It is ok not to respect claims, but if one values their own life, they should value the right to bitch, even of their opponents.

Another word I hate is "respect'. It has too much childish insecurity ripe with "dont offend me".

I like the word value. I value that which is demonstrated, not merely claimed. I also value the right for my opponent to say stupid shit, because from their POV they think what I am saying is stupid.

The human dignity of wanting to live without fear from physical harm from others is something all human's share, and that should be valued. But claims should never get taboo status via force of law because the powers that be don't want to be offended.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

Min; video not available here.


On two channels here, simultaneously; one for the Endinburgh Tattoo, another for the river spectacle. That was followed by a concert for which they wheeled out every geriatric pop star still capable standing unassisted,including poor old Sir Cliff, (72) in a pink suit. I was wondering what would happen first; would he have a stroke or just fall down? Unfortunately,he did neither and insisted on singing.

Actually, I could not care less what the Brits do with their money in their own country. My only beef is that old woman is still Queen of Australia and our constitutional head of state. Worse is the fact that after the old girl carks it,her idiot son HRH Charles will take over her job. (assuming she does not outlive him,a distinct possibility.)

I watched each show for precisely 5 minutes,then spent the rest of the evening watching Series 2 of Deep Space Nine.

[Tobie]

Like Tiberius said, the palaces of the royal family would still be huge tourist attractions if the monarchy didn't exist. The taxpayer pays their way for life, and what do we get back? Nothing. It isn't the royal family that forges relationships with other countries - it is the hard work of diplomats and ambassadors, or wars fought against a common enemy. The Germans, French and Americans ( discounting the Bush family ) have no monarchy and are ahead of the UK in economic terms. It more than likely has a negative affect on our economy; taxes pay for them and any state occasions in their honour, such as this ridiculous jubilee and the royal wedding last year. These "state occasions" also are bank holidays ( the jubilee was 4 ) which has a detrimental affect on the economy.

Their claim to power lies on Arthurian myth and on the back of their ancestors deeds ( in tribal times ), which is as ridiculous as Mehmet's reasoning why the turks are the best; I see none of you giving credulity for this reasoning. Also, the only reason the current branch of the royal family is in power is because the 18th century government hated germans less than they hated catholics.