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?

Yes I agree Ariel, re your point about the rich - when I see some of the sums spent on such triviality as birthday parties, weddings, etc for the super rich I feel like screaming at them - £2 million for a children's hospice, they could write a cheque tomorrow .

I don't have any animosity to the queen herself, but neither do I have any affection or respect. I have never thought she comes across as a particularly nice person (shown particularly by the way she behaved after Diana died) and I don't understand the sycophancy.

Maybe you're right about Charles, I don't know, I hope so - maybe we'll finally get our democracy in my lifetime .

I'm no royalist but I prefer the royal family over the alternative of a republic.

Disco why?

I'd rather have a head of state that nobody voted for than a head of state that some people voted for. I know that sounds really weird but I just think it's nice to have a head of state that isn't seen to be openly political.

But they are political Daisy!!

A president would not need to be party political at all, they could be a popular figure not a tory or a labour party member or whatever.

That is one of the weakest arguments for a monarchy I've ever heard!

I'm trying to work out why i'm more for the royal family than not. If they were all vile grabby people they wouldn't be there at all.IMO it's the consistency that makes the difference between them and a president who changes every 4 or 5 years; what would make a particular person popular surprisingly? An enormous expensive advertising campaign?

Even the not wholly sympathetic image that the queen has is endearing she seems REAL doesn't hide her misery behind a false smile. Charles is also that type of person (her other sons would make me a republican though!)

I don't know what would make a particular person popular ppeat - lots of things. Wouldn't necessarily mean an expensive advertising campaign .

I find it odd that a woman that shows herself to be so unfeeling and miserable on so many occasions deserves the sycophancy that she has enjoyed these last few weeks. I suspect they are all pretty vile and grabby tbh - why would this stop them from being there? They are a hereditary monarchy, we can't stop them from being there .

Of course we could vote them out we're going to make the House of Lords electable aren't we?

Also Cromwell managed it as did the French (who BTW LOVE our royals)!!

IMO the Dutch have the right attitude to their royals!

I agree in principle but the idea of President Dave has me retching pretty quickly. The idea of any of our politicians being a president is nauseating. maybe the royals are the lesser of two evils.

Took ourselves off for the long weekend to get away from all the sycophantic rubbish. Yet half the country seemed to have the same idea. It annyoys me greatly how so many people are finding life tough and we should all watch them squander our money and wave our flags for her mag its beyond distasteful.
I am fed up reading how much money they make us. They cost a small fortune we have enough return on the history of England without them.

FiftyShadesofViper, anyone who has had the misfortune to spend time in the company of Prince Andrew may welll disagree with you.

They have to pay tax now don't they?

Totally agree.

can't believe how much uninformed nonsense there is on this thread. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee trust is likely to raise millions of pounds for good causes in the UK and the Commonwealth. So much goodwill and effort to do good for the disadvantaged worldwide. Not boasted about but a fact. The Queen is a force for good in the world. Elected power hungry politicians usually aren't . Give me the Queen's role anyday in preference to loser politicians and their short term crowd pleasing soundbites whilst they fleece us for god knows how much for their vanity projects. Constitutional monarchy is a good thing.

sue52 I'm sure you are right and I would be in favour of dramatically pruning the members of the family paid by us.

Still would be hate to have to choose between the likes of Airmiles Andy, call me Dave or Tony Blair. Feel sick now

Fifty shades, but it doesn't have to a politician. It could be a clutter of rand citizens (like a jury) choosing a person of prominence who has made a major contribution to our society. And this person would be a figurehead, providing input, but no powers regarding policy.

E.g. President JK Rawling, who actually has some experience of the issues facing working mums. Or Dwarkin or a Nobel peace prize winner like Hume. You know, intelligent, talented citizens who can influence policy in a meaningful way, to our benefit

Damn autocorrect. I meant a committee of random citizens...

YANBU - I too am struggling to understand the point of all this and the fact royalists just get snippy instead of properly explaining it does nothing to turn me.....

Why do thousands of people turn up in London waving flags?

Perhaps because they're sheep?!

The point of it is to pacify the little people with a plastic flag and a big day out while behind the scenes the govt shaft them while they are feeling good....or something like that.

YANBU. I agree with you completely OP.

"can't believe how much uninformed nonsense there is on this thread"

I read your first sentence theinets and thought, ooh another sensible republican - and then read on and realised you've just added to the uninformed nonsense and missed the point in the process by about a million miles .

"The queen is a force for good in this world". Really??? What unsubstantiated bollocks! Based on what? Just because some money is raised for charity? But it keeps us in our place doesn't it? Doff our caps, bow our heads and accept the handouts.

"Constitutional monarchy is a good thing". Why? Again, based on what?

Read the posts about the fact that an elected head of state does not have to be party political, rather than just adding to the uninformed nonsense as you call it.

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

Sorry haven't got time to read the thread but YANBU at all!!
I am firmly anti-Royalist and hate the lack of any comment that might critique the institution in any way.
I will come back to read after MY Big Day on Thursday, DP and I are having our Civil Partnership Party with our own bunting!!