Rosie Boycott: Well, I'm going on a boat, which I'm very excited about. We'll be one of 1,000 boats on the Thames. It'll be incredibly good fun. It's something I will remember for ever. And having got an invite, why on earth would you turn it down?
Joan Smith: Well, I'm very thrilled that I'm going to be speaking at a protest rally on the South Bank. Around 4pm, as the Queen's barge passes, I'll be making a republican speech.
RB: And will the Queen be able to hear the republican speech?
JS: That's not the point.*chuckle* At least we were spared a tirade about 'empty pageantry', which is just as well...
Mind you, it seems the picture Joanie paints of Her Maj, despite her best efforts to portray her as out of touch, shows her to be a very astute lady indeed:
JS: ...My own observations of the Queen are that she isn't actually good at her job. I've seen her at Buckingham Palace garden parties – I was introduced to her once at a Christmas party. I said "hello" and smiled at her, and she looked absolutely aghast.Heh! As well she might...
It seems our Joanie would rather see the Beckhams installed as Royal Couple for the New Millenium, if thwarted in her first choice of Peter Tatchell :
RB: OK let's take the royal wedding. The image of Kate and William, as the new British golden couple went all around the world. Does it piss you off that this is what the world sees of us?
JS: Absolutely!
RB: But for a lot of people it's a source of pleasure, in the same way that looking at Posh and Becks is a source of pleasure.
JS: But we've come out of the feminist movement, and the idea that the pinnacle of what this country admires and aspires to is a very traditional marriage between somebody who wears a military uniform and someone who doesn't actually have a job is uncomfortable.There you have it - words of 'wisdom' from the feminist movement: don't even think of being accepted if your wife or husband is in the Forces and you are 'unemployed'.
How egalitarian!
There will be some shallow enough to find an excuse not to pop round to the Saxe-Coburg-Gothas for a few Schnäpse.
ReplyDeleteI'm for kicking Mrs Q out but despite the whole foreign queen thing most Aussies seem to want to keep her and the monarchy. In the spirit of compromise I've suggested we install Empress Kylie the First of Australia instead (she could also be Queen of the Desert if she likes). It's surprising how few people are prepared to take the idea seriously.
ReplyDeleteWhile a monarchy is hardly the ideal form of government I think the queen has done a pretty decent job, all things considered. Far rather her than King Chuck or President Blair.
ReplyDeleteWell Jiks, that's the point really, isn't it? The Windsors may not be the ideal solution but they're faute de mieux. I think five minutes' consideration of who would replace the Queen as Head of State in the event of Britain becoming a republic should be enough to convert anyone to the Royalist camp. Either it would be the PM, or we'd have a split PM/President deal like most countries. You know in the latter case we'd get someone appalling, like Shirley Williams or Paddy Ashdown. Doesn't bear thinking about.
ReplyDeleteThings are now bad enough to warrant controls which are rigid to the point of being repressive and in this context we should support our police more. In any event they are the ones we rely upon to make on-the-spot decisions over the lives of the populace. Yes, there will be those who will whine 'totalitarianism' and claim little or no distinction between law and the exercise of power by the executive.
ReplyDeleteWe have far too much mobility and free speech. Restrictions on freedom to express or communicate political or other views, should be subject to friendly but preferably, undercover, police enforcement. The ballot box has long been a total waste of money and effort; whereas political control by those operating outside the boundaries normally imposed by a constitutional state, is obviously more efficient.
Shot of vodka, anyone? Or just a shot?
My own city Council has done sod all to celebrate the Jubilee (unlike the private traders) but instead is supporting its annual "Respect" festival celebrating diversity, equality, rug munching and whatever.
ReplyDeleteI support the monarchy because not only is it cheap but I like knowing who is likely to be Head Of State for the next few decades.
Had Blair instituted a Presidency we would now be lumbered with President Prescott or even Ashton.
We should keep the monarchy for so long as it gets right up the nostrils of the Guardianista.
ReplyDeleteFor me, that is their true value and I'm grateful to Her Maj & Co. for it
"In the spirit of compromise I've suggested we install Empress Kylie the First of Australia instead (she could also be Queen of the Desert if she likes). It's surprising how few people are prepared to take the idea seriously."
ReplyDelete:D
"Well Jiks, that's the point really, isn't it? The Windsors may not be the ideal solution but they're faute de mieux."
Yup, spot on.
"My own city Council has done sod all to celebrate the Jubilee (unlike the private traders) but instead is supporting its annual "Respect" festival.."
Priorities, priorities...
"We should keep the monarchy for so long as it gets right up the nostrils of the Guardianista."
I like the way you think! ;)