Does the monarchy make Britain look silly.

[cinch]

On a realted point why NZ, Australia and Canada wnat to keep Liz as the haed of state is beyond me.

No kidding! It seems very, very silly to me. I'd jump at the chance to make us a Republic (although I'd prefer if you guys just offed the royals; I've no problem with the commonwealth), if only to get rid of those annoying Lieutenant Governors, and their leader, Adrienne.

[Comrade Tribune]

Oddly enough, it´s the democratic part of its institutions (hint, Prime Minister, hint) that makes Britain currently look a bit under the water.

[Ned]

No. It doesn't make the UK look silly. However, it does prevent the UK from adopting a Federal Repulican form of government, with a constitution. With no monarchy or nobility, a reunion with America becomes possible.

[Ned]

Azazel, you hit the nail on the head. The reason for a parliamentary form of goverment is the monarchy. To the extent that governments do not have a monarchy, they should always adopt a Republican form of government, IMHO.

[GePap]

You guys forgot to add Japan.. and they have an Emperor, not some worthless king!

From what I have seen, the Spaniards care more about their Monarchy than the Brits, and yet no one here talks about Juan Carlos, and he does a lot more than elizabeth does.

What was really silly was the aussie decision to keep their status:

Also, you don't need a monarch to have a parlimentary system: I a surprised Azazel, but does not the Republic of Israel have a PM and a parliment? So do the french. All you need is some titular Head of state, a President that does ceremonies but does not actually rule.

[Odin]

You Brits need a monarch that is British, the current dynasy is GERMAN. I think the only problem with the British royal family is that it is so stuck-up, except for the younger family members; in most modern constitutional monarchies the monarch is a lot more accessable to the common person.

BTW, the House of Lords has got to go, it's a relic that lost most of it's power to the House of Commons in the 1800's from what I've read in my world history textbook.

[Ben Kenobi]

Georges 1 and 2 could be considered German, but the rest are predominantly British. I think this current dynasty is more greek than german, since Mountbatten comes from Greece.

Canada should keep the monarchy. Who wants to see Chretien as head of state/prime minister? He would actually have to visit with foreign dignitaries.

Brits: Look at the itenerary of the Queen. I think she brings in more money than she spends. Could you ask for a better ambassador?

[St Leo]

Originally posted by cinch
if only to get rid of those annoying Lieutenant Governors, and their leader, Adrienne.

What's wrong with Adrienne Clarkson? Would you rather have Jean Chretien do her job in addition to his own?

I like the monarchy. I definitely prefer Elizabeth II on my coinage over John A. MacDonald or whoever else would get to replace her.

[cinch]

What's wrong with Adrienne Clarkson? Would you rather have Jean Chretien do her job in addition to his own?

Oh, I'm sure she's a fine person. I just don't like the idea of a Governor General in general (ha!). But yes, I would rather have an elected leader be my head of state than an appointed official. This does not mean I'm a fan of Chretien, but the fact that he was elected is not reason enough to keep the depressing relic of monarchy alive, in my mind.

Now, Lois Hole, there's an appointed official I could do without.

I like the monarchy. I definitely prefer Elizabeth II on my coinage over John A. MacDonald or whoever else would get to replace her.

Why? He looks perfectly fine on the ten.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

Originally posted by Barley

Lets look at elected representatives as a comparison to the heredetory. A lot of them are in it for the wrong reasons, power, self interest, they adopt policies that are short termist and for votes, not necessarily for the good of the people. While im not saying EII has any great interest and perhaps there is self interest. A monarch looks at the long game.

It's easy to look like you aren't motivated by self-interest when you're as massively wealthy as Frau Windsor.

[Alexander's Horse]

Have you heard of monarchy envy? Its been suggested both the US and France wish they had a monarchy. That's why they give so much attention to the Monaco's and the Kennedy's and now I fear the Bush family dynasty.

[Shi Huangdi]

"You Brits need a monarch that is British, the current dynasy is GERMAN. "

I agree. I propose Tony Blair be made king, and he can serve as his own PM. He should also have all the King's old powers restored to him.

[Dis]

I'm sure this has been said, but just in case.

Britain doesn't need the monarchy to look silly. They would look silly even without it.

[Asher]

The Queen should be tossed on her ass and told to get a job.

[curtsibling]

I am a proud Brit.
I don't think the Monarchy really serves a purpose in the UK anymore, depsite their attempts to move with the times.

I am a citizen not a subject.