Political Discussions
Anyone want to discuss UK politics?!
Posted by SiuilARuin • 11/20/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: david cameron, gordon brown, uk politics
Anybody...?
Gordon Brown...Failure? Muppet? Misguided? All of the above?
David Cameron...Oh god no, anyone but him? Yeah, why not?
Talk to me British people!
User Comments
-
I'm not British, but I have been watching the PBS special on the Queen, and all the stuff she does. I actually forget what the series is called - a day with the Queen or some such thing.
Now, my husband thought it was funny that everyone made such a big deal when the Queen goes to visit another country, and I tried explaining to him that it's becasue she's the Queen of freakin' England - but he didn't get it
-
I tell you what...the only people in England who really care about the queen are the super-scary conservatives and old ladies who have plates with her face on... most of us would agree with your husband! I especially don't like having a monarch because of all the money that is spent maintaining them! I don't blame them personally, because it isn't really their fault...but we spend £35m a year on them, and I remember a few years ago they overspent their budget...not by a million...but by £30m! Think how many people that could house, feed etc... So I'm definitely not a monarchist! I suppose studying the period of history where monarchs actually ruled doesn't help my opinion!
-
Well, I wasn't referring to her importance politically, per se - but rather commenting on the big to-do about her from countries who do not have a monarchy, and are unaccustomed to having a real-live Queen visit.
There aren't too many monarchies left, and to be frank, it's a bit like viewing an antique item (not because she's old but because the notion of a monarchy for many people are rooted firmly in history, not present day politics ).
Particularly with regards to England.
it's just...something to us foreigners.
-
-
Well, you can keep her if you want...put her in a glass case! But you have to take Prince Charles as well! ...I want us to keep Prince Philip so that he can keep making unbelievably racist comments at the worst moments for our amusement!
-
Oh no, Prince Charles is all yours!
-
-
Can't you guys just decide not to take care of them anymore? What do they really do for you? Honestly?-
The pro-monarchy lot always cite tourism as a reason to keep the monarchy...but I think that's crap! I think the reason we can't just be rid of them is what do we do with them? Monarchies tend not to be dissolved without the royal family ending up murdered or chased out of the country! It's not really tenable to just strip them of their titles and send them to live on a farm... plus, the queen is also head of the Church of England...so the church would also object...
It is a pickle... -
That's a good point, exactly what do you do with a Queen, Prince, et al?
I suppose simply offering retirement wouldn't suffice
-
-
I never thought I would say this, but I think the Royals give us good value for money. (Them and the Monty Python team). Having spent many years representing Her Majesties Government (which I DONT anymore), I know that our Royals are an excellent promotional tool for Britain and great for a bit of nation branding. Yeah, maybe a bit brash, but they encourage tourism and investment. We should make more of them not less.
And what is wrong with Charles? My god - he is a damn sight better than his father. Who is, it has to be said a public diplomacy disaster.
Anyway, maybe we should be discussing British politics, not the monarchy (although of course Her Maj still has ultimate power to dismiss a government, she is not REALLY a political figure).-
I do think Charles have proven himself to be a very well tempered speaker. His son's are also showing themselves to be extraordinary interview candidates, especially given their age.
And I agree, I like the Swedish Royal family too, i think that their contribution does more for tourism than an equal amount of money spent on ad campaigns would. Not to mention that they do a lot of good work for raising awareness on the issues they champion.
Diana and landmines comes to mind for instance.
-
-
Understood Nomadic, but some of us just don't understand the demographics of UK's government. It did need to be cleared up as to what exactly the Royalty do. Other than periodically make the cover of our Trash Magazines.
-
betty see csiunatc above. Not all royals are the same and they spend their day doing different things, but they keep busy. The modern royal is much like a celebrity diplomat - raising issues and cash for causes. www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/18/uk.royal.princes.africa.ap/
a case in point. The Princes Trust is pretty smart too. -
Got it, it was cleared up by my checking the web... They do nothing of actual importance. Well... maybe King Juan Carlos. I'll have to read into him.
-
jees, betty. Royals are human beings too. Let's not judge our fellows too harshly. What do you do of importance?
PS - you will like Juan Carlos, he is cool. He rides big motorbikes round Madrid. -
I think what betty means by 'importance' is something worthy of the millions spent on them...
-
Still not quite getting the revenue they bring in are you? I think you will find the books may balance.
-
The idea that our tourist trade would collapse if we didn't have a monarchy is complete nonsense. The books shouldn't 'balance' when you're investing that much, we should be turning a stupendous profit.
The tourist trade is not a good enough reason to maintain an archaic form of government. -
er..I didn't say the tourist trade would collapse without them. But I am happy to respectfully acknowledge your opinion on this.
I am not distinctly pro-royal, but I do see both sides of the story.
-
Add Your Comment
Login to leave a message.
