What exactly do you think is happening in this country now? That’s right, political instability and the spectre of civil unrest looming due to a cost of living crisis.
And if you think that is the fault of a monarchy and will be resolved by getting rid of them, you really need to have a proper review of the situation.
I didn’t say that though. I just stated that’s what’s happening already after Ernie claimed that’s what would happen if we got rid of the monarchy. He then basically agreed that the monarchy are utterly pointless and getting rid of them would not affect a thing which contradicts the whole civil unrest and political instability claim.
Kelvin, well said.
I’m not a Royalist, but did like the Queen. I don’t know enough detail to be anti Royalist though, my simplistic mind was of the belief that the Royals were pretty much a cost neutral element to the country. Yep they’re stinking rich, but if it’s not costing us any money in real terms, then I’d be happy for it to continue.
However, I’m obviously going to be very wrong with my thinking and serious debate on this would be welcomed now.
I did watch some of the TV today and did feel very uncomfortable with a lot of the wording being used. And whilst recent events are rare, the pomp and ceremony must be costing a substantial amount.
You’ve killed your own arguments in your post by basically admitting the monarchy is completely pointless.
You thought my argument was that the monarchy is a great institution?
Can you really not see issues beyond a simple black is black and white is white perspective?
Claiming that right now whilst the nation is mourning the death of a much loved monarch isn't a good time to denounce the monarchy isn't the same as saying that there is a point to the monarchy. Yeah weird I know.
Yay ! Bank holiday confirmed.
Every cloud and all that……..
Vive La republique!! Off with their heads!!
Lord help me, I'm agreeing with Ernie.
First request of King Charles, please take the plastic off the flowers you leave so they can be composted. Seems reasonable.
I've some for your Charles, please ditch the private jets and ICE Land rovers. Then how about renovating all those properties and cutting of the gas to them and... when you've done that I've got lots of other requests.
It’s the best time to talk about getting rid of the monarchy on the chat forum of a MTB magazine. The subject wouldn’t have come up without the death of the Queen and this thread being stated. I’ve not claimed anything else in any of my posts. Stop it with this Nation is mourning shit too! People are mourning, some people, not everyone. For instance nobody I work with, none of my friends and family are in mourning. One of my neighbours is.
Chrismac
The monarch still has and uses huge powers. They can have laws changed to suit themselves. Charles has done this as PoW to protect his financial interests. The monarch has the power to sack the government and rule by decree if they want to. All this going to see the monarch to be invited to form a government is because of the powers they have, not just theatre.
Go on then, what laws have they changed?
A couple of weeks national mourning.
Just home from walking the dogs and the bass i could hear from a party in the village was very impressive.
Is the Nation really mourning though Ernie? Up here in the Northern wilderness, people seem to be a tad sad that someone as nice a human as the Queen appeared to be has died. But I don’t see a nation mourning.l
I’ve not heard any bad words said about the Queen as a person. But I really don’t see a nation mourning.
I know that’s not really your point, but I don’t see why now isn’t an ideal time to discuss whether we should have a non elected head of state. That’s not to pour scorn on the Queen. Just to ask before we go into this new era, whether the direction we are going in is best for our countries.
Ernie claimed that’s what would happen if we got rid of the monarchy.
No I didn't. I said:
Abolishing the monarchy whilst there is a reigning king is a recipe for civil conflict and political upheaval.
We are not currently witnessing civil conflict and political upheaval. The ruling party has over 70 seat majority, there is no need for a general election for two years and there is no civil conflict other than run of the mill strikes.
If you think revolution is on the horizon then fine. I suggest you volunteer for the first wave to attack Buckingham Palace.
Just to answer higthepig's question:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/08/royals-vetted-more-than-1000-laws-via-queens-consent
I'm a republican living in a republic so I'll leave you subjects to debate whether you want to live in a proper democarcy or not.
Well put Woodster.
And you think abolishing the monarchy would make a difference? 😂
If the monarchy was abolished tomorrow it would not make one iota of difference to millions of working people, they wouldn’t be any more “wealthier” or “freer”, it wouldn’t in any way change their lives.
Quite right. Abolishing the Tory party much have a much greater effect. They are the ones who are currently asset stripping the nation and making life a misery for millions of citizens.
Abolishing the House of Lords could actually have real tangible benefits for ordinary people as it could make our political process more democratic, more representative, and more responsive, to the needs of the people.
A reasonable thought but at the moment (and for quite some time in the past) it is the HoL that appears to be a stabilising influence and tempers some of the more extreme desires the government. This current bunch of liars and thieves could steamroller through all manner of legislation without it.
when you’ve done that I’ve got lots of other requests.
Personally I would have started with "dont bother with flowers. Here is the donation link which will go to the following charities or if you want to donate in person here is the guardsman with a rifle in one hand, a card terminal in the other and a donation box at his feet. Dont worry about theft from the box".
Ernie claimed that’s what would happen if we got rid of the monarchy.
No I didn’t. I said:Abolishing the monarchy whilst there is a reigning king is a recipe for civil conflict and political upheaval.
So you didn’t claim there would be civil conflict and political upheaval when you typed ‘is a recipe for civil conflict and political upheaval?’
If I’ve misunderstood what you typed then I apologise. Utterly confused by what you’re trying to say now though 😂 the joys of trying to have a debate on a forum!
I’ll pass on storming Buckingham palace. Not a fan of London and it’s too far to travel.
There is some superb Schrodinger’s monarchy going on at the moment.
Tom Nairn does a good job of describing this in 'The Enchanted Glass':
"It matters deeply to nearly everyone and is of no significance whatever."
Is the Nation really mourning though Ernie?
Yes it is, the UK is officially in mourning. Haven't you noticed any changes in TV schedules?
If you also think now is a great time to talk about the abolition of the monarchy then that's great - good luck with it.
Personally I will be very surprised if King Charles doesn't create a better opportunity. But who knows, perhaps he'll keep his nose clean.
The rolling news coverage is pretty boring and repetitive but the couple of BBC documentaries I've watched tonight have been really interesting
Is the Nation really mourning though Ernie?
Yes it is, the UK is officially in mourning.
Which is not even remotely the same thing. If it's any help I don't know anyone who is in mourning.
Oh yes, pps @jekyll. More witty antidotes ( sic) please 🙂 I for one enjoyed reading them
I'm loving this "I don't know anyone" so it can't be true. If you don't believe that millions of people are sadden and upset by the death of QE2 you are deluding yourself.
Even Sinn Fein accept and recognise this undeniable fact when they extend their "sincere sympathy to all those who mourn the death of Queen Elizabeth".
I would go as far as to say even many people who are republican at heart are saddened by the news of her death.
But I guess if it doesn't fit comfortably into your narrative or you allegedly don't know anyone who feels like that then you can pretend that it isn't true.
I was out and about in town today and there was nothing to suggest it was anything other than a normal Saturday with people doing their thing. Just because the media has gone into overdrive to see who can produce the most sycophantic report doesn’t mean the rest of the real country has
@tony cascarino you could have put it in the fridge and eaten it the next day you absolute pillock.
Singing God Save the Queen as he scrapes it into the bin as a mark of respect 🤣
I believe millions of people are saddened by the death of the Queen. Absolutely, and that includes me. I also believe there are millions who couldn’t care, there’s a fair few on this forum for a start.
Are the vast majority of the 65 million people in this country going through mourning? I’d say the answer to that is in the negative but impossible to prove one way or the other.
But I would say, I’m pretty sure the vast majority of the UK populace would be interested in knowing much more about the monarchy and whether or not it is really a positive for this country.
Me personally I don’t see how or why it’s disrespectful. To just say “cause the nation is in mourning” doesn’t really seem to be a sufficient reason to avoid a discussion, mainly because the mourning feels more that it is implied or forced as to what is actually happening throughout the land.
I’m neither pro or against the monarchy. In fact I swore my allegiance to the Queen and personally went to two different wars for the Queen (and country). But I don’t see why this “changing of the guard” isn’t an ideal time to have a full and frank discussion.
Obviously my opinion is just that, my opinion. I’m not in anyway trying to sway yours, I’m just a bit mystified as to why this isn’t a fair time to discuss the role of a non elected head of state, especially as we are seeing the great cost to the tax payer. And the answer because the nation is in mourning seems as weak as the pint of fosters I was served earlier!
I would go as far as to say even many people who are republican at heart are saddened by the news of her death.
Sorry who is deluding themselves?
You really have undermined your socialist revolutionary image here with your forelock tugging sycophancy.
I think some people might be confusing sadden and upset with grief stricken and inconsolable.
I have certainly met people upset by the death of QE2, including Giorgio down the local Italian deli and the woman in my cycling club who asked on the club WhatsApp group whether anyone had a bike route to Buckingham Palace.
Very good post W00dster.
chrismac
Full Member
I was out and about in town today and there was nothing to suggest it was anything other than a normal Saturday with people doing their thing
Went to Gregs - one of the overhead menu screens is now a message with a picture of the Queen on it. Bet she loved a steak bake mind you
your forelock tugging sycophancy.
Is what it is, accepting that millions of people are sad that the Queen has died......."forelock tugging sycophancy"?
Perhaps I should pretend that millions of people won't be voting Tory next general election, just so not to undermine my "socialist revolutionary image" like.
The rolling news coverage is pretty boring and repetitive
On the ship, one of the two news channels on the satellite TV is BBC World. While I haven't been watching it 24 hrs a day, They have only shown Queen related items since it was announced, no other news at all.
On the ship, one of the two news channels on the satellite TV is BBC World. While I haven’t been watching it 24 hrs a day, They have only shown Queen related items since it was announced, no other news at all.
What sort of news do you expect everyday?
I have given up on watching all news nowadays.
Ernie, I don’t believe you’re a forelock tugging sycophant, you’re opinion is very validand I hope this doesn’t feel like internet bullying. This is I hope is a fair and open discussion and I’m more than happy to be pointed to genuine facts.
I don’t buy the nation in mourning though. I’d go as far to say I think I’m pretty close to you politically from what you’ve said in other threads, but I’m also a believer in open and frank discussion about how we take the country forward.
I still think you can be sad about the passing of a very well respected individual but also discuss the best interests of the country as a whole even if there are overlaps.
accepting that millions of people are sad that the Queen has died…….”forelock tugging sycophancy”?
People being sad is fine. TV and radio channels being made or choosing to run non stop coverage for ten days, that's the forelock-tuggimg bit.
I don’t buy the nation in mourning though.
Yes it is because it has been declared officially that the nation is mourning, that's why the House of Commons, for example, isn't sitting. Added to that millions of people are sad about the death of QE2. If people think now is a great time to talk about abolishing the monarchy then fine, but i don't agree.
Internet bullying doesn't come into as far as I'm concerned btw, it's just a lot of daft comments, such as dissonance's comment accusing me of "forelock tugging sycophancy" because I said I would go as far as to say even many people who are republican at heart are saddened by the news of her death.
How can I feel 'bullied' by that daft comment?
This was the very first post on this thread:
Let’s hope she pulls through. I’m a republican, but I rate her highly as a human, I wish her well and hope we have her as head of state for a bit longer still.
The sentiments behind that post are in my experience fairly widespread. Pointing that out obviously doesn't make me a forelock tugging sycophant, whatever dissonance claims.
I’m loving this “I don’t know anyone” so it can’t be true. If you don’t believe that millions of people are sadden and upset by the death of QE2 you are deluding yourself.
Equally if you don’t think there are millions that aren’t then you’re deluded. Ergo the nation can’t be in mourning. Just because somebody on the TV declares it or the government states it, doesn’t make it true. Woodster puts it more eloquently further up the page.
Should we pretend to be sad to keep up appearances? I’m willing to bet that’s what’s happening with a lot of radio and TV presenters. That’s worse than not caring and being honest about the fact in my opinion.
if you don’t think there are millions that aren’t then you’re deluded.
Just as well I haven't said that then, isn't it, eh?
Just like nobody else has stated the opposite so what’s your point here Ernie?
Well if you haven't got my point by now you never will.
Anyway you have another week or so of this until the funeral, so I'm afraid that you are going to have to suck it up buttercup. You'll survive - try harder. I've managed not to watch one single programme about the Queen so far, it's really not that difficult if you make the effort.
Again you’re making no sense. I’ve not watched or read a single thing either. Not watched any terrestrial TV in years. I have nothing to suck up. What are you rambling on about with your contradictory posts? You’re making up claims against other posters that they haven’t made.
I’m with Ernie, for what it’s worth. I’m certainly not a royalist but hey, HM had been THE Queen all of my 66 years. I’m not in mourning, I’m not wearing a black arm band, I’m avoiding the BBC, a bank holiday is irrelevant cos I only work Thursdays & Fridays, but I am a bit sorry that she’s not here anymore. She was a spot on figurehead for the UK, unlike any arsewipe politician I can think of, of any variety. David Attenborough would do a good job mind. (Just probably not for long)
Charlie? I don’t mind him too much cos he waved at my Grandma in 1977 & made her day. Willy & Kat? Seem ok. The rest? Not arsed.
I was at Leeds Arena tonight at the Prof Cox ‘Horizons’ show. 1st thing that came on the giant screen was a still shot tribute to the queen. I think everyone, or the vast majority, of the audience applauded this.
So it seems more people give at least a bit of a shit than those who don’t. In Leeds anyway.
what is actually happening here? What’s to discuss?
Well, we're 24 pages in so...
I think the ‘There’s a time and a place’ is up there with ‘We’ll that’s how we’ve always done it’ as one of the most infuriating statements in life.
I strongly disagree with this.
"There's a time and a place" as I posed it is exactly that. Is it such a radical idea to suggest waiting till after the funeral before outpouring how much you hated someone?
Conversely, I am known at work for challenging "we've always done it this way," it's the worst reason to do anything and is a hill I will choose to die on.
There is not parity here.
I stand by the rest though – there’s a time and a place.
So when would that be, then? When it’s a waste of time, or now?
I don't understand this. Why would it be a waste of time in a fortnight but a totally valid use of time today?
Just to answer higthepig’s question:
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/feb/08/royals-vetted
Again,
"vetted" and "vetoed" are not synonyms.
TV and radio channels being made or choosing to run non stop coverage for ten days, that’s the forelock-tuggimg bit.
You don't have to be either the Sex Pistols or just fallen out of a Dickensian novel. There is a middle ground. I thought you of all people would have recognised that.
Correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think there's been a single poster on this thread "forelock tugging" or otherwise getting all into a flag-shagging frot in deference.
