SuperMikey Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Was watching This Week last night and Diane Abbott said something along the lines of "after Queen Elizabeth leaves the throne I would like to see a Republican government put in place". Now, I know that the influence of the monarchy has little or no bearing on governmental actions, but surely the time is coming to jettison them from their position of power? We're one of the last world democracies to still have a monarchy, but they have such a small amount of power compared to the government that their continued existence in their current position is pretty much pointless. The Royal Family are obviously great ambassadors for the UK and the Commonwealth, and bring in a lot of money to the country by tourism etc, but we're not in the 1400s any more, and with a government in place I just don't think they're neccessary any more. Poll please mods? Just to gauge SWF's attitudes towards a Republican government.
alpine_saint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 2billion people tuned in today to watch this wedding. 30% of the planet's population, and considering another 20-30% probably dont have TVs, I would hardly call them irrelevant.
RedAndWhite91 Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 The United Kingdom earns £160million profit every year from the Monarchy, through tourism etc.
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Was watching This Week last night and Diane Abbott said something along the lines of "after Queen Elizabeth leaves the throne I would like to see a Republican government put in place". Now, I know that the influence of the monarchy has little or no bearing on governmental actions, but surely the time is coming to jettison them from their position of power? We're one of the last world democracies to still have a monarchy, but they have such a small amount of power compared to the government that their continued existence in their current position is pretty much pointless. The Royal Family are obviously great ambassadors for the UK and the Commonwealth, and bring in a lot of money to the country by tourism etc, but we're not in the 1400s any more, and with a government in place I just don't think they're neccessary any more. Poll please mods? Just to gauge SWF's attitudes towards a Republican government. I would get passionate about things that would genuinely change your quality of life. Go and live in Belgium if you so love bland.
Crab Lungs Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 The point I was going to be made has already been made.
swannymere Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Oh yeah, because Presidents work out so well for other countries, imagine Boris Johnson, Diane Abbott or some other numpty as President!
Window Cleaner Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 I would get passionate about things that would genuinely change your quality of life. Go and live in Belgium if you so love bland. Belgium has a monarchy, no government though.Can't remember who actually is running the place these days,civil service I guess.
Turkish Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Was watching This Week last night and Diane Abbott said something along the lines of "after Queen Elizabeth leaves the throne I would like to see a Republican government put in place". Now, I know that the influence of the monarchy has little or no bearing on governmental actions, but surely the time is coming to jettison them from their position of power? We're one of the last world democracies to still have a monarchy, but they have such a small amount of power compared to the government that their continued existence in their current position is pretty much pointless. The Royal Family are obviously great ambassadors for the UK and the Commonwealth, and bring in a lot of money to the country by tourism etc, but we're not in the 1400s any more, and with a government in place I just don't think they're neccessary any more. Poll please mods? Just to gauge SWF's attitudes towards a Republican government. At the age of 18 all you really want to be worrying about if ****ging, football and drinking. Get out there lad and get your hole, stop worrying about things you have no effect or control over.
ecuk268 Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 No problem with the Royal Family taking a back seat as in other European countries and get rid of a few of the hangers-on, but how do you come by a new head of state. Do we want a Reagan or a Bush or some over-the-hill politician? The armed forces swear allegiance to the Crown, not the government which, theoretically, protects us from some nutty politician trying to stage a coup. I think that most peoples respect for the monarchy is for the Queen. When she's pops off I think attitudes may change.
Deppo Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 At the age of 18 all you really want to be worrying about if ****ging, football and drinking. Get out there lad and get your hole, stop worrying about things you have no effect or control over. +1. Stop thinking about things Supermikey, it makes you look stupid.
Jonnyboy Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Id like to see them privatised - they can have an agreed amount of the land and palaces and keep their titles, just no more handouts from the state to keep them shopping in Waitrose. They can charge entry to palcaes, museums, estates, and public appearances. Surely all you right wing freemarketeers would agree with this?
SuperMikey Posted 29 April, 2011 Author Posted 29 April, 2011 (edited) Id like to see them privatised - they can have an agreed amount of the land and palaces and keep their titles, just no more handouts from the state to keep them shopping in Waitrose. They can charge entry to palcaes, museums, estates, and public appearances. Surely all you right wing freemarketeers would agree with this? +1 Probably the best option. And Turkish, i'm 19 FFS, what should I be doing? Edited 29 April, 2011 by SuperMikey
Window Cleaner Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Id like to see them privatised - they can have an agreed amount of the land and palaces and keep their titles, just no more handouts from the state to keep them shopping in Waitrose. They can charge entry to palcaes, museums, estates, and public appearances. Surely all you right wing freemarketeers would agree with this? Have a look and see just how much of the income from the Duchy of Cornwall the Prince of Wales puts back into the system.
Seaford Saint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 The United Kingdom earns £160million profit every year from the Monarchy, through tourism etc. I would be interested reading through a cost breakdown if you have one, to substantiate that claim. This is £160 million more than we pay them?
Matthew Le God Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 (edited) The United Kingdom earns £160million profit every year from the Monarchy, through tourism etc. The French Royal Palaces bring in large amounts of cash through tourism even though they have had no monarchy for 200 years. At the moment Britain is not a true democracy, because in theory the Queen and the Lords can overrule the democratically elected Parliament. Edited 29 April, 2011 by Matthew Le God
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Its nice top have a part of the public sector that offers good value for money.
Window Cleaner Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 The French Royal Palaces bring in large amounts of cash through tourism even though they have had no monarchy for 200 years. At the moment Britain is not a true democracy, because in theory the Queen and the Lords can overrule the democratically elected Parliament. I don't even know if they make a profit, the Louvre probably does well enough to finance all the structures that are attached to it, the inaptly names Palais Royal which only served Louis XIV for a short while (it was built for Richelieu) is used by the offices of the conseil d'etat and Versailles has enormous upkeek costs,true it provides a great deal of employment though. You'd have to look it up,doubt whether they make anyway near 190 million euros a year in profit though.
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Its nice top have a part of the public sector that offers good value for money. Oh that's witty, you should have your own show.
Verbal Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Have a look and see just how much of the income from the Duchy of Cornwall the Prince of Wales puts back into the system. From land and property expropriated without compensation in Victorian times.
Jonnyboy Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Have a look and see just how much of the income from the Duchy of Cornwall the Prince of Wales puts back into the system. link?
Jonnyboy Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Huge poke in the eye for the anti royalists today A real black eye, what what!
Gemmel Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 A real black eye, what what! More like a ******* good kicking. Makes me laugh, keep your chin up jonny, may be in 150 generations time your like can celebrate
Verbal Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Huge poke in the eye for the anti royalists today So it seems. A celebratory Botox party is apparently underway on The Only Way is Essex. Get yourself down there now!
badgerx16 Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 A mongrel mixture of mostly German, with a sprinkling of Greek and Danish, and today we have added a wannabe with a pushy mother. Mind you they are truly representative of the general populace - 3 of the Queen's 4 children are divorced, the remaining one got married to try to dodge the rumours he is gay, and Charlie's youngest isn't even his !
Gemmel Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 So it seems. A celebratory Botox party is apparently underway on The Only Way is Essex. Get yourself down there now! chin up verbal old son...chin up
aintforever Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 (edited) The Royals are an integral pat of the UK brand. As Alps said, a third of the World supposedly watched today's wedding - it was the most watched thing ever. It wasn't even great weather and London looked spectacular. People mainly visit England because of the history and tradition, the Royals more than pay their way. Alot of the extended family and hangers on should go do one though. Edited 29 April, 2011 by aintforever
teamsaint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 If we got rid of our monarchy, aristocracy, and their heredity wealth and privilege, we could have a country where everyone could expect decent housing, healthcare and employment prospects. At the moment, all the good stuff gets handed down to those on the privileged inside track. The current prime minister epitomises this system.
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 If we got rid of our monarchy, aristocracy, and their heredity wealth and privilege, we could have a country where everyone could expect decent housing, healthcare and employment prospects. At the moment, all the good stuff gets handed down to those on the privileged inside track. The current prime minister epitomises this system. Yes it worked in Russia.
View From The Top Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 I'd like to see a seperation between government and the monarchy as well as the seperation of the church and the state.
badgerx16 Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 People mainly visit England because of the history and tradition,. So put the Royals in a bl00dy museum.
View From The Top Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Yes it worked in Russia. Nothing wrong with the approach of Norway, Sweden or Denmark. All monarchies and all left wing compared to the UK. Problem is in the UK is that too many plebs, and there are plenty on here, who are happy to tug their forelock at their "betters".
Deppo Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 The United Kingdom earns £160million profit every year from the Monarchy, through tourism etc. Out of interest, how much profit does Alton Towers earn? I'd be happy if we ditched the Monarchy and built a big f*ck-off Disneyland instead, if it's all down to how cash much they can bring in.
scotty Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Nothing wrong with the approach of Norway, Sweden or Denmark. All monarchies and all left wing compared to the UK. Problem is in the UK is that too many plebs, and there are plenty on here, who are happy to tug their forelock at their "betters". Its high time you learnt your place
badgerx16 Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Today's event was nothing more than a distraction from reality. The sick are still sick, the old are still old, the unemployed are still unemployed, and the economy is still f()cked due the the global banking crisis. In a couple of days the bunting will either be packed away or taken down to the local tip, the 'special wedding edition' magazines will be getting recycled, the worthless kitsch souvenirs will be put into boxes in attics, and normality will return.
Verbal Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Out of interest, how much profit does Alton Towers earn? I'd be happy if we ditched the Monarchy and built a big f*ck-off Disneyland instead, if it's all down to how cash much they can bring in. Good idea. I just looked up the latest earnings figures for Disneyland Paris - around 245m Euros. So we just merge Buck House and its inhabitants into Madame Tussauds and we're done!
Sheaf Saint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Yes it worked in Russia. So you think the failed communist experiment in Russia is a good justification for maintaining the monarchy?
Special K Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 If we got rid of our monarchy, aristocracy, and their heredity wealth and privilege, we could have a country where everyone could expect decent housing, healthcare and employment prospects. At the moment, all the good stuff gets handed down to those on the privileged inside track. The current prime minister epitomises this system. Power to the people Wolfie. It's quaint that people still think like this.
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Nothing wrong with the approach of Norway, Sweden or Denmark. All monarchies and all left wing compared to the UK. Problem is in the UK is that too many plebs, and there are plenty on here, who are happy to tug their forelock at their "betters". Sadly it is how life works. People tug their forelock to anybody with money. Obviously that includes poeople who have inherited money. Even with socialism you have to tug your forelock at somebody because there will always be a hierachy. The Swedish Royal wedding was a massive turn off. Hotel bookings were exactly the same as they had been the previous year. Our monarchy is interesting because it is still functioning.
badgerx16 Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 If we got rid of our monarchy, aristocracy, and their heredity wealth and privilege, we could have a country where everyone could expect decent housing, healthcare and employment prospects. Or you could end up with the USofA.
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 So you think the failed communist experiment in Russia is a good justification for maintaining the monarchy? Err no I think you may need to reread the context of the reply. I love how you simplify the 'failed experiment' of communism. Millions were murdered, starved or imprisioned over a period of sventy or so years.
Sheaf Saint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Today's event was nothing more than a distraction from reality. The sick are still sick, the old are still old, the unemployed are still unemployed, and the economy is still f()cked due the the global banking crisis. In a couple of days the bunting will either be packed away or taken down to the local tip, the 'special wedding edition' magazines will be getting recycled, the worthless kitsch souvenirs will be put into boxes in attics, and normality will return. Couldn't have put it better myself Badger. What we witnessed today was a f***ing grotesque insult to the 'age of austerity' we are living in. If the amount of public money spent on security etc.. for today could have been used to save one public sector job or prevented a single Sure Start childrens centre from closing then the public who support it should be ashamed of themselves. Yes the royals are a quaint reminder of our glorious (?) past but IMO they have absolutely no place in a modern, supposedly democratic society and they should be condemned to the pages of the history from which their pompousness descends.
scotty Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Err no I think you may need to reread the context of the reply. I love how you simplify the 'failed experiment' of communism. Millions were murdered, starved or imprisioned over a period of sventy or so years. We dont know how communism would have fared given a free run at trying it properly. Russia certainly wasnt. Some good reading on this is James Cameron's points of departure, and most of John Pilgers stuff. I'm happy enough with our capitalist system, but before we start slagging other systems its worth bearing in mind they were stifled by others without ever having a chance to see what they could do.
ericb Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Power to the people Wolfie. It's quaint that people still think like this. Almost as quaint as people thinking divine right is a rational reason for selecting heads of state (see you can patronise from both sides of the argument)
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Couldn't have put it better myself Badger. What we witnessed today was a f***ing grotesque insult to the 'age of austerity' we are living in. If the amount of public money spent on security etc.. for today could have been used to save one public sector job or prevented a single Sure Start childrens centre from closing then the public who support it should be ashamed of themselves. Yes the royals are a quaint reminder of our glorious (?) past but IMO they have absolutely no place in a modern, supposedly democratic society and they should be condemned to the pages of the history from which their pompousness descends. Keynes speaks.
Sheaf Saint Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 Err no I think you may need to reread the context of the reply. I love how you simplify the 'failed experiment' of communism. Millions were murdered, starved or imprisioned over a period of sventy or so years. Sorry, I didn't really have time to summarise the entire history of the USSR. What exactly was the comparison you were trying to make?
aintforever Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 So put the Royals in a bl00dy museum. They should be more of a theme park like attraction, their costs should be cut, the heredity wealth and privilege of all the extended family and hangers on should all be handed out to charity. The main royals who are part of the attraction should stay but Lord snotty nosed ***t of nowhere shouldn't benefit from the state just because he was born with a silver spoon up his arse.
Sergei Gotsmanov Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 We dont know how communism would have fared given a free run at trying it properly. Russia certainly wasnt. Some good reading on this is James Cameron's points of departure, and most of John Pilgers stuff. I'm happy enough with our capitalist system, but before we start slagging other systems its worth bearing in mind they were stifled by others without ever having a chance to see what they could do. Communism succombed to human nature. It is a pretty basic failing.
View From The Top Posted 29 April, 2011 Posted 29 April, 2011 We dont know how communism would have fared given a free run at trying it properly. Russia certainly wasnt. Some good reading on this is James Cameron's points of departure, and most of John Pilgers stuff. I'm happy enough with our capitalist system, but before we start slagging other systems its worth bearing in mind they were stifled by others without ever having a chance to see what they could do. No, no, no. They were evil. The Daily Mail said. Only brutal capitalism is the way forward. The type in which "we" bail out the businesses that cause recessions.
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