To be a Republican?

[TheRhubarb]

Sorry to be a miserable bitch but I really do hate all this Jubilee crap. I don't give a crap about the Royal family one way or the other. I'm very happy to let them exist the way they do so long as we don't have to treat them like some kind of minor gods. However that's just what everyone appears to be doing and I cannot turn on the TV, listen to the radio, buy a newspaper or even walk out of my front door without this Jubilee shite being shoved in my face.

Now even Mumsnet has bowed down to her Maj.

The country's gone to the dogs thanks to the Coalition, vulnerable people are more vulnerable than ever because of cuts, unemployment is high, kids can't afford to go to University, families are relying on food banks and yet we are supposed to forget the fact that our bank and bellies are empty to cheer on some millionairess who is so far removed from real life she might as well be a Martian.

I don't normally care that much to have an opinion about this but when people actually expect me to join in a rendition of God Save the Queen then the fine red mist descends.

It's turning me against the Royal family and making me wish we were Republicans. Anyone else or is it just me?

Olympia, goading or not, you're being rude.

TheRhubarb, I'm happy to wave the Republican flag alongside you. None of this family have or will participate in the celebrations, we're just not in the least interested.

Another republican over here. There's a lot of us about.

Cool!

yanbu

there's more than one kind of republic, USA, Ireland, France all have different types. Citizens (not subjects) get rights written down in constitutions and irrelevant boring shit like not being sent into war without a democratic debate and vote.

We could still keep the pretty carriages

You cant be a Republican on cost grounds as the royal family does generate more in income than it costs the tax payer. The alternative- a constitutional President- would generate about £0 in tourist revenues/ sale of associated tat.

It's not comparable to, say, tourists trotting round the White house, as the President of the US is not a constitutional President.

There is obviously an argument that you could keep the Crown estate as a sort of museum (so "pay £10 to see where the Queen used to live") but half the appeal to tourists is that we have a real live royal family.

Anyway, I'm a pragmatist. Queen = cost neutral/ slight income positive. Constititional President= net outlay (plus elections which are boring). Country= skint. Ergo, Queen stays.

I get your argument RichMan, however do you not think that whilst the country is suffering enormous debts and so many families are struggling, this extravagance is in poor taste? And that people can express opinions?

The French seem to manage and the ex-royal palaces bring in tourism despite not having a bunch of freeloaders in them
Freat book I read was 'The Queen and I' about the Royals being turfed out of the palaces and put on old age pension/job seekers in council houses.

You don't live in North Korea but you are a kill joy.

But don't worry, normal drudge will be resumed tomorrow.

Oh, sorry, Wednesday, forgot there's an extra day off in the UK tomorrow.

Just over 24 more hours of this happy crap to endure.

I'm working.

I love France.

Totally- everyone entitled to express opinions. I just question whether, if we have issues with lack of democracy in the UK, a benign constitutional monarchy is the place to focus our ire. I'd prefer to look at the parliamentary system, and in particular the whole European Union question (I am not anti-EU but I am anti the way it is atm) as that is a real shocker.

Re extravagance in a recession- see your point, but these events attract tourists who boost the economy so it's perception vs reality.

Cheese, I think you've got it wrong. Those of us not celebrating the jubilee are enjoying our time off too, we're just not having the "fun" you are having. We prefer our own enjoyment, which isn't dependent on a pomp and display celebration.

Why do you need to believe we are miserable simply because we are not celebrating the queen but enjoying our time off with our families?

Does the thought make you feel good or something?

why is it goading? genuine question,

I live in a Republic, you'd like it here, no vomit inducing bunting. Our London office is closed but rest of us have to plod on.

All bar the police costs was, I believe, covered by donations.

Im working too...I agree with keeping the royal family until they cost more than they make...but this crap over the jubilee is horrible in the face of the economic situation...the only thing worth will be the fecking olympics.

worse not worth...jeez

My dp and ds are home anyway as it was already Sunday and a BH. We are watching tennis and eating nice food you couldn't find a less miserable life. We love this country just loathe the vulgarity that is a family singled out for an easy life due to an accident of birth while the UK is cutting back everywhere else. It would be interesting if taxpayers could specify whether they want to maintain this charade with their contribution or if they would like it diverted to social service/disabled/hospitals etc.

skirata but the numbers pale into insignificance vs the British royal family. I'll try and find them and do a link. I was quite staggered. Whatever people in the Uk think, the international interest in the British Royal Family is quite astonishing (esp Harry and Kate and Wills. I dont really get it, but there you go.

less miserable house !not life

www.republic.org.uk/valueformoneymyth.pdf

note the comparisons with costs of eg Surestart

I curtsey to no one, certainly not Brenda.

Having a lovely weekend sans Jubilee here. TV free zone, sunshine and barbies, no bunting within a 2 mile radius....

Scotland is ace.

At one time I would have agreed they did nothing but at the risk of being flamed I admire Prince Charles and his outspoken criticism of the disgusting buildings that are disfiguring our country (the shard being covered by mist yesterday must have been a dream come true for him!) Also his support for the environment generally, he'll be a great King.

IMO most of the politicians are only in power for what they can get out of it they are not neutral which the Royals tend to be.

Am with op. Did anyone see that Gary Barlow thing last night? He has been all over the commonwealth getting people to perform on a song for the jubilee. Is it just me who thinks that getting peoplewho live in a slum and make their instruments out of rubbish to perform for one of the richest women in the world is in rather poor taste? And then the miserable old hag could barely crack a smile!