Monday debate - Pomp & Pagentry

[Soton Seagull]

Sky News is currently showing the Queen rabbiting away, the Lords in full regalia, Black rod had just whacked the Commons door etc.

Is this a fair reflection on the nation?

Does it make you proud of our traditions/heritage?

Does it makes us look like eccentric fools?

 

[Smithers-Jones]

It does appear to be a bit of a waste of time, with Liz sitting there running through a load of stuff we already knew. But it brings in the tourists and brightens up an otherwise drab November morning, so where's the harm?

 

[MattBackHome]

f*** it. Burn them.

 

[Man of Harveys]

I'm a dedicated leftie who detests nationalism of any kind and I love all that stuff, especially the state opening of parliament.

 

[fatbadger]

f*** it. Burn them.

Succinct. However, much as I essentially agree with where you are coming from, I would rather just see them down at the dole office. Or better still, begging their 10 pences for a cup of tea. Poetic justice.

Still campaigning for January 30th to be a national holiday, though.

 

[Brovion]

....Still campaigning for January 30th to be a national holiday, though.

Definitely. Pity more wasn't made of the 350th anniversary in 1999.

Stuff all the pomp and ceremony and give us a Republic.

 

[The Clown of Pevensey Bay]

I'm not a royalist, but I like the State Opening of Parliament. I was watching it just now, with an egg sandwich, actually.

It's a reminder that we live in a democracy. Yes, Brenda could go against the will of our democratically elected MPs, but that notion is about as relevant as ermine, white sticks, and Her Majesty's First Handbag-Carrier Pursuivant.

 

[The Clown of Pevensey Bay]

Still campaigning for January 30th to be a national holiday, though.

I think the Scots and the Chinese should have a joint holiday on Jan 25th, to mark the Chinese new year and Rabbie Burns' birthday.

A sort of Chinese Burns night.

 

[Adams score 0]

Part of our history and what makes us so well know around the world.
How many tourists would we lose without the royal family.

God Save The Queen

 

[fatbadger]

How many tourists would we lose without the royal family.

Not one, I suspect.

If you really think that it is the Royal Family which makes this country look greast, and attractive to visitors, then you must really hate Britain. I'm proud of my country - I think there are a whole host of reasons to visit which will be completely unaffected by the loss of the Royals.

 

[Brovion]

.....How many tourists would we lose without the royal family.

Don't think so. People still visit Egypt even though there are no pharoes and Rome even though there are no Emperors.

 

[Adams score 0]

So why do they all stand outside Buck Palace hoping for a glimpse.
And buy any thing with the queens picture on it.
Tours go round London looking at old Royal buildings.
It is part of us and should never die.

 

[Zeitgeist]

I despise the monarchy and the concept of the house of Lords. I believe the latter should be replaced with an elected senate on a proportional representation ticket. However, the ancient ceremony of the opening of parliament does a unique mystique to it which no tacky razamataz on Capitol Hill will ever match.....