AIBU to think the current Queen has been a mediocre to poor Monarch?

[ComposHat]

Anyone else think all the praise lavished on her is undue? We are all told that she has done a 'good job' but has she really? The servile media, including the supposedly balanced BBC won't broker any attempts to criticise her in any way. We are simply told that she has been 'beyond reproach.'

I'd argue that she's been a dull and unimaginative Monarch, clinging to hidebound tradition and fighting to preserve arcane privileges like a Royal Yacht (actually a mini cruise liner) and resisting paying tax on her income. At crucial moments in her reign she's dallied and shown weak leadership.

On her watch the monarchy has at best stagnated and at worst slipped into an inexorable decline and has begun to feel like an anachronism.

I'll venture that history will not judge her as kindly as all these fawning contemporary commentators do. Her reign will be seen as the point at which the rot set in.

Why? At a time and place where people are there to enjoy themselves and will probably have waited all night and day for good places.

Killjoy extraordinaire - I hope the press completely blank it.

You know, the 1977 jubilee was great. Thousands of communities got together for wonderful street parties up and down the land. I can think of no better excuse for this to happen again, and goodness knows, a lot of communities would benefit from reconnecting. How sad that a protest will be happening :(

Whilst I find the concept of a monarchy to be totally at odds with modernity, I rather like the Queen. And as far as monarchs of these fair isles go, she's not been as bad as some. I've not noticed any bonfires burning either Catholics or Protestants recently.

I think there will be quite a contrast between the celebrations and the protest! I know which will have the crowds.

I can't resist an egg sandwich, so if the revolution kicks off they'd better provide them.

Completely against my nature I've surrendered to this celebration, our village is really coming together, the kids are excited, and I am a bit too... the only other instance I can think of that would have the same affect is another world war. I'd rather enjoyed this!

The revolution can wait. I must be getting old/cynical/apathetic.

I am not going to either but I know which will be the more joyous.

I shall be at Tower Bridge but not with the republicans! TBH I think them kicking up a fuss on the 3rd will do their cause far more harm than good. Sad that in such difficult times they are trying to upset people trying to find some enjoyment and fun in life.

"Republic" are a bunch of saddoes.

If they want to be successful I wouldn't go for the 3rd- the contrast in support will be depressing! One thing is for sure - people won't be camped out for a space!!

How many people are saying she has been a loyal servant please do you really believe that bullshit? How many honest to goodness normal people could live a life of luxury swan round the world and be called servants.

It's sad that in such difficult times we have to witness this celebration of inherited privilege and wealth. People are really suffering in this country, people that many of you never get to hear about, and they are set to suffer more.....never mind, just wave your flags and cheer this immensely pampered and privileged woman and disregard what is happening in your country at the moment.

I don't mean to be a killjoy, I have a DS who though severely disabled has a great sense of fun....so i have no wish to spoil anyone's fun, I just wish it was in a worthier cause. Sadly, during this time when the benefits and support available to DS are being severely cut back I am not in the mood for celebrating.

The people who grinned themselves to death
Smiled so much they failed to take a breath
And even when their kids were starving
They all thought the queen was charming

Yet I'm sure you'll all enjoy the 4 day weekend!!

being supportive of the current monarch isn't the same as being an "ardent monarchist"

There are plenty of people who work hard but don't clean their own toilets or have to scrimp and save. Not sure how that is relevant to the effort she has consistently put in, especially at an age when most of us would like a quiet life.

I would call her a servant- it cuts out normal life. I wouldn't want to do it. It is like being a prisoner- always looking good, not being able to pop into somewhere without a fuss and having to be polite and all at an age where most people are long retired.
I also agree that being supportive of the current monarch does not make you an 'ardent monarchist'.

life hope and pirate, excellent posts! It is ironic that in these hard times caused by entrenched elite, we celebrate the wealthy and powerful, such as the queen. No wonder nothing will change here, we are a nation of sycophants, worshipping status over achievements

And a nation where you are totally free to spout rubbish Flatbread! It is a free choice- we have already discovered there is an alternative venue on 3rd- it will not be well attended.

Flatbread, it is curious isn't it? Bankers have become hated for their part in this cruel world we have created yet people don't make the connection that a birthright of obscene wealth and privilege is part of the problem too.

I hope my boys will be able to vote (or even stand for) a presidency one day.

exotic - how is what Flatbread says rubbish? Inherited wealth and privilege of an elite establishment at the root of many of our problems, leading to growing inequality. And greed - the rich are getting richer whilst those being forced to pay the deficit are those least in a position to do so. The monarchy sits at the top of this rotten system, underpins it and is the unacceptable face of it. The facts are there but so many just won't see them.

Curvaceous - I too hope that one day your boys will be able to stand for President. Sadly mine will not be able to....I may feel all this more keenly than some because my DS being severely disabled has received very little in the way of inherited privilege. What he will have is the best life that his family, with the support of his country, are able to give him. I am truly saddened by the way things are going in this country and to be honest I don't know how the Queen can keep a straight face, is she not even a little embarrassed by all the adulation being directed at her?

If she truly cared about the people in this country and wanted to acknowledge those who had truly served their country and people and made real sacrifices in doing so, she would say something along the lines of: 'It is not me but them you should be celebrating', 'as a nation we need to take care of the vulnerable so the money that would have been spent on my Jubilee I want to be spent on them instead'; - I would respect her more then.

Well, of course. But I understand her self-interest. What baffles me is those who seem to love her for it. Who seem to feel having one expensively dressed elderly woman wearing jewels is enriching to THEM. Clearly getting rid of organised religion won't rid us of our delusions, not all at once.