I don't care about the royal family. Monarchies shouldn't exist.

[Oneironaut]

Yes, I know, the Queen “Did so much for the world.” Know who else could’ve? Someone in a Democratically elected position.

Monarchies shouldn’t exist in 2022, and it’s annoying American popular culture embraces the royal family so much. Their biggest claim to fame was being born. None of them seem exceptionally talented at anything or deserving of praise. They gather attention and money by merely existing.

The UK should’ve just dropped the title today once and for all. We fought a war to rid ourselves of this shit, and, I’m fully comfortable in saying Democracy is vastly superior to Monarchy as a government structure. I know the royal family are just figure heads at this point, but, they need to be wiped out of American culture, much like all other forms of Authoritarian worship.

[MichMan]

1. It isn't really any of our business, is it?

[Oneironaut]

14. It is, because people treat the royal family like they're special or unique in any way.

Like I said, they are the “royal family” because they were born. No effort required.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

23. So?

If countries want to have kings and queens, it's none of our business.

[Oneironaut]

25. "If countries want to have Dictators, why is it our business?"

How is that any different? There were a lot of shitty Kings in the past that were as bad, or worse than modern dictators.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

29. Past, not present.

You're making yourself look ridiculous, but hey, that's your right to do so,

Carry on.

[inthewind21]

176. Exactly

[Hav]

31. In the case of dictators,

it wouldn't be your business either to be the dictator yourself to tell them what's right for them.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

32. Ouch.

That's gonna leave a mark.

[Oneironaut]

42. How is pointing out how pointless the royal family is "being a dictator?"

[MarineCombatEngineer]

53. ....

42. How is pointing out how pointless the royal family is "being a dictator?"

You've really jumped the shark here, you need to step back from your keyboard, and take a deep breath.

[Oneironaut]

58. I literally just quoted what you said.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

64. How can you quote what I said,

when I never said any such thing?

[BlackSkimmer]

63. Are you aware of the countries that are not democracies that we are not doing anything about?

God, too funny.

[Oneironaut]

71. Did I say we "should do anything about it?"

I only gave my opinion on whether or not the royal family should exist.

[BlackSkimmer]

78. Oh lordie me.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

79. And we're giving our opinion of your opinion.

[jimfields33]

98. Without the royals, England would be a poor country

Tourism is huge thanks to the royals. They provide a huge amount of the English budget. You get rid of royals and London is screwed beyond belief.

[Oneironaut]

100. That's a fair enough point.

[The King of Prussia]

117. According to Google

"Buckingham Palace, 550k visitors. Palace of Versailles, 10m visitors. France, world's most visited country, palaces and royal history, 100m annual visitors. UK, a monarchy, 38m visitors annually."

[elocs]

141. Ding! Ding! Ding! We have a winner! And right at the top.

It is none of our business and overall, 62% of the Brits approve of the monarchy and millions loved their queen, both conservatives and liberals. We can at least have empathy for those who loved their queen and mourn her death. Now to permanently ignore the clown who started this thread.

[Srkdqltr]

2. Sure, and that will happen. Dream on.

[Oneironaut]

12. I hope.

[Ocelot II]

3. It's their country, not ours. We have nothing to say about it.

By the way, those "socialist" hellholes, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and the Netherlands are also monarchies, and they are among the best-functioning, most liberal democracies in the world.

[Oneironaut]

11. I don't care. None of them should have Kings or Queens, even if they're powerless.

Kings and Queens belong in the dustbin of history, along with all other outdated political positions.

[Ocelot II]

13. Well, be sure to write to all of them and let them know they're doing it wrong.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

15. I highly doubt that they really care what you think,

but what the hell, rant on.

[BlackSkimmer]

65. Damn, loving this.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

70. This really is quite hilarious.

[Solomon]

132. It really is.

[inthewind21]

177. Indeed

[Demsrule86]

62. Write them a strongly worded letter.

[Ron Green]

4. I'm advocating for the new king to deliver some strong messages about

care for the earth, something he’s done for many years as a mere prince.

Show me an elected head of state who’s doing that.

[Oneironaut]

8. Good. He should try to become Prime Minister, then.

[Ron Green]

18. A totally different job.

The Prime Minister is elected and must ultimately reflect the will of the people.

That public will may be effected by the King. It’s worth a try.

[hlthe2b]

5. How, pray tell is an acknowledged figurehead an authoritarian as well?

Might want to rethink your argument...

[Oneironaut]

7. Monarchy is by definition authoritarian.

Have you ever heard of a “Democratic” King? That’s contradictory.

[hlthe2b]

10. Only if they have the power to be something OTHER than a figurehead of state.

That is the nuttiest thing I've heard today. Congratulations. It was a high bar.

[Oneironaut]

20. Ok, why exist then? Why have a "royal family?"

[hlthe2b]

28. That's for the Brits to decide. Americans need to concentrate on preventing fascist takeover

started by Trump et al. By comparison, democracy in the UK is a whole hell of a lot more stable than the risks we face at the moment--especially if several SCOTUS decisions further dismantle the constitution as feared.

[inthewind21]

178. This OP

is a great example of how we got here in the first place.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

30. Uhhh, because they want to?

Would that be a reason?

[Oneironaut]

36. Why should I care what the royal family wants?

Of course they want to stay in power. They’re serenaded with money and fame for merely existing. Would you give up that position?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

41. .....

Why should I care what the royal family wants?

Exactly!!!
Why should you care what the Royal Family wants?
How is this any of your business?

For someone who doesn't care what the Royals want, you sure seem fixated on them.
Kind of weird.

[Oneironaut]

44. Because they're in the news? lol

Kind of a strange thing to say.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

46. Your whole thread title is kind of strange.

Again, how is this any of your business?
Aren't countries allowed to have the govt they want?

[BlackSkimmer]

60. Thank you.

[Ocelot II]

45. The people of Britain for the most part seem to like their monarchy.

They even restored the monarchy of Charles II after Oliver Cromwell tried to eliminate it. If the British people decide they don't want a monarchy any more they will decide how to phase it out, but in the meantime it's none of our business.

[Oneironaut]

47. I'd wager they like them because they're kind of pointless, and, more like celebrities at this point

[Ocelot II]

52. How can they be pointless celebrities while simultaneously being authoritarian?

[Oneironaut]

67. Monarchy by definition is authoritarian.

It’s (technically) giving power to one person. I think The Queen (and now King) didn’t have much power in reality. However, their title is outdated and shouldn’t exist in the modern world.

[BlackSkimmer]

75. Dude, you do know, they don't "rule" the country, right?

Oh god, please tell me you know that.

[Oneironaut]

83. That's my original point, yes.

They don’t rule or justify their existence.

[BlackSkimmer]

87. Oh dear.

This is pointless. Carry on.

[ForgedCrank]

142. "Ok, why exist then? Why have a "royal family?""

History, heritage, remembering where one came from and being proud of that. Their monarchy has also left a lot of good in their wake.
These people have absolutely no governing powers and promote a lot of good causes, and they do it in an elegant way, if I might add.
In the US, we have a bunch of cheesey celebrities with loud mouths trying to do that work, and they are really shitty at it most of the time.
I'm not a follower of the whole royal family thing over there either, I don't really care about it. But I've seen nothing but good deeds through classy action come from it in modern days, so there's no reason at all to knock it.

[BlueIdaho]

137. Have you ever heard of a Constitutional Monarchy?

Obviously not. It’s a pity you have no idea what you are talking about.

[Happy Hoosier]

147. Ya know the British Monarchy is ceremonial, right?

They are figurehead heads of state. They no longer wield any real political power. It’s simply a cultural institution. Cool your jets.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

6. And this is our business because.............

[Oneironaut]

16. Because Authoritarianism needs to be put in the dustbin of history.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

17. Ookkaayy.

[hlthe2b]

22. Powerless figureheads are DANGEROUS, don't you know?

Apparently QE2 was equivalent to the worst dictators/despots in history.

[Oneironaut]

34. You're misrepresenting my point.

[BlackSkimmer]

80. Lol! Perfect!

This thread is a hoot.

[MOMFUDSKI]

102. I am right there with you! lol

Why not just admit there is no such thing as queen and get on with it?

[BlackSkimmer]

107. I needed a laugh.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

110. Gotta love the humor on this board,

after a long day of driving, humor is exactly what I need, and this thread provided all the laughs I need for tonight.

[BlackSkimmer]

112. I so agree!

Ever time I think DU has jumped the shark, one of these threads appears!

Thank you MCE!

[MarineCombatEngineer]

115. +100. nt

[Texasgal]

152. Agreed! LOL!

I knew something like this might be posted but I never imagined the shear silliness of the OP's argument!

[Mysterian]

54. So give us your opinion on the concept of royalty

Is it good or bad to have a special class of people entitled to wealth and power just due to birth?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

61. I have no opinion because I don't give a crap

if a country wants to have a Monarchy or not, that's their right.

[Mysterian]

130. How about a monarchy in the USA?

Would you be cool with that?

[jimfields33]

134. We do. They are called kardashions

[MarineCombatEngineer]

136. LOL.

Perfect answer.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

140. See post 61. nt

[Skittles]

21. LOL

[Ocelot II]

27. Isn't it kind of authoritarian to demand that other countries overthrow their monarchies?

BTW, King Haakon VII of Norway was elected King by the Norwegian parliament.

[Oneironaut]

37. Did I demand anyone overthrow anything?

[Ocelot II]

50. Well, you said no country should have a monarchy.

But a number of free democracies in Europe are also monarchies: besides Britain, there's Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Luxembourg. How else are those countries going to get rid of their evil authoritarian monarchs?

[Oneironaut]

56. Adopt a Parliamentarian government like a modern country.

Britain basically has anyways. They’re 99% of the way there.

[Demsrule86]

68. They have a parlimentarian government...google is your friend.

[onenote]

74. +1

[Oneironaut]

76. Yes I know. I meant exclusively. No King / Queen.

[Ocelot II]

72. Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Netherlands and Belgium all have elected parliaments,

and have had for centuries. These countries are representative democracies called constitutional monarchies, in which an elected parliament makes the laws, the prime minister is the head of government, and the monarch is the head of state. The monarch has little or no power over lawmaking but is informed and consulted. And the people of these countries seem quite uninterested in getting rid of their monarchs.

[BlackSkimmer]

84. Yes, last time I was in London, I visited the Tower, and I just KNOW I heard the screams of

prisoners

[Oneironaut]

86. You're silly.

[BlackSkimmer]

89. Nailed it. Back atcha.

[TheProle]

123. Satire writes itself

I know the royal family are just figure heads at this point, but, they need to be wiped out of American culture, much like all other forms of Authoritarian worship.

How does one “wipe out” cultural affinity for another land and its customs without authoritarianism?

[Oneironaut]

127. "Wipe out" was a poor choice of words.

I was more expressing a distaste for America’s hero worship of rich people and unearned fame, and, I feel we should stop doing that.

[inthewind21]

179. Well

I know where you can find a group that would be positively giddy to have you join their cause in "wiping out" all thing you don't like. I'll just let that sit and sink in.

[Oneironaut]

182. Thinking Kings and Queens shouldn't exist in 2022 means Being a LiTeral NaZi!!1!

Please tell me you aren’t serious.

[LeftInTX]

138. Get rid the Supreme Court!

The British Monarchy is not authoritarian
Also look all the authority Trump has an ex-president

We've got an authoritarian regime in the US

[ITAL]

9. I don't really care either way

I have no love for the Royal Family or a natural detestation.

However, I have a friend from Belgium (which also has a monarchy with mostly ceremonial power) who argues that having a ceremonial figure that everyone can get behind rather than just partisan wars makes politics a less vicious game somehow.

[Irish_Dem]

19. U.S. elects sociopath madman as POTUS who puts everyone in grave danger.

Including Gt Britain, our closest ally.

We have no room to tell other countries what to do.

[Ocelot II]

33. Good point. We aren't exactly in the best position to be telling other countries

to get rid of their harmlessly authoritarian monarchs considering we elected a dangerous lunatic. I would happily take any of the existing monarchs anywhere in the world over TFG.

[Irish_Dem]

109. Yes QE didn't sell classified docs to enemies.

Americans seem behind the power curve on the British mindset.
The Brits support the monarchy, and King Charles and Queen Camilla.

The Brits are not falling over waiting for American opinions on any topic right now.
I don't blame them in the least.

[Oneironaut]

125. I don't think it's our place to tell them what to do.

Instead, they should do it and we should stop worshipping rich people who became rich by existing.

[Irish_Dem]

131. We should do something about the US rich elite who commit crimes and have no consequences.

Yes we should take care of our own country before lecturing others.

[msongs]

24. I make an exception for queen bees nt

[Brenda]

26. I agree.

It seems to be a cult of personality for Americans which is weird considering we fought a war of independence from these Red Coats!

I do want to give my condolences to the Queen's family and friends.

[Gaugamela]

35. Heads of state become parental figures for many people. I think that's

what’s behind the MAGA cult. They’re trying to redeem some awful father figure in their life.

[ForgedCrank]

144. Someone else here

made an excellent point that was relayed from a friend, and it was worded far better than what I could come up with.
A moderate and dignified monarchy such as is in Britain gives all the people a common ground to stand behind rather than the knife edged divide between political sides. I like that way of looking at it.They will fight and spit all day about policy, but neither side dares insult the Queen (well, unless you're Johnny rotten). But yes, I think you have the right idea.

[LakeArenal]

38. I'm pretty sure being a monarch isn't all state dinners and tea parties.

Elizabeth was a cool person.

She was a mechanic in WWII. She’s more than what you seem to give credit.

But hey, haters gonna hate.

[Oneironaut]

49. I'm sure she was a cool person.

Nothing against her. I just think her title is pointless.

[multigraincracker]

39. What I learned taking Cultural Anthropology.

Most think other cultures are nuts, as the others think ours are. Once you learn this, you can then look to see if it has been successful or not.

[LuckyCharms]

40. This morning, I saw a dog fucking a football.

Sorry to interrupt your thread.

I just thought people should know this, and I didn't know where else to post it.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

43. LOL.

[Ocelot II]

55. You win the thread.

[demmiblue]

59. Lol!

[BlackSkimmer]

69. Bwahaha!

Well played!

[gay texan]

91. There was this one time, in band camp.... n/t

[Kaleva]

99. LOL!

[nolabear]

148. THIS is the quality response we needed.

[betsuni]

161. Exactly.

[inthewind21]

181. LMAO

[walkingman]

48. I personally like the "fairy tale" idea of a Royal Family and it really is none of

our business. I think the Monarchy of Britain provides a unifying force for the nation - something that we desperately could use ourselves these days. Although the Monarchy is described as a constitutional monarchy which is mostly symbolic and is no threat to Britain's political system, it is (I think) a necessary part of the nation's culture and history.

[Demsrule86]

57. It is not my country and not my business...

[Xolodno]

66. Let me count the number of monarchies in Europe that actually have any significant power.

Oh that's right, zero.

They are a cultural phenomena now and the nation wouldn't dare get rid of them. Why? They bring in tourist dollars. Nor is it our business.

[Ocelot II]

82. The monarchs are regarded as unifying national symbols.

They are generally loved and respected as representatives of the country. And there hasn't been a European monarch as autocratic as TFG since Louis XIV.

[malaise]

73. Did you see this?

https://nypost.com/2022/09/08/jeff-bezos-slams-professor-for-wishing-queen-elizabeth-excruciating-death/

[sarisataka]

77. The US has many monarchies

They are just based on money, social media and skip the titles.

In the long run the cost our society more and produce less than traditional noble families.

[Oneironaut]

81. I agree with that actually.

The Bush family for example.

[Progressive dog]

85. The UK has a parliament that has run the place for a long time now.

While I agree with your opposition to royalty or any caste system, the UK is not really run by the royals. They're no longer a threat to the US.

[Oneironaut]

88. True. Thanks!

[Torchlight]

90. Is my summation accurate?

You care so little about something you are compelled to announce how little you care about it, why you care so little about it, and what you care so little about?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

92. LOL.

Nailed it.

[Kaleva]

101. +1

[Brainfodder]

93. Kings and Queens are for simpler times?

Based on the TFG nonsense, we haven't earned a new time yet?

[Brainfodder]

94. Kings and Queens are for simpler times?

Based on the TFG nonsense, we haven't earned a new time yet?

[Skittles]

95. can't you give it one fucking day

UGH

[Oneironaut]

97. I didn't insult the Queen. I only said her title should no longer exist.

[Skittles]

103. like I said

CAN"T YOU GIVE IT ONE FUCKING DAY

over and OUT

[Oneironaut]

104. I don't understand what you mean.

One day for what?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

108. When Skittles says over and out,

that means she's done with you and this thread.

[BlackSkimmer]

113. Boom.

Yes.

[MustLoveBeagles]

145. I know right?

[Skittles]

155. my mum was a Brit

as a child during WWII she was enormously comforted by a royal family that stayed put....

[BlackSkimmer]

162. Both my parents were British.

Mom born the same year as the Queen.

Neither she nor my dad were big monarchy people, but they said exactly that about the comfort of the family staying put. Dad grew up in London, and his stories about the Blitz amazed me. The few he would tell…I think he was terrorized as a child by that experience.

Mom was in Wales, and she told many more stories. They really lived in a time we can’t imagine.

[bluecollar2]

172. Dad was a Brit

Born in Portsmouth and eventually moved to Petersfield to avoid the bombing.

Mum was Anglo-Burmese and was evacuated to India when the Japanese invaded Burma.

I was born in London in 57. There were still bombsites that hadn't been cleared I played in growing up.

The people who survived the war remember the Royals staying put and not evacuating to Canada.

[48656c6c6f20]

96. Well we have a king

Because he is above the law so I guess we can't complain. Wonder where we got the idea of an imperial leader?

[Kaleva]

105. I don't recall fighting a war to rid us of this shit

The only thing I did to earn the benefits of living in a democracy is that I was born here.

[Oneironaut]

106. I think all Americans should distrust any forms of royalty, even if powerless.

[Kaleva]

124. QEII's role was very much the same as an elected or appointed head of state.

The head of state of Canada is King Charles III but he appoints, upon advice of the Canadian prime minister, a governor-grneral to perform his ,the King's, duties and functions in Canada. Australia, New Zealand and other members of the Commonwealth have similiar set ups.

[GreenWave]

111. Here is a weird list!

Country (Empire, whatever) Wars we fought against them Ally?
England 1776 1812 (we win... In your face England!) Staunch
Germany WW1 WWII (we win) Staunch
Japan WWII (We win) Yes
Mexico Mex-Amer War (we win) Yes
Spain 1898 (we win) Yes
Russia! 1917 (we lose) No
Vietnam 1960's (we lose) No

Just a small sample but if we beat the snot out of you, you are our friends. If you win GRRRRRR!

[ripcord]

114. I came to the thread late, have we got to where we are supposed to burn the royal family yet?

[MarineCombatEngineer]

116. Not quite there yet.

[ripcord]

118. Give it time

[MarineCombatEngineer]

120. Oh yeah.

[Oneironaut]

122. Nope. Just the part when Monarchies cease to exist, hopefully.

[jcgoldie]

149. do you not get...

...the part about how they don't actually hold any political power?

[Oneironaut]

150. I understand that. I should have been more clear that the power isn't the issue.

I hate the very idea of Kings and Queens existing, period. I also hate how the royal family is worshipped in the US. Even if the royal family is benign and powerless, I still don’t see why they should be treated like celebrities.

[inthewind21]

184. Who

is that group I keep hearing about that also "just hates" a bunch of stuff and is working actively to make all their dislikes be wiped out and have everyone ese go along with what THEY like and dislike??

[Oneironaut]

186. Z0MG Nazis!!1! lol

Anyone who hates authoritarian government titles is a Fascist!!1!

[JackSabbath]

119. Yep.

This whole thing where people are worshipped just because they are rich has to stop.

[MarineCombatEngineer]

121. .....

[inthewind21]

185. Mom

is that you?

[zipplewrath]

126. Wrong day dude

Let them bury her first.

[Skittles]

135. that's second nature for anyone with a sense of decency

a bit harder for others

[treestar]

128. When the media are convinced their ratings

will be higher covering someone else, maybe they can be wiped from American culture. But as long as they can get viewers with the RF, they will feature the RF.

[BlackSkimmer]

129. Oh come on.

Can you imagine if Justin Bieber died? Or JLO?

Sorry not a celebrity follower so I ran out of examples, but I guarantee you they’d take the news.

[LeftInTX]

164. They probably won't make the news the way Michael Jackson did

[BlackSkimmer]

165. No kidding.

I remember that.

Oddly, one of those “I remember where I was” deaths.

[LeftInTX]

167. My son said to me, "Michael Jackson died"

I did not believe him
I thought it was some weird rumor
The only site reporting his death was Pop Sugar, so I told my son, "This is a BS rumor"

A few minutes later, it was picked up mainstream.

[treestar]

180. I was sleeping in a dorm room with the window open

in the middle of the night, someone in a room nearby screamed: "John Lennon's dead!" That's how I found out about that one.

[LeftInTX]

191. I was driving to work and heard, "The late John Lennon" after one of his songs.

No info was given.
When I got to work, I asked a few people, "Did John Lennon die?" I worked in a very hostile environment. No one replied.

I didn't find out until I got out of work and bought a paper..

[Ocelot II]

133. How about if we call kings and queens mascots instead of kings and queens?

That's basically what a monarch is in a constitutional monarchy - just a mascot, a national symbol. They have no more power than the Hamburglar or the Burger King, but if we call them mascots they won't carry that dangerous stank of authoritarianism. The lion is a symbol on the coat of arms of England, so the monarch/mascot could be something like this, only without the football:



See? That solves the problem - a mascot in a fuzzy costume can't possibly be a symbol of oppression!

[MichMan]

154. I, along with lots of other Detroit Lions fans, know what oppression feels like.

We've been forced to endure one of the most futile playoff records in any major sport

[DemocratSinceBirth]

139. End Thread

Freedom House Score - United Kingdom-"monarchy" 93. United States -democratic republic- 83. We will be an authoritarian country before the "monarchy" will ever be.

[jcgoldie]

143. The royal family are just movie stars

We have a ton of them over here. Feel free to start a thread about how Kim Kardashian doesn't deserve to be rich and famous but the royal family at this point, like hollywood, is all about escapism, not government.

[Hekate]

146. Who gives a damn It's their country not ours

[Shellback Squid]

151. all right Grasshopper, thank you for sharing your opinion and wisdom

[bluecollar2]

153. As a Briton

I feel confident in saying that you are entitled to your opinion.

However as a Briton I reserve the right to opine on that opinion...and that is that you should catch a flight to the UK tonight and take your opinion into any pub in the UK tomorrow.

We Britons have our own opinions as to the Monarchy. Many of us support it and many of us believe that it should be abandoned.

I happen to believe in it. I understand, on a purely intellectual level, the arguments you put forth but what you cannot understand is the emotional level of support we have for our Monarchy.

My Queen meant something to me. She had been Queen for four years before I was born and was the one constant in my life.

I was comforted in knowing that her portrait was on postage stamps, the currency, and the phone boxes were emblazoned with her initials and a crown.

She was a symbol of kindness and decency in troubling times.

I will mourn for her and hope that King Charles will find a way to continue her legacy.

We are a nation of tradition. We will continue to drive on the left, we like double-deckers,, fish and chips, tea and scones, football and cricket and rugby, and a parliament with a House of Lords and a House of Commons.

We are proud of our heritage and traditions and all I ask is that you respect that.

[Ocelot II]

156. Most of us do not agree at all with the opinion expressed in the OP,

but have great respect for the late Queen and understand the affection felt for her by the people of of the UK. And it is not for us Americans to get up on our high horse and complain about another country's form of government, considering our antiquated, cumbersome and inequitable method of choosing presidents, which made possible the election of a con man and demagogue with far more authoritarian tendencies than any monarch since Louis XIV. Our condolences to you and your countrymen on the loss of your Queen.

[bluecollar2]

170. Thank you for your kind words

I know the vast majority of people feel the same way as you.

We'll go through our grieving process and I'm sure the Kingdom and Commonwealth will struggle with the transition and future direction but in the end the only thing that matters is that the Queen served us ably and honourably.

She kept her promise.

[treestar]

183. +1

These same people, if of the US, likely carry that attitude on to the US anyway. England's heritage and traditions are part of ours - the common law, the English language, and other things that the USA continued with, if not a monarchy, then at least at one time we were under that monarchy. If we were proud of our heritage and traditions, then to some extent at least that could be continued on to the "mother country." (And why it it called that).

Others colonized, conquered and did all those evil things too - it was of the times, not that the one country was particularly successful at it.

[JI7]

157. They don't have actual power . The UK has Elections for Different Offices who actually DO

have power .

[JI7]

158. Hillary Clinton got Millions more Votes But could not be President . You should Focus on the US

System . The UK actually has elections where people with more votes actually win and they hold the real power in the country .

But the US has a system where someone can get more votes but still not be elected .

[DFW]

159. There are two main powers in 2022 who think democracies shouldn't exist, either.

Putin and Xi think our system doesn't work for them. Britain has existed for a thousand years with their monarchy. Even if Charles I lost his head over the matter, Cromwell was awful, too, and the monarchy was restored. George III was a little nuts. Reagan and Trump weren't? Unless a country declares war on us and states our destruction/conquest as their goal, as a rule, we don't go around imposing our way of life on them, trying to obliterate traditions they have that are older than we are. A Constitutional Monarchy IS a democracy, and if the people of a nation wish to keep that tradition, who are we to tell them they're wrong?

Go to some foreign culture and tell them you have a superior way of life to offer. Like the proverbial village in subsaharan Africa, they have every right to shout back, "HAZOONGAH!"

[Straw Man]

160. There's something to be said ...

... for having a ceremonial head of state who is outside of partisan politics. It has to do with a sense of an overarching national identity and continuity of governance despite shifting political alignments -- things we Americans are noticeably deficient in at this particular historical moment.

[Raine]

163. Yes exactly. I often wish we had someone like Queen Elizabeth for our country

Last edited Fri Sep 9, 2022, 05:31 AM - Edit history (1)

who could bring us all together above politics.

[LeftInTX]

166. Ah, yes American exceptionalism....

When we decided that we would have an "Executive" run our country....

[raccoon]

168. Reality tv stars shouldn't be POTUS. NT

[cherish44]

169. I personally have a lingering distaste for the royal family

But that's just my opinion man. If you dig them, dig them. I'm sad that a human being has died.

[betsuni]

171. Status quo establishment bad! Bad bad bad.

Whatever.

[Violet_Crumble]

173. I care about the Queen. Is that Authoritarian worship?

I have the misfortune of living in one of those totalitarian, authoritarian, despot-run constitutional monarchies. I always thought I knew what terms like authoritarianism and monarchy meant, but after reading yr OP, I feel enlightened and realise how ignorant my world view has been up till now. I was wrong for being relieved that the Queen was our head of state and not some ugly, orange former reality tv star who had a liking for hatred and division.

I felt a bit weird this morning coz it was a bit like when my nanna died, and it got super weird when they talked about King Charles on the news. But then I got onto the serious stuff like wondering whether the Queen's birthday long weekend will get renamed, what will happen to QC's (Queen's Counsels) and a lot of thinking about coins and notes with the Queen on them, and why is it that the $5 note is the only note with the Queen on it? And because the debate over becoming a republic resurfaced quickly, I thought about how good it is that I don't care one way or the other, because if I thought the monarchy shouldn't exist in my country, that'd make me an Australian republican, which could make things a little bit awkward here at DU.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

174. Many young folks in England appear to be sick of the expensive, antiquated silliness.

Good for them. It's a remnant and reminder of a vicious, greedy, lethal, imperialistic, white supremacist empire that exploited, enslaved, impoverished, dispossessed, and genocided indigenous folk all over the world.

I'm hoping Scotland and the 6 counties in the north of Ireland kick the English monarchy, and its fascist government, to the curb ASAP.

[inthewind21]

187. Oh the Irony

"It's a remnant and reminder of a vicious, greedy, lethal, imperialistic, white supremacist empire that exploited, enslaved, impoverished, dispossessed, and genocided indigenous folk all over the world."

You do realize you just described the US.

[brooklynite]

175. I don't care...

It’s their country. If the population wanted to eliminate the monarchy, the could do so.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

188. I want reparations for several centuries...

... of my serf ancestors living under feudalism, not free to even travel without the permission of their local lords, and having the efforts of their labor in the fields taken away to enrich the nobles and the monarchs. Not to mention "ius primae noctis", granting the local feudal lords the right to sexual relations with the serf-women on the night of their wedding.



I agree that monarchies SHOULD not exist, but it's up to other countries how they do things.

Edit: How it should've been centuries ago...

[Dysfunctional]

189. I love Monarchs. I love when the migrate to Monterey CA.

It is a shame their population is dwindling.