Community Chat

[Trailrun23]

DH was stationed in the UK during the VNam era. He has never tired of going back to the UK and enjoying the history and beauty. The whole royal thing is just a bonus to him, but he said he doesn't want to make a trip back there just for the coronation; figures it will be crazy-crowded and impossible to get a hotel...and I think he is probably right. 

[Northray]

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@Love to Run wrote:

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@Krimpette wrote:

I truly hope that all three days are not televised on  all the major channels in this country.  Sorry, I just have no interest in watching this.

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@Krimpette I completely agree. The fawning over the same monarchy we ditched in 1776 is so old.

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Right?  We fought a war to end their dominance and colonization over us.  And the Monarchy system was the impetus for a Democratic system to begin with - it's why America was birthed in the first place.  Of course, their people, the English, settled  America but these pioneers were trying to get away from England and that old Monarchy system.  So I personally don't get the fascination with Kings and Queens and all that entails but I know some find it intriguing. 

[proudlyfromNJ]

It’s on BBC. Where does it say our channels will have it?

[gertrudecloset]

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@Trailrun23 wrote:

The PM and Parliament need to address the healthcare needs of the citizens. The monarchy is indeed a separate set-up. The jewels and other trappings that represent the royals are historic heirlooms passed down for generations. 

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Yes, that they stole and pilferred from other nations @Trailrun23 

[occasionalrain]

To the victor's, go the spoils. It could be said that we stole America from the British, and from the Native Americans and pilfered natural resources.

[JoyFilled Warrior]

In our own somewhat similarly idolized way, don't we Americans sort of have our own "royalty." 

[Northray]

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@occasionalrain wrote:

To the victor's, go the spoils. It could be said that we stole America from the British, and from the Native Americans and pilfered natural resources.

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Who is WE?  It was British citizens that settled in America TO GET AWAY FROM THE BRITISH MONARCHY, CLASS system.  Independent citizens of British nationality were escaping the British system, basically their richer, royal brothers and sisters!  But because the British monarchy was used to basically colonizing whatever land they felt like ( to be fair this was the way of all Europeans, consider the Spanish Conqistordors and their invasion of the central Americas) they decided to follow these pioneers and set up shop here too.  And then they decided they were in charge here as well.  And they were not the victors because the new Americans beat their butts and kicked them out.

As for the Indians, some tribes were friendly but most were not.  They were tribal, war centered, like Vikings, fighting for the right to be the top tribe - they warred amongst themselves for this very land.  So they were not a cohesive peoples that ruled this land and had set up a government, no.  So the coming of Europeans just added to an already chaotic situation.

[Stelladorable]

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@Northray wrote:

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@occasionalrain wrote:

To the victor's, go the spoils. It could be said that we stole America from the British, and from the Native Americans and pilfered natural resources.

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Who is WE?  It was British citizens that settled in America TO GET AWAY FROM THE BRITISH MONARCHY, CLASS system.  Independent citizens of British nationality were escaping the British system, basically their richer, royal brothers and sisters!  But because the British monarchy was used to basically colonizing whatever land they felt like ( to be fair this was the way of all Europeans, consider the Spanish Conqistordors and their invasion of the central Americas) they decided to follow these pioneers and set up shop here too.  And then they decided they were in charge here as well.  And they were not the victors because the new Americans beat their butts and kicked them out.

As for the Indians, some tribes were friendly but most were not.  They were tribal, war centered, like Vikings, fighting for the right to be the top tribe - they warred amongst themselves for this very land.  So they were not a cohesive peoples that ruled this land and had set up a government, no.  So the coming of Europeans just added to an already chaotic situation.

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This is a completely western idea of how societies should be run. The first settlers here stumbled upon a people who had lived and thrived here for millenia, with no help from western ideas of what "civilized" means.

The Europeans and Scandanavians brought the chaos as they sought to conquer lands belonging to others.

There are many excellent books about how this was done and how natives were systematically pushed into smaller and smaller enclaves until culture, language, religion and finally the people themselves were gone or irrelevant.

[Tinkrbl44]

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@MG Chris wrote:

I love how all the Americans think they should do away with the Monarchy. It is not up to us. I hate to break it to you, but the UK loves its Monarchy. Look at the Jubilee and the different events they attend. The crowds young and old go wild for them. 

All this hatred and name-calling for Camilla is hysterical. That woman was not the only one in that love triangle. Everyone has sainted Diana and ignores the fact that she had her own set of issues that helped that situation along. Camilla has kept her head down and worked hard for some pretty difficult charities. She has earned her right to be where she is.

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@MG Chris 

There's always two ways to debate this type of thing.

First, if you're not British, you don't understand what the royals mean to them.

Or, OTOH, if you're from another country, you can step back and see the Big Picture in a way the Brits never can.  

Every form of government has its flaws, that's for sure.

[Puppy Lips]

@occasionalrain 

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@occasionalrain wrote:

@Puppy Lips 

The British citizens pay less than a dollar/pound a year to support the Monarchy. I have never seen any Royals cutting ribbons. I have local and state officials in the US cutting ribbons. Are you aware that we even pay for our US Senators and Congressmen's haircuts?

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@occasionalrain That is an outdated figure.  I googled it and did the math.  The point is that the royal family has vast wealth that they have done nothing of significance to deserve.  They are either an accident of birth or charm a member to marry into the family.  Then they follow the rules and play the game to keep the royal family going.  I am sure they work hard and I am sure it is not easy at times.  But are they really doing any good considering all the wealth they have?  Couldn't all the money they spend on those extravagent events be better spent elsewhere?  Give those millions to a charity. 

We elect our Senators and Congressmen in this country and hope that they do good for their state.  And when they don't, they hopefully get voted out.