Queen Mother!!!

[Northerner]

Hmm.. A few Thoughts on the matter before we let this thread die a slow death.

Young man, I have to say that free speech is all very well. But at the same time, I consider Matt's comments on our Royal Family way out of line and completely uncalled for. I can well recall, the triumphal mood that prevailed among the people in the village where I spent most of my childhood ... as folk of all ages crowded into the local Public Hall to witness the dawn of a 'New Elizabethan Era', [in the form of our present Queen's Coronation] on a 17" black & white television screen positioned centre-stage. That momentous event took place more than 56 years ago ... on June 2nd, 1953 ... and upwards of three decades before the likes of Matt was scarcely even a twinkle in his mum's eye. And now, not far short of sixty years on, we are privileged to be the subjects of this most gracious and dignified lady who is revered and respected worldwide.

I do not think free speech should be followed by a "But"! And it is unfortunate that in this country we live in a society where free speech is not natural but often fought for, where the nonsensical saying "You can't shout fire in a crowded Cinema" is used as an analogy for curtailing free speech. And it can be as insulting to call people "subjects", as if poor genetic examples of inbreeding could be better than the you or me!

In an ever-changing Society, the Monarchy is inherent in our centuries-old National Heritage. By virtue of its sheer constancy, it represents a certain stability. As a Scot - and in a wider sense - as a British Citizen, I am fiercely proud of our nation and its traditions ... which are envied amongst our European neighbours, and practically everywhere else on the planet. Like many of my counterparts, I'm perhaps less enamoured with our system of government, although it remains preferable to that of most other countries. I have to ask all would-be dissenters if, in all honesty, they'd rather we evolved into a Republican State with a President at the helm ... a kind of 'dictatorship' ... and all THAT entails? "Loyalty to Royalty", I say.

Monarchy is simply a dictatorship wrapped around religiosity and cultism! Hundreds of years ago, men with swords invaded these islands from afar, raping and pillaging as they went. And they told the natives to surrender and be subjects to their demands or die. They have ancestors calling themselves Windsor's. And it is doubtful that any American would swap even George Bush for Prince (and the future King) Charles! Although the traditions of the Monarchy, along with all the pomp seems nice for a holiday. It is nice to send them on their way when you get bored of them (leaders).

So please, spare us the unjustified crticism of noble Institutions like the Monarchy and the NHS, and just be thankful for their continued existence! Because if you don't/are not, then I suggest you go and live elsewhere.

Arise, Sir Arthur!

But I love the NHS, it was an act of people power rarely seen in this world. A socialist ideal that actually works!

You've hit the nail on the head !

As regards your last few words "then I suggest you go and live elsewhere" Matt, Power to The People & Co might find as I mentioned previously the last remaining workers paradises Cuba and North Korea more amenable tips to reside in.

Being a critic of an institution does not make a person a traitor or mean they must up sticks and move to another place. Matt, has the right to criticize or even foam at the mouth with anger when he talks about the Monarchy. And the day a Monarch tries to curtail that right will be the day the institution we call the Royal Family expires and this country evolves once more!