Posted on 12/26/2005 1:11:56 PM PST by churchillbuff
The Queen has used her Christmas Day speech to reflect upon a year of tragedy that she said had "brought loss and suffering to so many people".
Her annual message came at the end of a year which was dominated by natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
She said: "This Christmas my thoughts are especially with those everywhere who are grieving the loss of loved ones during what for so many has been such a terrible year."
She first focused on the Asian tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands of people when it struck on Boxing Day last year.
She then referred to the devastating earthquake in Pakistan and India.
But she praised the "generous humanitarian response" in the wake of the disasters.
She praised humanitarian efforts "People of compassion all over the world responded with immediate practical and financial help," she said.
"There may be an instinct in all of us to help those in distress, but in many cases I believe this has been inspired by religious faith."
The Queen also spoke of the many people whose lives were changed by the London bombings in July.
"I have sometimes thought that humanity seemed to have turned in on itself with wars, civil disturbances and acts of brutal terrorism," she said.
Drawing on the theme of courage and compassion, she thanked all the men and women "calmly serving our country around the world".
"This last year has reminded us that this world is not always an easy or a safe place to live in, but it is the only place we have," she added.
Her speech was recorded at Buckingham Palace and broadcast throughout the Commonwealth.
Thanks for the ping. I like the Queen very much. The monarchy is a stabilizing force in England.
ping
Seems awfully negative.
Babies were born, lovers met, people became grandparents...real life happened.
That's my take. They're the biggest draw of England. $$$$$$
Why do you hate her so? You're not alone: I see that many people on here do; and I was curious.
2. Jet-Setted with Elton Jane and others instead of attending to domestic duties.
3. Phony suicide to attract symphathy.
4. Dumping her family for a scumbag Arab.
I think she was scammed into marrying the guy. He seems to have been cheating on her first--and not hiding it very well.
Since my "insight" comes from sources like the Nat'l Enquirer, I don't pretend to actually KNOW stuff. It just seems to fall into place that she was a young innocent who was dragged through the mill in that relationship.
Get a grip.
I didn't know most of that; thanks! Interesting stuff.
BTW: Maybe if Nicholas wasn't such an inbred twit, and his wife not a slut enamored with a Manson-like cult figure, he could have survived the German-engineered coup detat that was the Bolshevik Revolution.
Good grief.
If discussion of this topic is so distasteful to you, may I suggest you ignore threads that deal with it?
True. I agree.
What happens when the dole runs out? As it will sooner or later, and all those lads on the streets instead of the regiments. Glasgow has the highest stabbing crime rate in the "developed" world as well.
That is why the amalgamation of the Regiments is a tragedy, and one which may bring the streets of Glasgow into a likeness of those on Bogside. Too bad Her Majesty left that one oot!
". . . .those two sons of the SLUT Diana"
At least one (while still a stupid kid) appears to be making a man out of himself by joining the military.
. . . and as for the sins of the mother/father . . . God may do something about that, but a person can't very well pick their parents, so I don't hold it against (or for) them.
Both. One's at Sandhurst, the other goes next year.
Learn something new every day.
Glad to hear it.
I think to refer to Empress Alexandra as a slut is a wee bit harsh. She was drawn to Rasputin as the desperate mother of a seriously ill child and not out of some romantic desire.
Ah, so the old bag trotted out the "annus horribilis" speech, eh? She did the same thing the year one of her palaces burnt down. I just hope she hangs on long enough to her dip-sh*t son doesn't get the throne!
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